1stdibs and Bonnie Tsang recently held a Pinterest contest where participants could design their dream living room using their favorite finds on 1stdibs and other interiors-related content on Pinterest. I eagerly partook in the festivities and had more fun than I care to admit - I think I finally understand why boys play video games. Hunting through the impeccably designed and marvelously functional 1stdibs site trying to find the perfect antique Italian brass table lamp, or the most delicious Japanese textile, knowing that there could be a prize at the end if I played my cards right...maybe this is the rush of Halo 4, no? Maybe?
The detail shot above was something of an abstract starting point for me. I love the lamp, the molding on the walls, the lines of the furniture and the simple, sheer window treatments, not to mention the rich warmth of the wood...and that light! I wanted to create a space characterized by down-to-earth glamour, where form and function could co-exist in "luscious simplicity." I found myself drawn to geometric patterns in textiles, art deco influences and unexpected sculptural elements to add texture and depth. (Love the vintage Noh mask below - and how great is that marble surfboard!?)
I included art from Landon Metz, because I love his work...the color, the technique! (Click image for source.)
And I included other decorative art and objects, like these framed drawings. I've been saving every scrap of paper that could ever have sentimental value to me for years now. It's a veritable buffet of drawings and notes that I'll one day have uniformly framed and displayed, gallery style, and it'll look awesome. And would you look at that chair? That is such a beautiful f*cking chair. I can't with this chair. I can't even. There will of course also be plants, stacks of magazines and other reading materials meticulously arranged in corners.
I love the idea of some elements in the room having a raw or industrial feel juxtaposed against the considered design of midcentury pieces and gold and brass features. The patchwork boro textile, a Japanese folk fabric, would add to that raw, recycled aesthetic and look great hanging on a wall, maybe even framed!
Contest winners are announced next week and I don't know what I'll do if I win, aside from poop my pants and maybe buy some art? How do we like my dream living room? All images from my Living With Style Pinterest board.
