Modern Classic InteriorsTraditional Living Room, New York

Photography by Jane Beiles“The architecture has great bones, and the details make all the difference,” Susan says. Arched transoms, tall windows, dentil molding and a fireplace with an Emperador marble surround are versatile, classic touches that can host a variety of styles. Susan wanted to start with a color palette of grays, ivories, silvers and tans, then layer in shine and color through accents. “I’m very sensitive to color, and I like using it in subtle accents,” she says. The purple ikat from Dedar on the pillows inspired the amethyst touches around the room. The rug grounds the room with a medium-pile shag. The designer recommends using window treatments to frame out windows with a little texture in a clean and uncluttered manner. This way they highlight, rather than distract from, the architecture. The drapes here are finely ribbed and French pleated. The window treatment hardware is nickel. Painting: Kerri Rosenthal; wall paint: Smoke & Mirrors, Benjamin Moore

This semiformal space embraces the contrived shape of the chopped pillow. Flanking the fireplace, these large-scale, graphic-patterned, lightly chopped pillows are a key focal point.

Choose a warm color palette. Color is such a personal decision, and the process of getting it right can be extremely frustrating. If you are testing colors in your large living space, try a warm hue. Warmer tones advance, making a room feel intimate and cozy. Work with the colors of your furniture and rugs — these are the big-ticket items, and paint is cheap in comparison. Tip: Paint your colors onto large boards and move them around the room. Leave them sitting next to skirting boards, near windows and on top of mantels. How do they look when the light changes, or next to greenery?

You need these 2 fantastic chairs and pillows. i love the wall sconces too! Shag is also a nice texture - notice the flowers, and the books on platinum / glass