Last Friday I posted about the foyer and living room of a Highland Park Dallas home. My post, here, highlights the key elements the designer used to create a one of a kind room. I love that you walk into the home and it is not as if you are walking into any other house on the block, where it could have been decorated by anyone who had access to a Pottery Barn catalog and a credit card. Nothing against Pottery Barn, I shop there myself (as evidenced by my recent post on my daughter’s nursery). But, I do not want to want to feel like my home could easily be my neighbor’s. I want my home to reflect my family’s personal style.
The Highland Park home is obviously extremely high end. And, in this economy the average person likely does not have the inclination to spend such a large sum on one room alone. I, myself, am struggling with the decor in my living room. I’ve had the room painted and purchased a custom sofa, Conrad shades and curtains I love. But, I keep dragging my feet on ordering the rug, appropriate chairs, tables, etc. I’ve got furniture in there….but it isn’t the look I want at all. Like many others, I am trying to prioritize my budget and something somewhere has to give.
As I was thinking about priorities I remembered an old O at Home Magazine article from Winter 2007. This house must have been featured on her show as well, because I am not seeing as much of this home in the magazine as I had remembered. In any case, that issue featured the homes of three readers. These homes were not designed using only high end “trade only” pieces or the services of professional interior designers. But, rather, they were designed by normal, busy women who found it important to make their houses “home” for their families.
I enjoyed all of the homes. But, particularly remember that of Jenn Feldman and her husband. According to the article, after relocating from NY to Beverly Hills to be with her then fiance, Jenn gave herself a deadline of 30 days to spruce up their new condo. I love how she managed to create a high end look using her budget wisely.
All images from www.oprah.com.
Jenn made the most of the odd shaped space above this buffet by hanging pictures in descending size to mimic the stairway. Her collection of glass decanters look organized on a silver tray.
While the bed may be high end, the blanket is from JC Penny and the bench, a recovered flea market find. The monogram gives a custom look to an ordinary piece. The framed botanical prints are from a book…she tore them out and framed them. The pillows on the bed are from Target and Restoration Hardware. In her living room (not pictured) she has Jonathan Adler stools atop a rug from Lowe’s.
To pull the above space together, Jenn painted the ceiling and the floors the same blue. Strategically placed vases and art keep the eyes moving. With an attention to detail, Jenn spray painted the sea fans blue before framing them on a linen background. The Ikat pillows in contrasting colors help perpetuate the blue and white theme of this space. Again, the monogram on the pillow offers a custom touch. The ottoman doubles as a coffee table when not needed for extra seating. I love how well this small space is used.
I also love how she continues the color scheme out on the porch, creating an extension of the indoor space.
Finally, the powder room is another example of the high-low style of this home. Jane Churchill wallpaper covers the walls, while the vanity, sink and mirror are from Z Gallerie.
I love peeking into the homes of “real” people and seeing how a beautiful home can be pulled together through hard work and vision. Can you believe she created this space in 30 days?
I’d love to hear how you have incorporated a high-low philosophy into the design of your home (or that of a client). In these tough economic times, I think the ability to accomplish this this shows true design ability.
