Pond Yacht

A pond yacht from the French West Indies provides a focal point in this living room.

 

Weekend Living Room

Makeover Adding an architectural detail to a wall can make a dramatic difference in any room. So the following day we purchased panels of beaded-board wainscot for the lower half of the walls. We nailed them around the whole room at a height of 5 feet (about 2 feet higher than a traditional chair rail). Then we chose simple pine moldings for the cap and added a bonus—a ledge on top for leaning artwork and family photos, plus a few votive candles

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Bring the Outdoors

Inside Neutral slipcovers mix with unusual finds in the living room. An antique folding garden table stands in for a coffee table. Carole choose to leave curtains off the large window to let outdoor views flood the room. Right, Exterior cypress shutters frame a window and provide a great alternative to traditional curtains. "I like architectural elements more than window treatments," Carolyn says.

 

Sky Yachts

In this living area, denim and wicker assemble under a fleet of pond yachts. Sky Yachts In this living area, denim and wicker assemble under a fleet of pond yachts.

 

Small shells sewn to curtains add weight and detail to window treatments.

 

Making Room for Guests

Two built-in window seats flank a children's entertainment unit in this light-filled upstairs family room. Each seat lifts up to reveal a twin sleeper pull-out bed. When not in use, the beds disappear inside the custom structures. Two built-in window seats flank a children's entertainment unit in this light-filled upstairs family room. Each seat lifts up to reveal a twin sleeper pull-out bed. When not in use, the beds disappear inside the custom structures.

 

Remove the cushions, and the window seats open to reveal fold-out beds. When they are not needed, the beds tuck easily out of sight.



The homeowners added fun children's bedding to the mattresses and topped the window seats with plump, striped cushions and bolsters. Now overnight guests can sleep comfortably in a treetop room that serves more than one
purpose.
 


Wide-Open Living Room

This comfortable living room has two large arched openings that fully connect it to the rest of the house. The bookshelves are framed by a wire curtain rod and sheer panels, which work to give the plain built-ins some pizzazz and to soften their appearance. Adjustable shelves allow for different-size collectibles, while a rust-colored accent wall behind them helps to highlight their contents.

 

Punctuated by Asian accessories and rust-colored pottery, this space provides a great place to read.

 

Pine floors, topped by a bright rug, and an arrangement of four chairs, cloaked in red-patterned and greenish-gold fabrics, create an area for conversation in this living room. Other accessories, such as glazed earthenware and framed photography, add decorative impact
 
  

The Guy's Room

The 700-square foot trophy room is a guy's dream come true. Sitting over the garage of the 2004 Progressive Farmer Idea House and Farmstead, the room is a perfect venue for communion with fellow outdoorsmen. The private library, one half of the trophy room, boasts a unique, green suede finish on the wall and comfortable, but not overly large leather seating arranged with conversation in mind. The other half of the trophy room contains a large wooden bar and a game table for a game of chess or cards.

 

Salado View Idea House

Library Lined with built-in bookcases, this handsome room serves as the library. Punctuated by Asian accessories and rust-colored pottery, the space provides a great place to read. Heightened by 12-foot ceilings, it is accessed by French doors opening off the gallery. Another set of doors opens to the pool area.

 

Spacious Family Room The eye is instinctively drawn upward to this family room's cathedral ceiling, which is supported by two massive hemlock beams. Large clear windows flank a carved limestone fireplace.

 

For larger spaces such as this family room, combine two of the same pieces of furniture or accessories for greater impact. This arrangement also reinforces the symmetry of the room. For example, two identical coffee tables were pushed together to create one large surface. If you can't find a rug that will fit a large room don't sweat it. To solve this dilemma, bind two matching rugs together to make a generous-size one that fits the space.

 

Masterpieces

Made Easy If expanses of blank wall leave you wishing for big, bold artwork to display, create some yourself. Producing a decorative stand-in for an original contemporary painting is a project you can accomplish in an afternoon. With the help of acrylic paints and prestretched canvas, you can easily produce one or more paintings in any combination

 

Watersound Living Room

This space is a quiet retreat set away from the traffic of the house. The oceanic blue of the walls provides a contrast to the rest of the room.



Smoky bull's-eye mirrors reminded the designer of portholes.



Sneaky Insulation

The expose framing and board ceiling of this home makes it seem as if it's not insulated. But layers of insulation are hidden behind the boards.

Wicker Works

Cushions in bright blues and greens add comfortable color to wicker furniture.

Seaside Style

Furniture lines in this living room mimic waves, dunes, and grasses.

Storage chests suggest sunken treasure.

A cocktail table stands on seahorse-shaped legs.



Neutral walls and upholstery serve as a canvas for bright, shell-motif fabrics.