Comfort

Textures take on a more important role in rooms with neutral schemes. This shell-encrusted bust in a room designed by Mandy Culpepper is the perfect foil for the glass-based lamps on either side; thanks to their see-through quality, the sculpture becomes even more prominent.

DESIGNER INSIGHT
“Serenity, calm and peace can all be achieved with small touches,” says shop owner and decorator Phoebe Howard. “Think of flickering white candles, white orchids, perfectly laundered white sheets, fluffy white towels, ice-cold vodka and Rod Stewart’s love songs. When you address all of the senses, the cumulative effect of seemingly insignificant details can be extremely effective. It’s like playing tricks on your mind, so to speak, since serenity, calm and peace are all just states of mind anyway. No matter what your stage in life, or your financial state, anyone can make a little extra effort and reap the rewards of extravagance.”

The tone-on-tone living room of designer Mimi Williams creates a soft and soothing ambience. At the same time, the subdued hues provide a gallery-like backdrop for treasured works of art.

PERSONAL THOUGHTS
“The ‘must-haves' in my living room are as much about memories as they are about style. My grandmother was—and still is—a huge influence on me and, in her living room, there was a hassock. I remember being drawn to it as a young child because it was just my size. So, not surprisingly, there's a similar piece in my own living room. I refer to mine as an ottoman instead of a hassock. And mine is covered in linen instead of gray vinyl. But every time I look at the piece, I'm reminded of my grandmother's living room. It was a very special place in my childhood, one where design aesthetics took a back seat to a heaping helping of love. I can only hope that I carry on that family tradition in my own home: to surround my family and friends with warmth.” – Heather J. Paper, Interim Managing Editor

 
Produced by Heather J. Paper

Page 2: Serenity

Page 3: Comfort

Page 4: Simplicity

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