Arranging Art and Furniture

We see a lot of great rooms, and we learn to spot the star element of each one pretty quickly. This one took awhile. With impressive artwork and sleek, sophisticated furnishings set against a perfectly pale palette, this space is a constellation of star elements.

Borrow Her Favorite Ideas

This owner painted her living room walls a pale blue, a hue drawn from her oak-leaf drapery and a pillow fabric. “All the upholstery in these rooms is neutral, and most of the color is on the walls. Just by repainting, it would be easy to change the look if the mood strikes,” she says. She retained the original tongue-and-groove paneled walls, narrow bookshelves, and built-in corner cabinets.

Cheery Yellow Living Room

All dressed up to make a classic, elegant impact is a perfect description for this same space in a decidedly different color palette. Here, the sun shines with light, bright shades of yellow and variations of ivory, chosen from distinct colors in the room’s central painting, which is flanked by mirrored sconces.

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Slipcovered in Style

Ready for a change? Washable slipcovers in lighthearted new fabrics perk up old upholstery. These sensible tips will get you started.

Try This!

Great idea: Several small tables offer enough room for drinks and can even be used as additional seating when necessary.

Personal Touches

Can’t find the exact table or chest that you need? Just add your own touches, such as a paint finish or unique drawer pulls, to convert an available piece into a one-of-a-kind item. The designer of this living room set a piece of custom-cut stone on top of the wooden coffee table in the family room, giving it a more durable surface.

Starting Out with Style

This first-time homeowner filled her Atlanta bungalow without breaking the budget. Take notes on these fresh ideas.

Room for All

Wide cased openings and tall doorways open the family room to the dining room, kitchen, sunroom, and foyer. John says, “The generous openings make the home appear larger than it really is.” The coffered ceiling in the living room creates a striking architectural feature

Easy Living

Use these ideas to create a space for your personal comfort and style. Hilda “Hildi” Santo-Tomas, an interior designer known for her work on the popular TLC cable television show Trading Spaces, shares a clear-cut strategy that she incorporates in decorating decisions to achieve more relaxed living spaces.