High Style in a Cozy Space

Don't be afraid to abandon beige. This living room does bold color and pattern right. Plus, a totally new concept: No sofa.

In the latest handbook of home decor, there are two revered rules, followed by even the least devout interior designers: Arrange living rooms around a sofa, and use a neutral palette. Add a modest amount of punchy patterned pillows? Of course. Hang colorful artwork? Absolutely.

But mix pattern and bold hues on chairs and draperies, and forget the sofa? Perish the thought!

There are always style renegades though. For this living room, the homeowner allowed her love of colorful, fun interiors to take over. She said "no" to tan, beige, and cream and "yes" to deep coral, warm sage green, and a creative seating arrangement - all with incredible success. Here guests can curl up with cups of coffee and truly feel relaxed and engaged.

No Sofa, No Problem

Ditch the idea of standard seating when you want a cozy room to chat with family and friends. Instead of a sofa, designer Jennifer Spak placed four plush club chairs around a tufted ottoman with fringe trim. "Sometimes a sofa can feel isolating in a room where conversation is the focus," says Jennifer.

Genius idea: The fender around the fireplace keeps pets from getting too toasty, but it also serves as extra seating. The olive green, cut velvet, cheetah-print cushion on top of the railing is sturdy and comfortable enough for sitting.

Embrace the Color Wheel

A soft green shade on the walls, pulled from the ottoman fabric, serves as a serene backdrop for clever window treatments. Mounted on L-shaped curtain rods, the draperies are tied together where the banks of windows meet; the silk fabric softens the room's corners. Glitzy sconces and a pretty mirror hang above the mantel, adding sparkle without taking away from the furnishings. -STEPHANIE GIBSON MIMS

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One room decorated three ways: southemliving.com/october2007

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Oct 2007
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