Can This Be Made Into A Room? Elle France

As I've said before, I'm a boot-aholic.  Nothing is more stylish, flattering, and not to mention functional in these cold winter months.  When I came across this image from the December 2010 issue of Elle France, I knew I had to turn it into a room! 

I love the mix of the light and feminine against the rich and masculine materials.   The outfit has a Spanish flair to it, kind of like a modern-day flamenco dancer turned equestrian.  I started my room by pairing handsomely tailored Spanish Baroque-style leather wing chairs (vintage, 1stDibs) with a modern-day leather day bed (William-SonomaHome).  Aren't these pieces what you picture when you hear the word 'masculine'?  Just me? Maybe I'm the only one who thinks of the world in terms of furniture...

Anywho, here is the design tip of the day.  Always mix an unexpected element into a room.  An easy way to do this is to add a modern piece, like the daybed, into a traditional room and vise-versa. Now, this can be tricky.  At least once a week I see clients trying to mix modern and traditional together, but if it's not done the correct way, it just looks hodge-podge.  Make sure there is some consistency between the two styles, like the chocolate leather and clean silhouettes of both chairs and day bed.  By mixing periods, you get a more 'collected' look, rather than 'I-bought-the-vignette-off-the-showroom-floor' look.  Much more chic. 

To ground the room I would add a large Persian rug and make sure at least 6" of the chairs and daybed are either on or off the rug (I highly recommend on. Remember this tip?).  I would then dress all the windows in tapestry panels with solid almond-colored sheers, reminiscent of our model's brocade jacket over the lacy blouse.  Windows are always a great place to layer!  For a little more femininity, I would add bunches of down pillows with flamenco ruffles, paisley patterns, and accented in tassels.  Add an elegant Spanish side table from the 1920's (1stDibs) and accessorize it with a regal horse statue (RestorationHardware) for a little more Spanish charm. 

Doesn't it seem like there's a certain something missing?  If you were wondering where all the lighting went, you have a designer's eye!  I'd love to have your opinion on what style of general lighting you'd like to see in this room.  Here are three choices, so leave me a comment to let me know your favorite!

Option 1:

1920's Wrought Iron Spanish Chandelier via 1st Dibs

Option 2:

Classic 1920's Iron and Mica Pendant Fixture via 1st Dibs
(I would use either two side by side, or use three in a grouping all hung at different lengths.)



Option 3:

Foucault's Iron Orb Chandelier via Restoration Hardware



I can't wait to hear what you think! I'll announce the results on Monday, so stay tuned!!