gilded pearl

Sometimes, when you're stuck in the clutter that comes with day-to-day life, you want to be held in a something wonderful; a palace chamber. This bedroom's understated grandeur is ideal. It is relatively spare, giving you room to unwind and breathe. Still, the royal details are beautiful and apparent: the clear chandelier, the deeply patterned curtains, and especially the huge, aged mirror.

Image Source: Winston-Salem Bungalow. Photo by Keith Scott Morton.

sleek and tailored

Who doesn't wish they had a closet this cool? All perfectly compartmentalized, arranged by type and color. Black shelving gives the setting sophistication, with the deep wooden floors setting it off richly. Getting dressed would be a lot more interesting within these polished surroundings.

Image Source: Tribeca Loft, designed by S.R. Gambrel.

hourglass checkers

How's this for a quirky library? Offbeat enough to be interesting, this room hits all of the right notes. Most upfront, the shelves make an eye-catching arrangement for books-- it certainly keeps the room from feeling stuffy. The buttery-yellow furnature and carpet helps the atmosphere feel gently bright and energetic. I like how the traditional winged armchairs are contrasted with the modern, squared couch; they flow together well, linked by the solid yellow fabric. Finally, that eccentric chandelier is terrific for this unusual room.

Image Source: Grey Crawford

high contrast

I've never seen a room quite like this. Everything is absolutely black or white, with a few jewels of color that make the room shine. I love how the black outlines the main elements of the architecture; it's like an imaginative drawing rendered in ebony ink. I find the whole conceptual feel of this bedroom really inspiring-- it's easy to imagine spending time working on creative endeavors in such a setting.

Image Source: "Cabo Cool" in Western Interiors Magazine. Interior by Kara Mann. Photo by Matthew Millman.

rest

This simple enclave looks like an ideal place to curl up next to the fire at the close of the day. It's not exactly plush with old-timey tradition, but it's a different type of comforting environment-- it's a place to rest the senses. I like the deep shelves and the high windows; they add to the den's secluded feel.

Image Source: Gramercy Park Apartment. Designed by Tom Scheerer