House Tours

We're going to be dating," is what Jarret tells his clients when they first meet. He wants them to understand that interior design is a process, and in order for it to be successful and feel organic, it has to be created over time. Jarret, an interior designer, took one year to transform Sarah and Dan's rental apartment into their home.



It’s almost a year ago when we moved in our apartment and we are pretty much settled. When we had to choose for furniture it was a hell of a job, because my love and I have a very different taste. A few years ago I found new interest in decorating and I was hooked on country-style, rustic furniture. But my love is more into the modern style. So I had to find a way to make these two styles work together.



Jeanine, also known as the voice behind Aphrochic, has been bringing her blend of "modern style with soul" to the blogosphere for years. We've been intrigued with the occasional shots of her house that have been featured on the blog, so it was with pleasure that we headed over to North Beach to meet Jeanine and tour her home.



My recent gut renovation of my kitchen was pulled together for less than $5000 (appliances included) proving that you don't have to spend a fortune to pull together a great looking kitchen. This philosophy extends to the rest of my (600 sq. ft.) 1 bedroom apartment as well...proving that there are no limits when it comes to mixing eBay finds with big box pieces — and all on small budget.



Can you imagine living at high school? While it may be every sixteen year old's nightmare, Chuck and Holly were able to fully embrace the unique character of their new home. It is located in an old high school building originally built in 1872 which was converted to condos in 2005. The conversion was done with an eye on the past as the space retains some of details from the original use - their wood floors are from the boys gymnasium!



If you think that this sunny San Francisco studio apartment looks familiar, congratulate yourself for having a keen memory -- Frances' bright and cozy Lower Pacific Heights apartment was a contestant in our Small Cool 2008 competition last April. We liked how comfortable and inviting it seemed, even for such a small space, so we were glad to take an in-person look at the studio and share what we saw.



As a little something different for our day away from regular posting, we put together a crash course in bedrooms, midwest-style. Ten interesting, well designed bedrooms pulled from our recent housetours, these are filled with inspiration and ideas for bedrooms of all sizes and styles...and you can click through to the original full tour for each in the links below the jump. Enjoy!



We're very happy to present our first house tour from India, compliments of architect, Rajiv Majumdar, whose modest sized 500 sq. ft. apartment is an amalgam of styles, components, textures and colours. Budget solutions like a near-free steel bucket sink compliment a nearby steel pipe framed bed, blending an industrial chic veneer with modernist solutions: sliding bathroom wall and a flush-mounted LCD television invisibly set within a large mirror wall. Despite the small space, Rajiv has managed to even incorporate a miniature art gallery with intention of letting elements of it to rust!



We heard from Lois, who rehabbed a tiny cottage into a cozy home. She writes, It is in St. Louis, MO and built in 1938 for the sum of 500 dollars! I found the original bid when I bought the property. It is 400 sq. feet but I really love it.



See that porch light there by the front door? It's a beacon. To a warm and cozy retreat at the end of a snow-filled walk. Home to Lena for 30 years, her house in downtown Montreal shelters a much-loved interior filled with art and collections from a lifetime of creation and travel. Hailing from Sweden with extensive travel in Vietnam and Africa, the home reflects her widespread roots while remaining a traditional Montreal residence...

Modern Living Room Decor

logan sectional

Sleek, comfortable, low-profile pieces configure in countless arrangements. Richly textured basket-weave upholstery over thick padding. Kiln-dried hardwood frames and chocolate-stained hardwood feet. Simple assembly.


tillary modular seating

Comfort and versatility, enhanced with the addition of our ottoman and corner cushion. Unattached, heavily weighted back supports shift to any part of the platform, remaining securely in place; remove back supports for comfortable lounging. Layers of soft padding wrap around heavy-gauge sinuous springs and a durable hardwood/wood construction frame. Ottoman and corner cushion combine with sofa unit in myriad configurations. Simple assembly. Made in USA. Sofa unit includes base and two back supports. Cotton basket-weave upholstery in ivory or henna; also in herringbone suede-textured poly in charcoal or saddle.


armless sectional

Textured basket weave upholstered over thick padding and loose cushions. Kiln-dried hardwood frames and polished-nickel-plated steel legs. Textured solid tweed upholstered over thick padding and loose cushions. Simple assembly. Made in USA.


dean sofa + armchair

A modern twist on retro styling, with a low profile, clean lines and chunky proportions. Comfortably padded and tightly upholstered in soft poly. Wood frame and chocolate-stained wood legs. Fully assembled.


goodwin collection

Thick padding and loose cushions upholstered in richly textured woven poly (shown in dark charcoal) or soft stain-resistent poly velvet (mocha or charcoal). Kiln-dried hardwood frames and chocolate-stained hardwood feet. Simple assembly.


walton sectional

Textured cotton upholstery over thick padding and loose back cushions. Hardwood frame, wood corner-blocks. Single and corner units include two pillows; love seat includes three; sofa, five

basic futon

Versatile, adjustable designs in chocolate-stained solid hardwood. Simple assembly.


overlapping-squares chair + cushions

west elm's iconic interlacing geometric motif in solid wood. Armchair is fully assembled; side chair requires assembly.

curved upholstered chair

A contemporary take on seating, with a curvaceous silhouette. Wood construction; solid wood legs with chocolate finish. Soft velvet upholstery is durable and stain resistant. Detailed with subtle button tufting.

oval back dining chair

Retro-chic seating, contoured for comfort. Solid hardwood.

Modern Sectional Living Room Furniture

Modern Black Leather Sectional Living Room Furniture

This is an extremely modern sectional sofa drapped in black leather it seats up to 7 people without a problem, and features two end tables, and one with a built in light! and for those with a really big crowd to please and would like to seat in comfort the back panel located behind the chaise is durable enough to seat additional guest! Rest assured this piece offers it all luxury, space, and comfort!

Features:

• Top grain Italian leather
• Sectional sofa set
• Color: Black (can be ordered in different colors 6-8 weeks)
• Only solid hardwood products are used in the frame construction.
• All of the seats and backs are high density (1.9) foam to give comfort and support
• Wood end table on one side of the sectional
• Solid wood legs in espresso color
• Made of the highest quality leather in combination with the best leather match

Contemporary Modular Sectional Sofa

Sectional white leather sofa set. Create as many combinations as you can with this versatile sectional, ottoman could be used as an extension or separate piece.

Features:

• Color: off-white
• Can be ordered in different color, special order 6-8 weeks
• All of the seats and backs are high density (1.9) foam to give comfort and support
• All corners are "blocked", nailed, and glued for strength and durability.
• Made of the highest quality leather in combination with the best leather match

Contemporary Leather Living Room Furniture

Come up with many alternatives to set up your living space as you like it! End corner can also be used as an ottoman or center piece. top grain leather covered and steel legs. also available in different colors.
Sexy modular sectional sofa set in dark expresso color. For people with sophisticated taste

Features:

• Sectional sofa set: 4 pcs
• Modular pieces
• Top grain leather
• St. steel legs
• Color: espresso
• All pilows are included
• All of the seats and backs are high density (1.9) foam to give comfort and support
• Only solid hardwood products are used in the frame construction.
• All corners are "blocked", nailed, and glued for strength and durability.
• Made of the highest quality leather in combination with the best leather match

Ultra Modern Sectional Sofa

Come up with many alternatives to set up your living space as you like it! end corner can also be used as an ottoman or center piece. top grain leather covered and steel legs.Modern elegant contemporary sectional sofa set.

Features:

• Top grain leather
• Color: light ivory
• All of the seats and backs are high density (1.9) foam to give comfort and support
• Only solid hardwood products are used in the frame construction.
• All corners are "blocked", nailed, and glued for strength and durability.
• Made of the highest quality leather in combination with the best leather match

Ultra Modern Leather Sectional Sofa Set

This revolutionary unique style of a piece is sure to add that hint of excitement with a splash of sophistication that is lacking in your cozy get away, this piece is full leather made of top Italian grade leather.

Features:

• Ultra Modern Sectional Sofa Set
• Contemporary strait lines
• Top Grain Italian Leather
• Full Leather
• Adjustable headrest
• Stainless steel legs
• Can be ordered in different colors 6-8 weeks - Special Order
• Only solid hardwood products are used in the frame construction.
• All of the seats and backs are high density (1.9) foam to give comfort and support

Contemporary Leather Living Room Furniture

Revolutionary style and unique in design this top grain Italian leather sectional is easily the center piece to perfect that room thats been missing something all these years.

Features:

• Contemporary Stylish Sectional sofa set
• Top Grain Italian leather
• Full Leather
• Coffee table included
• Ottoman included
• Adjustable and removable headrest
• Lamps are not included
• Only solid hardwood products are used in the frame construction.
• All corners are "blocked", nailed, and glued for strength and durability.
• All of the seats and backs are high density (1.9) foam to give comfort and support

Modern Living Room Furniture

A great fit for any corner also available in an exotic camel color. Modern leather sectional sofa set, fully equiped with corner coffee table in solid wood, adjustables headrest, legs match table wood finish.

Features:

• Top grain Italian leather
• Color:camel (light brown)
• Adjustable headrests
• Only solid hardwood products are used in the frame construction. All corners are "blocked", nailed, and glued for strength and durability.
• All of the seats and backs are high density (1.9) foam to give comfort and support
• Only heavy gauge steel is used for comfortable seat and back support.
• Made of the highest quality leather in combination with the best leather match

Contemporary Leather Sectional Furniture With Built-In End Tables

A beautiful living room is always incomplete without some aesthetic touch in the interiors and elegant furniture. Who wouldn't like to flatter the guests with the stunning ambiance of one's home, which are in sync with modern day contemporary trends? So presented to you is this modern sectional sofa that adds the classy ambiance to the room in your house that no one can resist but only enjoy it candidly.

It's an eye candy for all with the beige colored top grain leather structured in pure Italian design sectional. The end tables of the sofa are of espresso color and have leather trims in red. They are added with two matching leather pillows. The grained finish of the leather adds a graceful touch to the modern furniture and makes it a perfect choice for a full and beautiful room in your house.

Features:

• Top grain Italian leather
• Color: beige
• Built in coffee tables
• Wood top coffee tables
• Red leather accents on the coffee table
• The back support is constructed from solid hardwood, which in turn sits on chrome plated metal tubes.
• Only solid hardwood products are used in the frame construction. All corners are "blocked", nailed, and glued for strength and durability.
• Only heavy gauge steel is used for comfortable seat and back support.
• Italian design sectional sofa with built in end tables
• Made of the highest quality leather in combination with the best leather match

Contemporary Leather Sectional Sofa

With a Modern design in a sleek look of black and white with side panel storage and a beautiful back corner design for a perfect edge finish.

Features:

• Italian leather
• Available in different colors (Special Order 6-8 weeks)
• Full Leather Sofa
• Adjustable end table on chaise
• Wood storage drawer on the right side
• Only solid hardwood products are used in the frame construction.
• All corners are "blocked", nailed, and glued for strength and durability.
• All of the seats and backs are high density (2.1) foam to give comfort and support

Contemporary Leather Living Room Furniture

Contemporary leather living room furniture.Ultra-modern new style sectional sofa set in black and white leather built to last a long time, accented with large white pillows and lots of space. interior body seats in black, exterior edges white.

Features:

• Leather sectional sofa set
• Color base:white, seat:black
• Cushions are included
• Italian leather
• Set includes: Sectional sofa, chair and ottoman
• Made of the highest quality leather in combination with the best leather match

Contemporary Brown Leather Living Room Furniture

Modern brown leather sofa set with ottoman, ultra modern Italian design, comes with two pillows.

Features:

• Top grain leather
• Brown colored legs
• Color: brown
• Available in other colors (special orders est. delivery 6-8 weeks)
• All pillows are included
• All of the seats and backs are high density (1.9) foam to give comfort and support
• Only solid hardwood products are used in the frame construction.
• All corners are "blocked", nailed, and glued for strength and durability.
• Set: sofa with ottoman
• Made of the highest quality leather in combination with the best leather match

Ultra Modern Leather Sectional Sofa

The magnificant piece will do nothing other than leave you visitors speechless, this luxurious unique design is drapped in to tones to accentuate its sleek design. This piece is not only stuning but it has all the comfort you seek and even a few extra bonuses with a exquisit built in glass top drawer for storage on the right side panel as well as a slim and sleek extended side table for supreme comfort and that finishing touch of unique style.

Features:

• Top grain leather
• Color: Off-white and black
• Adjustable headrest
• removable headrest
• Different colors available (special order 6-8 manuf.)
• All of the seats and backs are high density (1.9) foam to give comfort and support
• Only solid hardwood products are used in the frame construction.
• All corners are "blocked", nailed, and glued for strength and durability.
• Made of the highest quality leather in combination with the best leather match

Table Decoration

Urban
With bedside table adornments, less truly is more. Begin by allotting bedside real estate to items you consider absolutely necessary, perhaps a lamp and clock. Add one beautiful item, such as flowers or an artful object that appeals to your aesthetics. Finally, include something personal -- a photo or beloved book -- that makes you smile each time you see it.
For our urban look, warm up a sleek bedside cube with a curvy lamp, potted orchid, tiny cluster of flowers, and candle. Get practical with a small clock and leather storage box. Celebrate yourself with a small vintage sculpture and a stack of coffee table books.

Exotic

Pair an angular modern lamp with a wrapped-wicker nightstand for globe-spanning style. Showcase tropical greens simply in a clear cylindrical vase. A favorite travel photo adds personality, while a richly glazed ceramic tray for jewelry offers practicality.




Glam
Top a sleek table with a stunning sculptural lamp. Fill an edgy modern vase with colorful flowers. Stack books and pottery for an artsy yet casual look. Keep things real by designating a portion of the tabletop to bedside snacking.







Romantic
Combine a writing table and wicker boxes for a rich yet impromptu feel. Choose a swing-arm lamp for bedside reading but keep the look soft with a bowl of mums and a blanket displayed below. Casually pile books and writing supplies for a literary touch.






Classic
A black lacquer table acts as a pedestal for an Asian-inspired ginger-jar lamp. Inject both color and softness with a crystal vessel filled with fresh flowers. Store personal items in a small-scale mahogany trunk.









Cottage
Fill a wicker end table with coastal treasures, plus a few practicalities. Provide storage with a collection of antique sewing baskets, tins, and hatboxes. Rest a painted lamp atop a storage piece to achieve the ideal height for bedside lighting. Use a weathered window screen to visually pull together all the elements.

Simple Bedroom

Simple and Understated

This is a room that is masculine enough for a husband yet attractive enough to appeal to a woman. Sophisticated neutrals -- grays, taupes, ivories, and browns -- mix quietly, highlighted only by a kiss of pink in the art.

• Touchable pillows of velvet and faux fur dress the bed.
• A box spring cover stands in for a traditional bed skirt.
• The velvet ottoman offers a place to set blankets or luggage.
• A nightstand with wicker drawers adds a casual note.

Soft and Pretty Bedroom

A monochromatic color palette makes a small room feel larger. Awash in warm white, this bedroom is both airy and romantic. Shapely furnishings with aged finishes star in the pale room, where simple shapes and layers of texture combine to create pared-down elegance.

• Aubusson tapestry pillows add warmth to the crisp white bed linens.
• A French-style settee at the foot of the bed provides a soft spot to read.
• Plantation shutters ensure privacy but allow more light than bulky fabric treatments.
• A sisal rug softens a high-gloss wood floor.

Sunwashed Serenity

In this peaceful bedroom retreat, an entire wall of built-in bookcases was inspired by the homeowner's love of reading. The shelves put collections on display and add color. An opening in the shelves leads to an adjoining dressing room -- and adds a bit of whimsy.

• Placing the bed in the wall alcove makes it the room's focal point.
• Awash in soft neutral shades, the room feels calm and inviting.
• A sisal area rug adds warmth to the cold floor tiles.
• Carved wood furnishings fit with the room's organic look.

Sweet Sophistication

A toile in shades of cream and salmon was the guiding force for this room's design. Paired with a small check, the result is a room the occupant will love for years. Floral wallpaper, a delicate chandelier, and gold-framed artwork also contribute to the sophisticated style.

• A pair of iron beds allows a social butterfly to host sleepovers in style.
• The carpet features a pattern that matches the room's palette.
• A pitcher filled with flowers is in keeping with the cottage style.
• Mixing patterns is easy if they all feature the same colors.

Texture Trove

This simply serene bedroom began with a warm, neutral backdrop and was embellished with layers of texture, color, and contrast. The vintage hooked wool rug above the bed inspired the collection of pillows, including silk, tufted cotton, and crewelwork pieces, as well as the room's vivid orange accents.

• A linen skirt anchors the bed and connects to the headboard.
• For continuity, the bold orange accent color is repeated in several spots around the room.
• Architectural details, including wainscoting and a built-in display niche, add interest.
• Texture adds interest (and comfort) to a room without much color.

Tradition with a Twist

A playful mix of old and new gives this master bedroom its unique, eclectic look. Curvy in all the right places, the custom upholstered headboard takes its design cues from the undulating shape of the traditional bedside chest of drawers. The bed is outfitted with an unexpected mix of sweet, feminine florals and splashy, modern animal prints.

• Gold accents are a timeless choice -- perfect in traditional rooms.
• Animal prints are a surprisingly elegant accent for floral bedding.
• A bed skirt in the same damask as the headboard extends the look to the floor.
• Piping detail gives the headboard the look of a tailored mat and frame.

Twist of Lime

Dark chocolate walls outlined with white moldings reinforce the geometry of the furnishings. A rectangular bed, striped bedding, squared-off nightstands, and angular lampshades are offset only by a handful of rounded elements.

• Simple tailoring and linear elements emphasize contemporary style.
• A three-color scheme mixes dark and light brown with lime.
• The ceiling color is a 50/50 mix of brown wall paint and white.
• An abundance of natural light offsets deeper wall color.

Warming Trend

Rich gold tones combined with deep black furnishings give this room instant drama. Patterned wallpaper, floral pillows, and a detailed area rug add interest, while the velvet settee and linen draperies deliver warm texture.

• French doors let in light and provide access to the backyard.
• A plush white duvet cover gives the bed cuddle-up comfort.
• Using big furniture in smaller rooms actually makes the space seem larger.
• The bed's painted edges complement the room's color palette.

Winning Combination

Two small bedrooms were gutted and combined to create this spacious master suite. A new vaulted ceiling adds character and additional volume, while large windows capitalize on the view. Crown moldings, hardwood floors, and other character-defining elements were saved.

• A porthole window in the new gable lets in extra light.
• Hanging the window treatments high accentuates the room's tall ceilings.
• A neutral palette keeps the room light and airy.
• Worn furnishings mix with modern accessories for an eclectic look.