Cozying up homes, especially this time of year, delivers a special level of comfort. Whether a house, apartment or townhouse, an ambiance of hospitality can be created. Warm-toned furnishings and lighting can make immediate differences. Winter often provokes nostalgic feelings of family gatherings, anticipated festivities and home-style cooking. Bring back the familiar by also adding a few traditional style elements, such as holiday-scented candles, embroidered accent pillows, a cushy rocking chair, heirloom books or a plaid blanket, for example. Get inspired by these "looks" to create perfectly chic and personally welcoming spaces!
JML Interior Design
Jeanne Lashmett, owner of JML Interior Design, enjoys creating calming, serene gathering spaces that allow people to relax and focus on each other. "We often apply customized, casual touches of elegance, along with watercolor-like, softer color palettes in such rooms," she says. In the room featured here, her goal was to open it up, making it feel bright and airy. Heavy formal window treatments were removed, being replaced by luxurious white plantation shutters. The more serious furniture was replaced with a much more casual style. The incorporation of taller plants and softer-colored finishes allowed an outdoors-brought-in feeling to be developed. "I can easily see this room being in a cozy coastal setting, on a tranquil beach, asserts Jeanne.
314.435.4233
JMLInteriors.net
Yours By Design
C.J. Knapp, ASID, owner and principal interior designer of Yours By Design, designed a room spotlighted here that's appealing to all ages, by offering slivers of fun, tranquility or entertainment in every nook and cranny. "We design for the way people really live so they feel at home in their own homes, and for when others are joining them there," C.J. promises. In this instance, C.J. and her team converted a potential gathering space over a garage into a charming, friendly spot that's equally great for playing games, hosting a book club, watching movies, working at home, carving out privacy or having a sleepover.
314.283.1760
YoursByDesign.net
Marcia Moore Design
Kathleen Matthews, interior designer with Marcia Moore Design, enjoys gathering spaces with tremendous views. She says the urban loft accentuated here is the perfect combination of sleek and comfortable, thanks to inviting seating and plenty of lighting. "We love the combination of modern and transitional pieces, and the gold tones warm up the space," she adds. Framed ball gloves on the wall offer a creative alternative to traditional art, and the pops of red create the perfect amount of bold visual interest. Guests can enjoy the view, or pull up an ottoman to enjoy a drink around the cocktail table.
314.395.1114
MarciaMooreDesign.com