Asian Living Rooms

Marrying simple pieces with soft neutral colors gave this place warmth and fluidity. Sometimes it's just the little things that really make the difference. Here, simple window treatments and lush exotic pillows combine to add a subtle Asian influence with an overall result that is casual, comfortable, sophisticated and inviting. This design began with a breathtaking antique Japanese screen with a striking wisteria motif. The gnarled branch of the black vine is emphasized by the black lacquered furniture and accessories and reinforced through the dark-on-light palette. Clean lines and luxurious fabrics complete the design, resulting in a truly timeless spac... A subtle Asian influence is reflected in this living room. The interest is found in the blocks of color and the variety of textures. A two-sided Venetian Plaster fireplace wall also holds a recessed plasma screen. All television equipment, CDs and DVDs are stored in the dark-stained floor-to-ceiling cabinet that buffers the plaster from the red wall.

An elegant and opulent lounge was created using a hand-made 24 karat gold wallcovering imported from Japan, hand blown Italian glass pendants, luminescent glass tile in a lit niche surrounded by zebrawood as well as around a fireplace with a substantial cherry stained mantel. Custom upholstered lounge chairs share tulip

A large wall mirror expends the view of this inviting tropical living space. Photography by Francis Augustine.

The color on the wall makes this living room warm and inviting, and the dark wood tones are offset by the creams and reds which lends to an Asian feel.

Use different types of seating for a more sophisticated look. The sofas and chairs don't always have to be a maternity set. Consider a large ottoman for double duty or extra seating. Make your living room style complementary to the rest of your home so there is visual continuity.

In spite of the Zen-type minimalist, Asian style, in modern life beautiful ornate and very opulent items can be included in a design. Keep a room uncluttered with minimal furnishings.

This living room combines surreal and earthy elements with vibrant color for a stylish and unexpected effect.

Inspired by the antique Japanese screen and punctuated with a red leather coffee table, this classically modern space embodies balance and harmony. The walls, hand-painted to resemble linen, are the perfect backdrop for the natural fibers that are used exclusively in the room.

The coffee table in this living room has a beautiful wedge wood finish which makes a chic, exotic statement in the room. Its height fits perfectly with the low sectional sofa and also offers extra storage with its wide side drawers. The circular shape of the drum table brings warmth and comfort to the reading space in the room. It has clean

The Asian theme of this sitting area and office is carried through with bamboo, ceramic garden benches and collected pieces.

Magic of mirrors " No smoke here! Just 9 new ways to decorate with mirrors, indoors and out "

Fun ways to decorate with mirrors

Bedroom of reflection

Oakland, Calif., interior designer Sheri Sheridan says one bold item can make any room feel substantial. But who says bold has to mean expensive? Not us.

Glam up furniture

Two pieces of ⅛ -inch-thick mirrored glass custom-cut at a glass store give a stunning look to this salvaged side table. Don’t ask us how, but even your ancient coffee mug will sparkle sitting on top of shiny glass. Tip: For easy cleanup of spills, don't glue down the mirrors.

Illusion of space

This oversize walnut-framed mirror opens up designer Chris Choy’s living room by reflecting the white walls in his two-story house in San Francisco. A mirror like this is definitely an investment. But take Choy’s advice for keeping things reasonable: Decorate mainly with furniture pieces from salvage yards then toss in a few high-design splurges to give an impression of luxury.

Create a window

No window? No problem. Interior designer-contractor Francesca Harris replaced unattractive windows on this aging shed with pivoting shutters. Then she created her own window by placing a mirror behind the daybed to reflect the light and surrounding landscape.

Indoor furniture outside

With grilling season upon us, we know everyone is spending more time on patios, decks, and rooftops. Give your guests a comfy space to hang out while you’re busy channeling Bobby Flay. A mirror gives this outdoor space a living room look, but it’s guaranteed to stand up to sun and rain. Mirrors strategically positioned also create an illusion of space in cramped patios.

Faux pond

Altering the ecosystem in your garden isn’t always an option. A mirror creates a glacial lake when it’s laid flat without disturbing existing roots. This small glass pool reflects the sky and surrounding plants the way a mountain pool would — only no swimming here. Tip: Mask the edges by adding a layer of smooth river rocks of varying sizes and colors to mimic a rocky beach.

Mirrored cabinets

Mirrors in the bathroom clearly serve a purpose when you’re flossing each morning, but that doesn’t mean they can’t look luxurious. Mount two inexpensive mirrored cabinets next to each other to create one seamless surface. You’ll get the look of a pricey oversize mirror without spending the cash.

Portholes of design

Three perfectly placed mirrors in this family room create an oceanfront feel few nautical paintings could pull off. A typical piece of art could confine a smaller space. Instead, mirrors add an airy elegance as they reflect light.

A few installation tips

Wear heavy leather gloves and protective glasses when working with mirrors. If you will be placing the mirror where children play, use safety glass. Give the mirror proper support. Frame the mirror with wood, metal, plastic, or even tile.

decorating tips

Carry your style outdoors

"Outdoor areas are often the last to receive design attention, but they shouldn't be," says landscape designer Matt Lemos. "Plan space for your lifestyle by incorporating ample seating, table surfaces, cushions, play areas, eating spots, and sunning areas." By carrying your design style outdoors, you can turn a patio, deck, or even a balcony into another room of the house. This sleeping porch, a feature of many Craftsman houses, is updated with contemporary styling and weatherproof drapery and upholstery fabric.

Design for gathering

Family rooms are gathering places that should exude a relaxed style and communicate warmth and playfulness. Perhaps the most important consideration for such an active room is how to keep the space's flow while noting its separate areas. Color, furniture placement, and area rugs can help meet this goal. Here, a U-shaped seating area encourages conversation. Artifacts from family travels reflect the personalities of those who live here, while the fireplace and television anchor the space.

Find a fabric you love

For designer Jennifer Hilgardner, the right fabric is one of the best ways to enhance an interior. "Find a fabric you love," she says. "Choose a signature fabric with enough design elements so you can pull out colors, coordinate textures and have lots of options for furnishings and accessories." Here, green and blue accents in the fabric even play off the foliage outside.

Layer color and texture

The clean design of this blue and white kitchen is layered with pops of energetic color. The red drum pendant from Croft & Little illuminates the bamboo island top from Teragren. Glass-front cabinets provide a showcase for colorful pottery. The bamboo-topped table on casters tucks under the island and can roll away for use throughout the house or outside. Mixing up the chair styles adds casual appeal.

Use practical items as accents

For most people, the kitchen is the hub around which family and friends revolve. It makes sense that the decor reflects the dwellers' tastes and interests. Decorative accents give any kitchen a personal touch. These include practical pieces such as rugs and furniture, decorative pots, canisters, and cookbook libraries. Here, colorful, often-used items are grouped together for a visual display on top of an antique cabinet.

Integrate workspaces

A home office can be carved out of the smallest of spaces. Here, office essentials are easily housed in the covered storage, on the floating shelf, and in the almost-hidden drawer of the work surface.

Create flow

Common colors and materials help connect your living spaces. Display signature pieces without too much fanfare. Try using one simple but dramatic floral stem or leaf in a chunky modern glass vase. In transitional areas, brushed nickel or silver works well for frames, accessories, and fixtures.

Choose pieces with meaning

When Jason and Jill Williams hired a firm to design their home, they clearly stated that the theme was "sparse." They did not intend to buy things to simply fill the house; they wanted to acquire pieces over time that had meaning, complemented their lifestyle, and reflected their personalities. While the theme was "sparse," sleek and modern wasn't their design choice. Instead, they mixed furniture styles with rustic, stained, and painted finishes. Every piece serves a purpose, and each can be used in different ways for years to come.

Smart art display

Include tall and low elements throughout the room to keep your eye moving. As a general rule, hang framed photos and art at eye level (or a bit higher if the ceilings are high). Keep in mind eye-level may be lower in a room designed for seating. Here, a lipstick-red wall sets off black-and-white photos and a mix of collected treasures.

Create groupings

Displays of treasured and found items give guests a glimpse into your life and remind you of your history. A key to successful display is using a common denominator such as color, material, shape, or some other theme. Create small groupings throughout the room. And remember, less is more. Don't clutter your display by trying to showcase everything. Instead, rotate cherished items often for added interest.

Try a unifying white White

walls provide a backdrop for the other elements of this house, and they're easy to live with for the long run. The furnishings here are equally crisp and informal. Accessories play off these neutrals

Dramatic backdrop

A black-and-white palette sets a dramatic and flexible backdrop for family photos and accessories. Here, a glossy chocolate-brown accent wall sets off the translucent candleholders and simple white candles. Lean multiple frames of various sizes against a wall for a casual collage effect.

Keep it clean and flexible

Designer Francesca Harris believes in collections rather than single objects. "Collections have impact," she says. The use of mass-market frames and mats gives her the freedom to swap photos in and out, and keeps her displays from feeling too precious.

Make Decorations For Your Table

Build a tablescape Start with slender but sturdy dried plant material from your garden or a craft or florists' supply store. 1. Select your base: a piece of plywood or wood, or a slate or terra-cotta floor tile. 2. Lay out a geometric hole pattern around the candle(s). For safety, ensure that nothing is too close to the flame. 3. Use an electric drill with a wood or masonry bit that is slightly smaller than the stems' diameter. 4. If holes are too small, whittle stems with a craft knife. Glue in place if desired. 5. Position candle(s); votives should be in glass surrounds, but larger candles can sit directly on base. Use long-necked gas igniters to light. Twigs Tree-like twigs edge a stream bed of green pebbles running down the center of a sealed 30-inch piece of redwood 1-by-4. Leaves "Skeleton" or "fossil" leaves (available at craft stores) overlap to form a pair of gossamer screens, flanking votive candles centered on a 12-inch square of black-painted plywood. Position leaves so they curve outward, making sure they’re at least 2 inches from the candles. Mini cattails Concentric circles of mini cattails surround a 4-inch-diameter candle. The outer cattails stand about 14 inches tall, while inner ones are 21 inches

Headboard Ideas

Work With What You Have

A study in light and bright contrasts, Candice incorporated the homeowner's existing espresso-stained wood headboard into the new attic master suite by balancing its dark tone with plenty of white accented by cheery pear green.

Light It Up

This teen's bedroom is truly a mini apartment — a lounge area, desk and sleeping space all flow seamlessly together. To define the bed, Candice suspended tiny pendant lights over the headboard which was given a fresh coat of steely blue paint to work with the room's hip, masculine vibe.

Romantic Retreat for Globe Trotters

Candice created this master suite to celebrate a young couple's love of far-off locales. To contrast with the room's many exotic souvenirs, she kept the bed traditional with a plush, custom headboard upholstered in rich charcoal-gray velvet framed by silver nail-head trim.

Ready for Romance

Candice knows how to spark a flame in the bedroom. She recommends starting with a soothing color palette paired with the right amount of soft lighting to create a restful sanctuary. A built-in fireplace and massive crystal chandelier enhance the room's romantic feel while an oversized, upholstered headboard takes advantage of the soaring vaulted ceiling.

Too Hip to Be Square

David covered an accent wall in sculptural, laser-cut mahogany to create a dramatic backdrop for the room's nightclub-inspired round bed. Minimal twin headboards, covered in the same sleek, white vinyl as the rest of the bed, provide a comfortable spot for lounging without visually competing with the focal wall.

Subdued Sophistication

Richly textured, neutral fabric surrounded by a raised walnut frame is a refined choice for this streamlined bedroom. Sarah combined soft gray with pale cream for a look that is evocative of old Hollywood yet is still fresh and modern.

Big on Style

To David, color is the root of great design. He expresses his theory by brightening up this airy bedroom with large paintings in saturated shades of orange and blue. A substantial tufted headboard, that encompasses both nightstands, makes the bed a soft place to land at the end of a long day.

Fresh Take on Floral

A feminine, curvilinear design makes this custom headboard a real attention getter. The large-scale abstract floral pattern Sarah chose is both youthful and classic. Pillows in coordinating colors finish the look.

Country Charmer

A richly patinaed brass bedstead is the natural partner to a vintage handmade quilt in Sarah's country house. Her inspiration for this bedroom was actually the paisley pattern used on the pillows — the bed's warm golden hue complements the tightly patterned fabric perfectly.

Fresh Take on a Classic

A traditional four-poster frame visually anchors the bed in this soaring, vaulted bedroom. Bright pops of citrus green and yellow add modern verve to the room's timeless style. Design by Sarah Richardson.

Timeless Room for a Little Girl

Sarah pairs pillows made from a vintage chenille bedspread with a decidedly feminine headboard covered in a modern take on country floral. Sarah recommends that when decoraing a child's room to not make it too juvenile because kids will too quickly outgrow it.

Moorish Masterpiece

The oversized spherical posts are the star of this bed. So, in place of a traditional headboard David hangs one of his original paintings and adds comfort with Moroccan-inspired pillows piled in an asymmetrical fashion.

Space-Saving Design

Scaled to tuck under the windows in Sarah's summer cottage, this headboard, covered in an exuberant floral fabric, adds just the right pop.