The combination of these two rooms is my all-time favorite dual-use room hybrid ever. I would love to dine by candlelight surrounded by the warmth of books and dentil mouldings. When this room is not being used as a dining room, oversized books and a collection of curiosities, perhaps procured through travel, can serve as an interesting tablescape.

Look at the detail in this room, not only in the mouldings, but the nail heads and placement of the books and objects throughout the room. Also note how contemporary art looks amazing in a traditional setting- this juxtaposition happens to be my favorite way to play with art and the interior environment. Also notice how all the color and texture comes from the furnishings, books and accessories. The ceiling, walls, and mouldings are white. The dark floor grounds the space and acts as a canvas for all the furnishings. This balancing act keeps the space fresh and crisp. When you look at an interior, and nothing can be added or taken away to make it better- that is an indicator of good design.

Note: All of my inspiration images have been personally collected since I was a teenager. I do know know the designer or publication from which this photo came. If you are the designer or photographer, let me know so I can lend proper credit!

I just came upon a fantastic blog post highlighting beautiful Classic libraries from around the world. To view the compilation, click here. Enjoy!

I really love to design bedroom suites, libraries as living rooms (or living rooms as libraries), and foyers.

For bedrooms, it’s the place where we all begin and end the day. Making sure the appointments are the best you can afford and are suitable to your tastes is so important. Its a very personal space and a lot of the time, you can get away with expressing yourself more truly than you would say, in a family room, where you are pleasing everyone in the household and taking more functional issues into account.

I love living rooms, but they are becoming a lost social etiquette. Quite frankly, they are usually a waste of space- so I like to make them a living room a “slash” something else space. Our modern lives are so fruitful, so I really like to incorporate collections, books, photographs, interests… this is an area of the house where I feel you can really express personality without it being in your face all the time. Plus, the more unique it is- the more conversation will abound when you actually do use it to entertain guests! If a client knows they won't use the Living Room as entertaining space, I like to make it a reading room. Everyone reads- so why not have a special retreat for that activity? Viewed in that context, it becomes personal and interesting and inviting for the client.

My third favorite is the foyer. I suppose for the same reasons as the bedroom and living room. You can really be free with this space! It's a passage, but it's also a statement- a gesture to the tone of the home. Aside from exterior architecture and character, the foyers holds the "first impression" card. This is the place to go bold with style, color and/or pattern, utilize architectural features and design details, and display a knockout lighting fixture.