Classic Chic Home: The Inside Story

This Design Story is dedicated to all of my wonderful readers.  THANK YOU so very much for following me with such dedication, and for sending me your questions, requests, and amazingly generous comments.  I love to read your emails, and do my best to respond to each and every one of them.

I've also received several requests to see more of my own home.  So, this Design Story is a guided mini-tour of the main rooms in our house, each one decorated in my signature Classic Chic style.

My favorite area in our home is the open concept kitchen, dining and sitting room.  While the kitchen's perimeter cabinets are finished in a pearl white stain, the built-in buffet (not shown) and diagonal island are dark mahogany to blend with the hardwood floors and my beloved dining table and chairs.

In order to keep building costs under control, we chose high quality, textured laminate in a faux black slate in lieu of the ever popular, but substantially more expensive, granite installation.  I created my own version of a crystal rain chandelier by attaching strands of glass beads in varying lengths to the pendant above the island (pendant and DIY rain chandelier: $55).  The light fixture in the dining area is a clearance item from Home Depot (crystal chandelier with translucent barrel shade: $69).

Nestled beside french doors leading to the deck, a small round table is layered with tablecloths created from black and soft suede curtain fabric remnants.  The lamp shade and wall decal are embellished with tiny rhinestones for an extra touch of glam (wall and table vignette: $63).

Our small, second floor bedroom landing features a white leather chest, black and white damask accessories, mirror-faced display shelves and a grey and black animal print for added texture and interest. (wall and seating vignette:  $83)

Our master bathroom is decorated in a dark purple, soft lilac, white and cream colour palette.  The candles, tissue holder, chandelier shades, mirror frame and cala lilies were all spray painted to compliment the romantic, old-world decor.  A set of long white window sheers puddle onto the bath surround, while an additional set frame the entrance to the separate shower (not shown).

Our master bedroom consists of the same colour palette as the adjoining ensuite, but in slightly warmer tones.  I spray painted the lamps, shades, picture frames and mats, chandelier, decor accessories, and furniture hardware.  The artwork consists of a dollar store wall decal and frames I had in storage.

I created a headboard from a discounted silk shower curtain, and painted and reupholstered the two accent chairs to coordinate with the room's design scheme (artwork, paint, headboard and chair fabric:  $56).  To view this room's complete make-over, click here. 

Our second level family room is more casual than the rest of the house.  Steel blue and warm suede fabrics evoke memories of family vacations, and a sense of 'sand and sea' without appearing thematic.

I book-ended two clearance sale slipper chairs to create a day lounge beneath the main window, and added my own artwork above the sofa (day lounge with four accent cushions: $76).  More details on this space - and the mammoth 65" TV 'hiding' on the opposite end of the room - will be featured in a future design story.

Our library is separated from our home's front hall by a set of french doors for extra privacy.  I use this room to complete and file paperwork, and to research and write my design stories.

A small portion of my rather extensive book collection is housed in a repurposed armoire (not shown) that can be viewed here.  The oversized arm chair is a cozy spot for reading by the fire on a snowy, Sunday afternoon.

To add a touch of unique character and personality, I've displayed more pieces of my own artwork throughout the room.

An antique gossip bench in our front hall is given a chic update with black leather upholstery and a leopard print pillow made from an old scarf.  I recovered the foot stool in white leather, and bound two small books with the fabric offcuts.  A miniature bust completes the simple vignette (lamp, decor accessories and upholstery fabric: $26).

The final room to view in our tour is the main floor sitting room.  I recently painted my twenty year old coffee and side tables in a black satin finish, and the small, mirrored cocktail table in silver.  The wall decal behind the TV is a continuation of the pattern above the round skirted table in the dining area.

My one splurge in this room was the purchase of a fabulous cowhide rug (my definition of a splurge: $299), and I haven't regretted it for a single moment.  To view this room's complete transformation, click here.  

Fueled by the inspiring spaces I share with you in my design stories, I've challenged myself to creatively compensate for my modest budget.  The result is a home happily and lovingly decorated in a style that reflects my personal vision of CLASSIC CHIC design.

...I hope you've enjoyed the tour.

This Design Story has been linked to:
Erin's Home Savvy A to Z - Freshmen Friday Blog Party

Living with Dark Hardwood Floors

Ideally suited for light, open spaces, DARK HARDWOOD floors provide a home with undeniable character, elegance and style.  

A deep, espresso stain appears almost black against classic white cabinetry and millwork, and makes a bold and dramatic design statement.

With its natural tendency to accentuate the wood grain, a dark finish adds interesting detail and an extra level of dimension.

The warm tones of cherry and mahogany create a sense of luxury, and are a timeless and traditional design choice.

Hardwood floors in a satin finish are less likely to show scratches, and are more forgiving in spaces influenced by direct sources of natural light.

Dark floors naturally absorb light, and are far more resistant to fading than lighter coloured hardwoods.

Multi-toned hardwood floors have a chic and sophisticated appearance, and tastefully enhance the style and design of a room. 

Floors in variegated shades are also less likely to show dust or footprints, and are well suited for areas with high traffic.

A hardwood floor with a medium base and dark striations is unique and unexpected, its undulating pattern playing a key role in a room's overall design scheme.

Tone, colour and finish are important factors to consider when choosing a dark hardwood floor.  When exploring the available options, attention should also be given to type, durability, thickness, and board width, as well as any special requirements of the intended location.

Careful research and planning is necessary to ensure the product selected will be as beautiful in ten years as the day it's installed. 

And while darker woods require extra care to maintain their appearance, the rewards are definitely worth the effort.

The rich, warm and sophisticated addition of a DARK HARDWOOD floor guarantees a look of undeniable character, elegance and style, every single time.    

Gorgeous Glass Coffee Tables

Tocar Designs

As the centerpiece of a furniture arrangement, a coffee table is a important element in a living room design plan.  Sophisticated and elegant, a GLASS COFFEE TABLE is an appealing option favored for its equal contribution of style and function. 

The images below illustrate the clear benefits of including a glass coffee table as a pretty and practical component of an interior design scheme.

{1}  The transparency of a glass table top supported by a delicate and slender frame allows a beautifully patterned area rug to remain fully visible and take center stage.

via Canadian House and Home

{2}  A glass table's weightless appearance gives the illusion of space and visually expands the dimensions of a small, narrow room.

via Better Homes and Gardens

{3}  In a living area with a heavy and dominant design feature like a baby grand piano, a glass table adds balance by reflecting natural light throughout the room.

via The Enchanted Home

{4}  The unassuming nature of a glass coffee table provides a welcome visual reprieve in a space saturated in colour and pattern.

{5}  While still offering a light and airy footprint, a coffee table with printed glass draws pattern and interest into the center of a living room.

via Decor Happy

{6}  A tiered coffee table with a glass top adds a sense of dimension and offers an unobstructed view of decorative items thoughtfully displayed below.

via Mix and Chic

If your living room is in need of a design boost, consider the appealing option of adding instant style and fabulous function with a gorgeous GLASS COFFEE TABLE.

The Timeless Beauty of a White Bathroom

Brooke Gianetti

The light and lovely aesthetic of a WHITE BATHROOM is universally appealing, and has long since demonstrated its ability to stand the test of time.

While the images below encompass a diverse array of individual design styles, they each illustrate the enduring character and idyllic atmosphere that a white bathroom so beautifully provides.

{1}  Lake House Charm

Alexandra Rowley

{2}  New Vintage

Mabley Handler

{3}  Modern Classic

Nate Berkus

{4}  Urban Chic

via Better Homes and Gardens

{5}  Antique Glam

Betty Lou Phillips

{6}  Tailored Traditional

Via Southern Accents

{7}  Eclectic Cosmopolitan

Sherry Hayslip

{8}  Refined Elegance

Meredith Heron

{9}  Sophisticated Country

via Better Homes and Gardens

{10}  Old World Romance

via Fresh Home

If you love the timeless appearance of a WHITE BATHROOM, I hope this design story has inspired you to create a light and lovely space that captures your own unique and beautiful sense of style.

A Taste for Traditional Chandeliers

Indulging my love of history and tradition, this Design Story is dedicated to the timeless elegance of a crystal chandelier. 

via House Beautiful

Delicate wall sconces and well placed candles create warm ambient lighting, while a magnificent chandelier illuminates this dining room in a soft, shimmering glow.

This opulent chandelier contrasts beautifully with the dark and dramatic wall colour.  It's generous scale perfectly balances the grand proportions of the marble dining table.

The sparkling chandelier is beautifully reflected in the mirrored surfaces, intensifying the romantic atmosphere in this chic and eclectic dining room.

This dining room is absolutely enchanting.  The glamorous chandelier, embellished with cascading white crystals, is a dazzling centerpiece in the space.

Creamy white walls and window treatments create a soothing backdrop for the striking silhouette of this chandelier's intricately scrolled, black frame.

The addition of small shades skillfully balance the light and dark elements in this dining room's rich and organic design scheme.

Jan Showers

An elegant chandelier has enduring appeal, and is the ultimate crowning jewel in a traditional dining room.

via The Lennoxx

While there are many other available lighting options, I will always love the classic lines of a crystal chandelier, and the elegance it adds to a formal dining space. 

What type of chandelier appeals to your personal sense of style?

Add Warmth and Character with a Kitchen Fireplace

Brian Gluckstein

A roaring fire is a delight to the senses.  A fireplace in a kitchen creates a deliciously rich and romantic ambiance, filling the space with instant warmth and character.        

via Decor Pad

This stone fireplace is well suited for a kitchen with old world charm.  The ornate moldings gracing its facade are softly echoed in the design of the gorgeous cabinet doors.   

via Simplified Bee Blogspot

The long expanse of wall in this kitchen is home to a beautifully appointed, wood burning fireplace.  It's dark, dramatic profile creates depth and interest, visually balancing the narrow space.

via Remodelista

The timeless design of the fireplace surround is an elegant and inviting addition in this stunning, classic white kitchen.  

via Decor Pad

A raised hearth allows this fireplace to be viewed from every angle in the room.  Rich, dark paneling skillfully links the kitchen with the adjoining formal sitting area. 

Brian Gluckstein

This open concept living space is given instant warmth and ambiance by the flickering light of a roaring fire. 

Jacque Design

The massive, natural stone fireplace blends harmoniously with the rough wooden beams and heavy, iron chandeliers in this charmingly rustic space.

Michael Robinson

When I envision my perfect dream home, a fireplace in the kitchen is definitely on my wish list.