Living Rooms My Grandmother Would Love (But I Do, Too)
I'm a design and food-obsessed freelance writer and market research analyst, and a stay-at-home mom.
I'm a design and food-obsessed freelance writer and market research analyst,... More »
My grandmother is super cool. She's this teeny-tiny 91-year old who is more stylish than anybody I know. When I was little, I spent hours playing with her collections of shoes and jewelry (only the costume stuff - she's also pretty smart). When she and my grandfather were young, their style was fairly modern. Apparently at one point, fairly early in their marriage, my grandfather built them a set of Bauhaus-inspired furniture for their living room.
Sadly, that collection of furniture disappeared at some point. And oddly, by the time I met my grandmother, her design style had evolved beyond Bauhaus - way beyond. Now, the living room in the house she shares with her brother has a much more traditional vibe - ornate frames, lots of art and lots of rugs, and a slight, but not overbearing, sense of formality.
As I get older, I feel my design aesthetic getting more traditional, too. I wonder if it happens to all of us.
At any rate, thinking about my grandmother's preferences can be inspiring. These photos are all of living rooms that I know she'd love, and I do, too:
Sadly, that collection of furniture disappeared at some point. And oddly, by the time I met my grandmother, her design style had evolved beyond Bauhaus - way beyond. Now, the living room in the house she shares with her brother has a much more traditional vibe - ornate frames, lots of art and lots of rugs, and a slight, but not overbearing, sense of formality.
As I get older, I feel my design aesthetic getting more traditional, too. I wonder if it happens to all of us.
At any rate, thinking about my grandmother's preferences can be inspiring. These photos are all of living rooms that I know she'd love, and I do, too:
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| This is the room that inspired this entire ideabook. The lines of the furniture are what really evoke my grandmother for me - traditional and a little fancy, but not overly so. The room is pretty and it's formal, but it still feels like it sees a lot of use. |
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This vignette reminds me of the two parts of my grandmother's design life: the abstract art for her younger, racier days, and the ornate table for now. Plus, that combination always makes me think of Parisian apartments - something both my grandmother and I love.
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I love this room's sculptural fireplace and the way the tailored table keeps the curtains from feeling too heavy. (Curtains, BTW, are a big hit with my grandmother.) Plus, the muted colors keep ornate details from being overwhelming.
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My grandmother is the queen of the faded Oriental rug and I can't lie, it's a look I love. In this case, the dark wood adds to the traditional feel of the space, but the interesting table mixes things up a bit. And I love that cream colored sofa - it's a perfect burst of light in the otherwise dark room.
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This space actually feels a little more "fresh" than my grandmother's house. Even though she has a sunroom with big windows (and even though she lives in Annapolis), this much white and the contrasting blue would be too nautical for her. However, those detailed candlesticks are perfect for her.
actually a little more "fresh" than nan, but those candlesticks add just the right amount of detail
actually a little more "fresh" than nan, but those candlesticks add just the right amount of detail
by Abbeyk, Inc.
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This room, like the blue and white one above, gets a lot of light, but it's more my grandmother than the above room, thanks to the neutral colors.
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I like the way this room combines furniture with simple lines - like what my grandmother used to have - with elegant architectural details and a grand ceiling.
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This room's symmetry, drapes, and rug all scream my grandmother's name.
There's something about this room that really appeals to me, and I think it starts on the floor. I like the way that faded rug covers the painted floor. I also get the vibe that this could be a casual space, but it's a little more formal (though well-used) thanks to nicer, more formal pieces. That's exactly how my grandmother's house feels.
by Abbott Moon
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I must really love faded rugs because that's what attracted me to this space, too. That, and the books, which my grandmother and I agreemake great design elements.
Comments
mbt110 Love this ideabook; I think every one of the pictures will make to my personal ideabook! Thanks for the great inspiration.
3 years ago · Like
uttara and adwait very, verrrry stylish grandma. you must be proud of her
3 years ago · Like
Becky Harris This is the cutest thing I have read in awhile. I love it.
3 years ago · Like
Kit Pollard Thank you! I actually saw her today and, yep, still stylish! She's so funny.
3 years ago · Like
Richmond home staging and redesign inc You must get your love of design and sense of style from your grandmother! Love these pictures-thanks for the inspiration of 'home' this Sunday morning!
3 years ago · Like
patscats2 Your grandmother's style is fabulous, much like my own and I'm not grandmother. Thanks for sharing these photo's. Very nice.
3 years ago · Like
Julia Perry My husband always calls me "grandma" when I start to pick out stuff for our house. With this idea book as justification, I will think of that as a compliment. Great one!
3 years ago · Like
jeannievb Fabulous! Do you have any tips on where to buy faded, muted oriental rugs? I would love to find one with purple or pink but I am having a really difficult time. Thanks!
3 years ago · Like
Ideabook published on July 23, 2010.
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