Real Rooms

 

Have you ever noticed while flipping through your favorite design magazines, that it seems these are rooms not one really lives in?  While beautiful, they are somewhat impersonal?  Even though they are “styled” to be more homey, there is just something missing.  It all just seems a bit too perfect… and this from someone who owns a store called “PERFECT HOME”! 

Take a look at a few photos of a real home and see if you can tell a difference.  This is from you of my favorite blogs, Cote de Texas, and shows a home in Houston.  Even though these photos may be from a magazine shoot, there is just something more relaxed and real about the rooms.  Or maybe, I just like this style… who knows.  What do you think?

Look!  Real family photos on the wall.  Love the soft neutral toile chairs and ottoman.  Doesn’t this look like a room you would like to spend time in?

Pretty dining room, but a beautiful pair of silk panels at the windows would be the much needed finishing touch. I would use a champagne silk, or maybe a rich coppery coral for contrast.. or turquoise, what about turquoise… or…..OK, never mind, no one asked me.

Such a relaxed and “real “ room right down to the basket of toys in the corner.  Loving the carved chest and pair of ottomans in front of the french doors.

And now from the other side.  Note the paneling has been painted white and the house did not fall down or the world did not end.  Can’t tell you how many times I have had that discussion with clients {esp. men} who think it is a sin to paint dark wood paneling.  I can assure you… it is not!   Unsure what’s happening with the cocktail table.. did they pad the edges to make it safe for little kids?  See, I told you this was a house for real people!  I have no problem with it….you have to LIVE in a house, right?

Love this bed, it looks sooo relaxing.  Even though this room isn’t “done” to the hilt, it is just so pretty.

OK… what do you like better?  The rooms above or this???  Can we say sterile?  Not for me, thank you.  I’m a southern girl, give me something a little softer…. a little PRETTIER… please!

Ahhhhh, that’s more like it!

Reesa