Interior Design

by Beverly Clarke

Stylish and cushy, classic style is a popular choice for a living room, making a calm atmosphere for relaxing, or a powerful setting for entertaining. A classic living room has an air of effortless style and comfort, as if all the contents have been cherished and handed down over the centuries.

Soft, peaceful color schemes give an impression of space and light, while period architectural details, like a marble fireplace or decorative cornicing, add to the look of a well-established home. Little details are crucial too, such as dainty tassels that finish a tablecloth corner or dangle from a window shade. Complete the effect with formal groupings of lavish flower agreements, and precious-looking china, glass, and silver.

Select simple, peaceful shades for walls, keeping to pale shades if the room isn’t enormous. Creamy yellows, shades of rose, off-white, or beige make good backgrounds for stronger accent colors, and contrast well with rich, polished woods. Plain latex or fascinating paint effects are acceptable, with detail added in the shape of plaster moldings, paneling, or wainscoting. Pick out any details in a smoothly contrasting color, or rub them lightly with gilt wax for a faded glaze.

A period fireplace makes a vital focal point ; a Regency-style plaster surround has a stylish effect, while marble looks imposing – you can imitate this successfully with paint. A few firms specialize in original fireplaces – check out architectural salvage corporations before purchasing a pricey imitation.

Wallpaper designs are standard – smart stripes, scrolled designs, or stylized flower and leaf prints all flatter the look, but patterns should be reasonably subtle. Keep woodwork pale – white gloss looks fresh and crisp – or strip back to the wood, then stain and polish to an aged mahogany or oak effect.Confirm details such as doorway handles and fingerplates are all in period style – select gleaming brass or crystal instead of chrome.

Here are some often found featues in a classically decorated Living room: Wall paint should be pale / matte such as plain pale latex ; decorative paint effects – ragging, marbling, or pulling ; symmetrically paneled areas with plaster beading, or wainscoting ; white, pale gloss, or stained and polished woodwork.

Traditional Floor covering: polished wood or parquet ; fitted carpet in refined neutrals or tiny all-over scrolling designs. Rugs : conventional Persian and Turkish-style in rich, toning colors ; tapestry rugs in gentle browns, pinks, and blues.

Rich / standard : gleaming damasks, silks, glazed chintz, woven stripes ; tiny woven motifs or velvets for chairs ; tapestry or needlepoint cushions.

Grand Candelabrum in gilt and cut glass ; period-style wall sconces ; brass or wooden floor lamp with big pleated silk shade ; table lamps ; candles in silver candlesticks. Flowers : giant formal displays of seasonal blooms with trailing greenery ; tiny flowers in small jugs ; bowls of dried flowers or potpourri.

Beverly Clarke and her husband, Barry, own a successful trade showroom that caters exclusively to professional interior designers and their clients.  Although located in Florida, Town Country and Casual is available to professional designers both locally and nationwide.  Access their design resources and high-end furniture lines by dropping by the showroom, or visiting them http://www.towncountryandcasual.com.

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