Design Inspiration for our New Home

It’s a new year… and a new home, for me personally speaking!

After eight wonderful years in Chicago’s Lakeview East, K and I decided to move across the city to a different neighborhood, Bucktown. So far, we’re enjoying the change — (plus, being located closer downtown has its perks.) With a bit more space to call home and a fresh take on things, we’re feeling ready to make this new abode feel more like ours.

So, what’s in mind for the new place? Truthfully, when it comes to decor lately… I’m craving more color, contrast, earthiness, warmth.

Looking at major design trends in recent years, we’ve had a solid run of bright whites and cool greys for the past several years. While I’m still fond of that look, I find myself really gravitating toward bronze and black, vintage finds, natural materials, velvets, antiqued brass, historical elements, and things that look like they’ve been used before. (You know what I mean?)

We have many beloved pieces that surely have a place in our new home, but we do have extra space to furnish this time around. We’re prioritizing room-by-room, focusing on major anchoring pieces — like a rug or sofa. A major consideration, for us, in the design process is: seating. Every room needs an inviting sofa, cozy armchair, catchall ottoman, cool vintage stool, or the like! Our first purchase for the new place was a traditional English roll arm sofa and two velvet armchairs.

In advent of the times and technology, there are countless resources and sites to find inspiration — no matter your taste. Of course, I turn to the usual suspects like Instagram and Pinterest. A few favorites to follow? I especially enjoy Horsch Interiors, Steven Gambrel, Timothy Whealon, Colin King, Amy VermillionRenea Abbott, and Veranda Interiors.

These are some of the images and items I’ve bookmarked for inspiration…

Design Details…

Piedmont Lantern (Ballard Designs) | Velvet Sofa (Henredon) | Bronze Side Table (Amazon) | Table Lamp (Horsch Interiors) | Bryant Chandelier (Thomas O’Brien) | English Roll Arm Sofa (Bespoke by Luigi Gentile) | Boxes (CB2) | Curved Accent Chair (Aerin) | Circular Mirror (Crate & Barrel) | Brass Sconce (Visual Comfort) | Discs (Horsch Interiors) | Ottoman Stools (William Switzer) | la part du vent, by Georges Ferrato (Antiques de Provence) | Velvet Upholstered Chair (Pottery Barn) | Antiqued Gold Hardware (CB2) | Agate Coasters (Williams-Sonoma) | Olive Plant (McGee & Co.)

 

Has your design sense evolved with time? What sources and design styles do you love most?

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18 Comments

  1. McKenzie wrote:

    I am totally loving this look. Digging the vibe!

    Posted 1.8.19 Reply
  2. Sara Albertson wrote:

    Agree with you on this! There’s something about warmth and traditional style that always feels “right” when you’re at home.

    Posted 1.9.19 Reply
  3. Paul wrote:

    I have been gravitating towards bronze and black as well. They give my room a real bold and unique feel that I am fond of. Great article!

    Posted 1.9.19 Reply
  4. Fiona wrote:

    I love the white whites and cool greys. Seating is essential for decorating a new space! Thanks for the read!

    Posted 1.9.19 Reply
  5. Tabitha wrote:

    I love the the emphasis on looking “used.” So many mod home designs just don’t look… comfortable! Like, cute couch but I wouldn’t want to sit on it, you know? I’m super into these ideas you’ve got here

    Posted 1.10.19 Reply
  6. Andrew wrote:

    I like the idea of taking it room by room, sometimes it can be overwhelming to try and tackle the whole house at once!

    Posted 1.10.19 Reply
  7. Allison wrote:

    I love finding vintage pieces as well to give a room character! The vintage finds can serve as a conversation piece!

    Posted 1.10.19 Reply
  8. Avery wrote:

    An essential touch to a room is the sofa or couch – a comfortable looking one is always inviting. Great read!

    Posted 1.11.19 Reply
  9. Giulianna wrote:

    I am obsessed with the lighting fixtures! They so perfectly tie the rooms together. Thanks for sharing!

    Posted 1.11.19 Reply
  10. Michael wrote:

    The brown with the white is a perfect look! And the lamps are placed beautifully.

    Posted 1.11.19 Reply
  11. Sarah wrote:

    I love all the touches of industrial in the finishings and furniture. It brings a great combination of rust and elegant style to these rooms

    Posted 1.11.19 Reply
  12. Jessie wrote:

    With hard wood its all about the lighting and i think with the combination of space and lighting it looks great.

    Posted 1.12.19 Reply
  13. Tatum wrote:

    The wooded flooring look in the kitchen is one of my all time favorites. It just brings out such a comfy, homey feel! Good read 🙂

    Posted 1.14.19 Reply
  14. Carolyn wrote:

    The warm colors are a great choice! I love the pieces you’ve selected. Especially the velvet arm chair.

    Posted 1.16.19 Reply
  15. Great article Laura! This combination of colours makes any house feel like a home. Thank you for sharing.

    Posted 1.22.19 Reply
  16. dani wrote:

    i really love this style! the color scheme is great and looks classy. great read.

    Posted 1.23.19 Reply
    • Fantastic blog! I always find something interesting….  Thanks

      Posted 2.12.19 Reply
  17. Hi! Thanks so much for including our Sullivan Bridgewater (English Arm Sofa) sofa in your piece! Love that it inspires you just as much as it does us. Great blog!

    Posted 3.28.19 Reply

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