For quite some time now I have LOVED the idea of a room (particularly a dining room) with modern furnishings and a very large gold framed vintage portrait hanging on the wall. I recently found this one and had second thoughts so I left it behind. (Perhaps a dumb move).

via Bolaget

Today’s reader request is from Eva in Toronto: I was wondering if you could perhaps provide some inspiration on how to decorate and style some build-in units in a main living space? I would love to see how others around the world have filled these spaces with treasures/books/objects d’art so that I can do the same in my home. Simple enough request, but sometimes quite a daunting task to get vignettes looking just right. I constantly change items on display in my house as I am never happy with them and get bored quick. Observing how others display objects can help us rethink how our own pieces are used. For example, I have a bunch of spray painted black vases (leftover from my wedding) on some shelving, and I took a wide/short vase and stuck 2 skinny/tall vases in it. I have a stack of about 8 books on the same shelving, standing upright with the tallest at the back and shortest at the front that way you get a peek at the cover of each book (seen here). Hopefully the following group of photos help to inspire Eva’s built-in displays.

Lonny

all about you

Lonny

Hus & Hem

Lonny

Design*Sponge

Jen Fong

MH Studio

Lonny

Studiomama

Freunde von Freunden

Lonny

David Jimenez

Living Etc.

Domino	Domino
vtwonen	Lili Diallo
Katrine Martensen-Larsen	RUM
Design*Sponge	Decor Demon
Piet Boon	The Selby
Freunde von Freunden	The Selby

I came across the architectural and interior design firm of Arkhefield recently and discovered they are based in Brisbane, Jo’s neck of the woods. They are a very talented group of designers who seem to be able to take relatively normal plots of land in residential ‘hoods and turn them into marvelous masterpieces. The exteriors of these homes are really something else.

I have another Shoot Factory location home in London to share. This time it is fairly simple, and despite not being a lover of taupe-ish walls, I am enjoying these with fabulous black stained hardwood floors and white trim. I must mention the stack of Tolix armchairs that had me gasping in delight.

Whitney sent us the following email the other day: My husband and I (along with our three year old son and five month old son) just started an interior design business in the San Francisco area. With the economy down and many people having to rent homes instead of own them (us included) we thought that designing for renters was something the market was missing. We do quick small budget makeovers while the family goes out on a date! 2 hours and you have a new well designed space. What a fantastic idea! They have a blog with details of their business, and below are some before and after photos I found there. Good luck with your new biz Whitney and Kevin!

BEFORE

AFTER!

BEFORE

AFTER!

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AFTER!

BEFORE

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AFTER!