Elegant and sophisticated interiors with a fun modern twist

The lines of this room are clean and classic, but the wallpaper and bright green also make it fresh.

I like symmetry in design as long as the objects used are fun and unstuffy.

The colors in the rooms above and below are so lush...if I lived in a colder climate I would definitely use them.

Acrylic chairs and pops of fuchsia make a traditional dining table fun.

all images via Ivy & Piper

Artist spotlight: Michael Begenyi's color rich, geometric paintings

I'm really going to try and feature more artists this year. As a RISD illustration major painting and drawing are in my blood, and artwork can make a huge impact in your home! The artist I'm featuring today is Michael Begenyi, I think his work really lends itself to interiors and interior design, because of his focus on color combinations and geometry and line.

Here is his artist's statement: Michael C. Begenyi teaches middle school art in Western Pennsylvania and actively exhibits his work. His acrylic paintings reflect his interests in the geometric representation of the natural world and explorations in color theory. The relationship between math, science and art is part of what Michael has been exploring with his current work. Technical precision is important to Michael but it does not overwhelm the organic and creative inspiration for each painting. 
 

 This one (full:above), (detail:below), is my favorite.  It is titled koi pond. I think it does a fantastic job of capturing what a koi pond would look like broken down into geometric shapes.  The colors are really stunning as well.

The paintings also remind me a lot of oragami, and even have titles like "Hummingbird," "Frog," and "Crane"

 The photo above gives you a better perspective of the size of some of the paintings

To see all of Michael's works, purchase, or read more, go to his shop on Zatista.

Back to basics: Tips for room layout and choosing furniture and acessories

Furnishing and organizing your home in the most appropriate way is challenging, but the reward is that it can be a great expression of yourself.  Some people don't think interior design and architecture are such a big deal, until they see for themselves the impact that successful room decor, furnishings, and layouts can have on a house.

Serene and clean but not too sparse.

When it comes to furniture, it's easy to fall back on what you see in the popular magazines, but take time to research and stake out pieces that really speak to you and are of good quality.  Don't just buy furniture because you want to fill a room.  Taking your time to choose furniture will also ensure that you pick the best sizes and styles for the space you're furnishing.

 

This kitchen is modern and minimal in style, but not sterile.

For many people, decor and accessories are an afterthought, or they fill it with gifts from others that aren't really their style, or generic bits and bobs just to fill space.  However, if you completely forget about adding decor and accessories, your home runs the risk of looking to institutional.  Just like your furnishings, take time to collect a collection of accessories that have meaning to you, whether they be travel souvenirs, a vase that reminds you of one that your grandmother had, etc.

Functional and attractive

Two important aspects of design that are not addressed as often as the ones above are  the use of positive and negative space. Some people do not leave enough open/empty space in a room. Too much furniture, or furnishing too large for the room make a space feel tight and cluttered.  Leave enough open space - imaging the room being able to "breath" a bit.  If a space looks crammed, remove items one by one, step back and look at the space, and when it looks less cluttered, you know you're on the right path. Also consider the flow of the room.  There should be clear paths around or to furnishings, and the purpose of the room should be apparent, whether the purpose be conversing, working, or watching TV.

Luxe in style with a successful bedroom layout.

Another set of people have the opposite problem.  They leave too much empty or "dead" space in their home.  If you're nervous about making a mistake, start by collecting inspiration.  Rip out pages from magazines or bookmark images of rooms that you like.  Once you've collected a decent amount of images, review them and pick out any recurring furniture styles, accessories, colors, etc. that you see.  This will help you dictate your style.  Once you've narrowed down your aesthetic, try buying just one piece at a time, that way you won't feel like you're committing so quickly and definitely.

Stylized but realistic

Do you have any tips for a well-balanced room?

*disclosure: This post is sponsored by Minimalisti.com

Interiors that embody today's "traditional"

I think the below interiors really capture what I might consider today's "traditional" home. These are all real homes, so they aren't the staged, sometimes unlivable, concepts we see in magazines.

What do you think? How would you describe today's "traditional" home?

That little guy is the cutest!

oh how I wish I had time these days to relax on a lounge with my fav magazines

a very zen knitter's nook

gorgeous room, especially love the fireplace surround

via Nesting Newbies

Take your pick: Living rooms for every taste and style

Along with your bedroom and the kitchen, I think the living room is one place in the house that should be a reflection of you - and be comfortable and beautiful. Hopefully one of the images below will provide some inspiration:

A simple and cozy country living room
via Ideal Home

A family friendly, flea market style living room
BHG

Elegant and feminine
House to Home

Traditional with a little twist of rustic
House to Home

Eclectic
via House to Home

Modern
via Home Sweet Home

New traditional
via Canadian House & Home

Which is your fav? What style is your living room?

Transitional trends...tres chic!

 Transitional living is bigger than ever.This is further evidenced by what I saw at both the Paris Maison&Objet show and the NY gift fair.  What is it and what does it look like? It is a blending of traditional and contemporary furniture, finishes and materials to create a soft, elegant, sophisticated but simple style. There tends to be minimal use of color on the main pieces of furniture, typically you will see a neutral palette and sometime it is punctuated by a pop of color, lets say on a pillow, a lamp, a piece of art, an interesting rug or maybe an upholstered ottoman. The key elements in a fabulous transitional room are:
Accessories- minimal use of them, and the accessories that are used are simple and understated, an example might be a potted orchid, a neat pile of coffee table books, a large decorative box, a grouping of black and white photos in highly polished silver frames. It is not cluttered.Fabrics- often you see cottons, linens, velvets, ticking, leathers, suede's and occasionally a chenille or corduroy type fabric. Natural fabrics are very big right now.Furniture- Again you see the clean lines, either straight or rounded. Lack of ornamentation and a purposeful simplicity to the design. The scale is ample but not intimidating. On occasion you might see a very funky piece in an otherwise understated room.
So lets take a look at what transitional living looks like today. Though its not the style my own home will be furnished in, I have an immense appreciation for this style when its done right and if I were to ever a buy  second home, a Manhattan pied a terre or a beach home, this is the style I think I might choose with a slight twist of adding a few more traditional touches. Barbara Barry made this look very popular and her excellent taste level continues to set new trends. It is very clean, inviting, crisp and fresh. Would love to know what you think....do you have a favorite?

Love this dining room that is indoors/outdoors by Frank Pontero, great colors

An elegant master suite by Suzanne Kassler where there is a hint of pale pink/lavender

Another understated dining room by Suzanne Kassler, again minimal use of color

As seen in Traditional magazine, this light and airy living room is made modern with some interesting pops of color

These "sofas" are suspended by hanging rods.....so interesting, love the colors by Brad Ford

This pretty and inviting room by Deborah Lipner gets a little punch from the zebra rug...I happen to think it looks great

An attractive dining area by Anne Marie Barton, always like banquette seating at a table

Pretty mudroom, love the door color and how the risers match...interesting wallpaper makes it looks whimsical and interesting by Brad Ford

The only color here is on the two pretty chairs flanking the fireplace...its a soft and inviting space

This looks like it could be the ultimate bachelor pad, handsome and dark...love the velvet sofa, very masculine space

I very much like the warmth of this room by Anne Marie Barton

Vibrant colors on the pillows and from the orchid make this room come alive

Pretty space done in pale greens by Anne Marie Barton, love the rustic beams

A minimalist feeling apt. is made warm by using lots of wood with very simple lines in the furniture,  done by Victoria Hagan....notice no window treatments! Like the addition of the books, makes it inviting and personal, like a room you could linger in

Interesting settee/sofa make this simple room interesting..like the symmetry used here (Elle Decor)

This space with black floors and all white furniture makes for a dramatic room (Metropolitan Home) Love how the sunlight and outdoors are a big part of this room

Rich tones of gray and charcoals with a pop of zebra on the pillows...very chic (Elle Decor)

This pretty townhouse has a traditional mantle but a funky twist with the furnishings

Here the pop of pattern and color is strictly on the pillows and frame of chairs, by Victoria Hagan

A pretty pale gray suede chaise  perched right in front of the fireplace (Elle Decor)

Pale silvery blues make this pretty living room shimmer and sparkle...I like the tufted ottoman

Beautiful creamy white room with just a hint of color....love this space

Soft monochromatic beige's make this a soothing palette

Same house...beautiful soft creamy palette..love it!

Dressing area

Rich warm woods make for a cozy and inviting feel for such a large, grand room

Nothing like an all white bedroom (Arch Digest)

High in the sky, simple but with a view like that....do you need more? (Arch Digest)

Beautiful deck with comfy looking lounges, its just missing a exotic tropical drink (Arch Digest)

Pretty caramel colored bedroom is very soothing

Love this light blue palette against the white and the dark wood of the chair

Very handsome bedroom in grays and whites (Barbara Barry)

Pretty room, the sofa is a modern take on a traditional frame (Barbara Barry)

Pretty cozy dining nook. always loved a love seat or sofa as part of a dining arrangement (Phoebe Howard)

Pretty and elegant dining space in pale green and cream (Phoebe Howard)

Beautiful corner seating area...love the colors, they are so soft

Silver and gray toned guest suite, fresh and crisp (Phoebe Howard)

Rich browns are very elegant (Phoebe Howard)

This beautiful apartment blends the neutrals well with just a hint of color (Phoebe Howard)

This soft colored room gets just a subtle punch from the geometric carpet

Love this room, its classically modern, the only texture is from the rug and beautiful oversized velvet pillow, very nicely done (Phoebe Howard)

I normally don't like a room without a rug or carpet, in this attractive room it works, but I would personally have added a simple rug

Love creamy bedrooms....this is awfully pretty

The texture and color comes from the pillow grouping and the chair

Dark brown and white can look very crisp and modern

Pretty and warm twin beds in a modern guest suite

I like the feeling in this room, though its done in a transitional style, notice they still kept the crown mouldings and traditional fireplace...by Victoria Hagan

Very attractive and serene feeling dining room is quite dramatic thanks to the very high ceilings and light against dark contrast used so effectively here, by Victoria Hagan

Love to hear from you......don't forget I am going to be doing my very first giveaway in a few weeks....be sure to follow me or subscribe to be eligible. Have a wonderful day.