Guest Picks: Design Takeaways From 'Be Your Own Decorator'
A room pictured in a new design book inspires a selection of stylish finds
Hi! I live in New Orleans, but work everywhere as a stylist, interior decorator, designer of boutique events, and as a freelance writer. I write the blog The Visual Vamp.
Hi! I live in New Orleans, but work everywhere as a stylist, interior decorator,... More »
Be Your Own Decorator (Rizzoli New York) is the latest book out by noted design expert and author Susanna Salk. It's meant to be used as a tool for all who either are, or aspire to be, home decorators and designers. Susanna wants to empower us, and she advises to take away something from the images in the book that inspire us most. — Valorie from The Visual Vamp
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| I chose this image from Be Your Own Decorator of a room by Bunny Williams as a jumping-off point. My Guest Picks are takeaways from this fabulous space. |
by Nostalgic Bay
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In the room above, Sarah Graham's ravishing paintings called "Artichoke," take botanical art to a bold new level. I found these large-scale botanical charts that would work well as the takeaway.
by Nostalgic Bay
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Hang two large botanical charts for a similar look. The idea is to get the feeling of the original and not make an exact copy of a room that would be out of most of our budgets.
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by MIDNIGHT VELVET
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| The sisal rug, by Artgroove, used in the inspiration room has decorative painting on the border. The takeaway is an indoor and outdoor rug with a Greek key border, which evokes the feeling of the rug Williams used. |
French-style armchairs were used in the Williams room. These are more simple, but the shape is still good.
There's a small iron side table next to one of the French armchairs in the Williams room, and this cute little one looks similar.
The French armchairs in the idea photo have an interesting back (they are covered in vintage silk ikat). This chair with the oval cut out could be the takeaway.
by Regency Shop
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The bright egg chair Williams used caused quite a stir. If it were the only thing you take away for your room, it would be a spectacular statement.
Williams used many pieces from her Beeline furniture collection she designed and sells. One of the most amazing pieces is the table with the gold hourglass base. It retails for $4,800 and it was pretty hard to find a similar version! This table gives a small gesture of the Beeline table.
by Furniture Cart
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Here's another idea for the gold base table in the Williams room. This hourglass base is wood and could be spray-painted gold.
The sofa in the Williams room is gray velvet. The takeaway is the color, fabric and nail heads. This settee from Target is stylish and affordable.
by Trippy Store
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There is a global print throw across the back of the couch in the Williams room. She likes to change out pillows and textiles to refresh a room.
Williams uses a refined black side table with a shelf. I'm sure it's an expensive piece from Beeline. I like the curved legs on this one.
Here's another affordable black side table with a shelf to consider.
A tan leather ottoman is used for a coffee table in the Williams room. This one is pretty nice for us budget decorators. Just add a large tray, fresh flowers, books and accessories.
by design TOSCANO
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The tusks on the fireplace mantle in the Williams room are gorgeous. These faux tusks would look amazing, and the price is for the pair.
There's a large octagon-shaped mirror over the fireplace in the Williams room. Why not try the same shape for your house?
Notice the large, white ginger jars in the fireplace. This version is a little pricey, but it is the same look.
This tall floor vase is a more budget-friendly option.
There are a pair of incredible orange fauteuils in the inspiration room. The takeaway could be a pair of orange Ghost-style chairs. The price is for the pair.
by Savio Lighting
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The Williams room has several Chinese porcelain ginger jars for lamps.
by Savio Lighting
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The takeaway is the turquoise color of one of the lamps in the Williams room. I love these Foo Dog Lamps, and the price is for the pair.
by Benjamin Moore
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The biggest inspirational takeaway in the room above would be the color, Benjamin Moore's California Breeze.
by Benjamin Moore
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The ceiling of the room is painted with Benjamin Moore's Cliffside Gray, cut with 75-percent white. This is an idea you could easily use in your own home.
Be Your Own Decorator is a fabulous book to read. There are over 75 designers featured, with hundreds of photos to inspire ideas for your home.
Next: Book to Know: 'Bringing Nature Home'
Next: Book to Know: 'Bringing Nature Home'
Comments
adagio7 The only take away for me is how NOT to decorate. Are you kidding me? Since when did gaudy become fashionable?
13 months ago · Like
andyco98 Terrible room!
13 months ago · Like
bethq I'm glad I wasn't the only one that thought this was awful. It looks like someone just went to a yard sale, bought random things and threw it all together. I like each thing individually but not together.
13 months ago · Like
diana53lynn this room feels chaotic - an overkill on all levels!
13 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on April 25, 2012.
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