This is the perfect blend of modern/ethnic, pattern/minimalism, color/black & white.

Love.

Flickr

Table Tonic

Every once and a while, I’m surprised by my reaction to a space.  For instance,  I love this room even though it contains 2 elements that I’d normally shun – the cowhide rug and floral pattern pillows. Testament to the power of the right combo and context, I guess. (Plus, I covet the ethereal artwork!)

via Mirror Mirror

Love the traditional patterns against the whimsical color palette. So unexpected and lovely! (How great would this color scheme be for a child’s room?)

I live in L.A. now, and the New Yorker in me really appreciates the year-round indoor/outdoor lifestyle. Here’s a room that I can get with. (Loving the Missoni pillows especially.)

via Katie Bell

Delightful. Simple yet sumptuous, spare yet luxurious. I want to go to there.

The palette’s inspired, the chandelier is perfection, and love love love the tile!

via Home Design Interior

(Sigh of love.)

via Room Lust

It works because:

1. The mix is contemporary and eclectic: notice the Oriental side tables, modern twin chairs and traditional crown molding.

2. The palette is subtle but surprising: The peacock sofa and hits of chartreuse are stabilized by the neutral walls and dark floor.

3. The power of 3: Three (different) lamps, three works of art, trifold screen…starting to see it? Some designs work on your eye in an almost subliminal way.

4. Fresh flowers on a grand scale.

via Table Tonic

Sexy, moody and unique. (Loving the dark walls, too…)

via Living, Etc.

Freakin’ great.

via Domino (RIP)

Why it works:

1. Simple color palette

The white makes a star of that gorgeous blue plaster treatment, and the plaster is ‘statement’ enough to keep the white from becoming dullsville.

2. Levels/Scale

Curtains to the ceiling, giant screen, low bench….see how many levels your eye jumps to?

3. Texture/Pattern

Natural rug, Ikat pillow, aged architectural sconce, plaster wall. This is room is so simple, yet the textural play makes it feel rich.

4. Tradtional/Modern mix

Accent Chairs, brass pharmacy lamp, (as well as the white urn-style one) = Traditional. Sofa, folding screen, coffee table cubes = Modern.

It really is all in the mix.