squares and orbs

This interior is put together so skillfully. Most of the elements here I would not ever choose on my own, but here, they look fantastic. The sharp angles of the room structure, the couch, the canvas, and the cushioned stools are set off by the round shapes of the light fixture and the inner yellow of the map painting. Also, the complex texture of the wood grain on the coffee table and the black on the map provide focal points amongst the solid colors of the rest of the interior. I'm finally starting to enjoy this color combination that's becoming so popular: steely greys and lavenders with sunny yellow. All of this together makes for a marvelously modern atmosphere that took an impressive designer to envision.

Image Source: Annie Schlechter

skillful combination

This mix of period elements works surprisingly well-- the room as a whole looks like every cog was meant to be there, but when you separate the pieces, there is a lot of diversity. From what I can tell, the table is (probably a reproduction of) an old European design, perhaps as old as the medieval era? The subtle designs on the upper portion of the wall harken to that era as well. I wish I could see more of the fireplace and the door; they look like classic elements too. The architecture is Art Deco, what with the high ceilings and the deep, sharply angled windows. Both the hanging platform for the candles and the seats are more modern, maybe from the 1990s- now. The differences flow together extraordinarily well.
This dining room has a restrained grandeur that is wonderfully atmospheric. I imagine it would be even better at night with all of the candles and the fireplace blazing.

Image Source: photo by John Coolidge

sapphire

The sheer opulence of this is awe-inspiring. Being here would be like being in the inside of a many-colored gemstone. It's hard to imagine having such an exotic room in a home, but owning one would demand that one give sumptuous dinner parties and such just to use it. What dinner parties those would be.
The lavish floral patterns on the walls look like some of the more brilliant Islamic illuminated manuscripts. Those manuscripts were meticulously painted to glorify the words recorded; often, the patterns were gilded with gold.
Even though there's no unpatterned surface to rest your eyes on, it's still not overwhelming (in an unpleasant way, anyhow). It is extravagant without being too much to take, because the colors are so richly dark.

Image Source: Alidad, designer

bright as yellow

Heavenly, isn't it? This setting is an escape in itself, even if it isn't in a vacation home or something. Perfectly relaxed and mellow, this bedroom is positively idylllic. I really like the arrangement of the windows-- it's wonderful for the light, and I bet the kitties would love it (...I'm a cat person, these things stand out to me). The palate is soft, allowing the green outside to glow while still being warm. I'm also really liking the choice of the bedspread-- the brown square panel brings some slight structured contrast to the gentleness of the rest.

Image Source: Aug/Sept 2008 issue of Western Interiors. Photo by Matthew Millman.

a warm kitchen

There is such an interesting mixture of modern and natural in this kitchen. The juxtaposition of the burnished metal wall lining above the counters, the sharply angled appliances, and the polished metal barstools against the wooden countertops and floor sets off the best of both. Still, the dominant earthy palate keeps the whole room in sync, and the effect is really attractive.
The layout of this kitchen looks sharp. It's hard to cook in a kitchen that doubles as a hallway, and this one is enclosed. There's no obstructions in the middle, so the cook can easily move around.
A lot of times, kitchens have an overly bright palate that just ends up being jarring. At the same time, it is important that a good kitchen avoid being dank and depressing-- not the effect you want. I think this kitchen provides a happy medium, warmth.

Image Source: The Emily Todhunter Group