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Thursday, August 23, 2012

Undecorated

You know that feeling when a room looks too perfect and "decorated"?  When is a room just right vs. over the top?  And when does a room have that something about it that's just a bit off that actually makes it just right?

These two rooms look like they aren't decorated at all, but rather like they just evolved over time without a second's thought to design, color or any of the rest.  What's your take?

Pinned Image



Pinned Image

I did a similar post about this a long time ago, here.
on

15 comments:

  1. carolyn bradfordAugust 23, 2012 at 3:06 PM

    I will never forget my mother in law's comment when we finished building this house 15 years ago…I knew I had mixed a lot of woods and a lot of fabrics but I loved it! "Wow, somehow this just all works, doesn't it?" was her comment…and a huge compliment I must add as she has fabulous taste…it's just a lot more formal than mine and I'm pretty formal! These rooms are great…I LOVE the second picture!!! The first is very pretty but I just know my personality and I would be very uncomfortable with all of those paintings! LOL! I'd constantly be covering up Jim's eyes! Loved this and can't wait to check out your other post!

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  2. cindy hattersley designAugust 23, 2012 at 3:40 PM

    I love a look that looks as if it happened over time even if it didn't. Love the lost space...maybe in my next life...

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  3. Luciane at HomeBunch.comAugust 24, 2012 at 7:00 AM


    Good morning, sweetie!

    How are you doing today?

    I know what you mean... and I'd love to see more of spaces like these. It grabs your attention, but I'm not sure if I can live in a house that feels it's missing something... :-)


    Wishing you a blessed week, Barbara!


    xo


    Luciane at HomeBunch.com

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  4. I Dream OfAugust 24, 2012 at 8:53 AM

    I like the idea of a "perfectly imperfect home" - and I have to say that with my penchant for collecting, we are not in any danger of looking overly designed. Over-cluttered, perhaps, but not over decorated! Happy weekend! XO

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  5. The Vintique ObjectAugust 24, 2012 at 10:35 AM

    Unless one is really collecting and decorating over time (read: me because I can't afford to do it any other way), this strikes me as something really difficult to pull off as a designer. The best ones are those who manage to do it!
    Camille

    P.S. I thought a lot about you when I toured a 20s home in the North Bay yesterday. You would have loved it, I think. Posting pictures soon.

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  6. Mona Thompson Providence Ltd.August 24, 2012 at 10:37 AM

    I agree...the decorator...decorated look with all coordinating fabrics, makes me a little crazy...These rooms are beautiful. Have a great weekend. Mona

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  7. UnknownAugust 24, 2012 at 10:48 AM

    So true....if a room is too "done", it just makes you feel uncomfortable to sit down. Like you might mess it up. There is something so inviting about a room with personality. Done...but not overdone!

    Have a wonderful weekend, Barbara!
    xoxo Elizabeth

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  8. The Buzz BlogAugust 24, 2012 at 12:34 PM

    We're strong believers in having our style and taste evolve over time and these interiors are timeless... The perfect laid-back touch that feels undecorated. Happy weekend, Barbara!
    xxoo
    C + C

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  9. VictoriaAugust 24, 2012 at 3:45 PM

    I like to design a space that looks personal, unique and collected over time. While my taste leans toward the more formal, I like mixing antiques with contemporary and mid-century modern pieces. Most important, my rooms must look inviting and not just photographable. I love the first image. This looks much like my parlor where I have hung paintings salon style just like this.
    Best...Victoria

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  10. LeslieAugust 24, 2012 at 5:40 PM

    Not sure if I could have all those paintings in that first image!! .. the rugs are lots of fun though :) My preference is a room that is approachable, where you feel that you could curl up with a book or relax with friends. Homes filled with different colors, textures, family heirlooms, treasures from travel, and even a little of our children's art, is just perfect to me.

    Enjoy your weekend!
    leslie

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  11. maryAugust 25, 2012 at 12:45 AM

    Hi Barbara, I know exactly what you mean. That touch of dissonance makes you sit up and take notice and participate in the room. Love the paintings (nudes) in the top photo.
    Have a great week-end.
    Mary

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  12. MirandaAugust 25, 2012 at 9:27 AM

    These are good examples, especially the first one. Someone once told me that the key to good decorating is "to always make the right mistakes." I love that.
    I also love that the rooms you pictured lack the stultifying symmetry found in many "decorated" rooms. And that not all of the furnishings look like they just came off the truck.
    Food for thought!

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  13. annechovieAugust 25, 2012 at 11:16 AM

    I agree with you and not sure exactly which elements make it unique, but somehow you just know when it looks right and uncontrived.
    Enjoy your weekend! xx

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  14. Taylor GreenwaltAugust 25, 2012 at 6:06 PM

    Love these rooms...They look artist without being to planned. Like they evolved over time. Not to over done.

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  15. Urban Orchard InteriorsAugust 30, 2012 at 10:13 AM

    My favorite kind of decorating! I'm probably the last designer alive who hasn't read Undecorate yet...

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Thanks for your comments - I love hearing from you!