The Grotto

As I was doing my web browsing today (I'm in the habit of searching for random pictures), I found this precious little oddity. Despite its apparent eccentricity, I could appreciate certain elements of the overall design. This is a room that evokes nature, and I am not just refering to the clearly dominating flora in the lower level. With its curves in the furniture and even the rounded walls, few sharp corners can found in the room. Also take notice of the lighting system- rather than electric lighting systems, the elipse-shaped skylights allow natural sunlight to permeate the room. The stained glass makes for a perfect finishing touch and adds a bit of color.

To attempt such a room is a challenge, so I give major kudos to the designers who have successfully pulled it off. So remember, when choosing a design for a room, your possibilities can be as open as you are willig and able to make them. Nothing is impossible.

Image source: http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=30krn1e&s=3

Seashells

I love seashells! :)

Black, White, Red

Now I don't consider myself a fan of modern design, but something about this room really appeals to me. What grabs my attention most (in a good way!) is the bold choice of colors, in particular the way the color red accentuates the otherwise black and white room. I also like the black bookcases along the back wall. The only thing I find absolutely atrocious is the hanging light fixture...it's just too bad it doesn't go with the room at all. How awful.

Love Books?

Make them a part of your home! You can use them as part of the decoration of almost any room.

Have an unusual, sloping ceiling? Well, the good news is that you CAN install a custom-shaped bookshelf designed to fit your livingroom!

The library-esque ladder is a suggestion for tall bookshelves.

Would you put this in your house?

Lila Jang's "Wall-Climbing Sofa" is one of a kind!

And since we're on the topic of wacky couches, here's another novelty:

Puzzle Sofa, by François Bauchet. This would be ideal for the personality type referred to as the obsessive-compulsive furniture rearranger, or simply to suit a variety of ever-changing scenarios. Great for parties!

Nature meets Modernity

Live plant decor and tree stumps for miniature coffee tables blend nicely with sleek white, modern-style sofa and white carpet. Not to mention the flat-screen TV.

A Room in Colonna Palace, Rome

The vermillian on the walls is complemented by the repetition of gold in the picture frames to create a royal elegence.

Color Tips

Trying to decide what color to paint a room? Here are a few general guidelines to keep in mind:

Lighter colors make a room feel more spacious, while darker colors make a room feel smaller. If the room in question makes you feel slightly claustrophobic, a light paint will make you feel more at ease. If the room is overwhelmingly large, darker colors will make it feel cozier.

Warm colors can make a cold room feel warmer, while cool colors can make a warm room feel cooler.

Red makes the blood pressure rise, and has been known to create tension. However it is a color that can warm up a room and bring energy to an otherwise dull environment.

Orange brings warmth and energy, and can also be a fun color.

Yellow is a color that tends to make people feel uncomfortable, unless paint your walls with a lighter or darker shade. Middle yellow is good to use in small quantities and detailing.

Green is the most restful color in the color spectrum. This is the color to go with if you want your room to be a place of zenful retreat.

Blue is a calming color, though it would not be recommended for a cold room.

Purple can be funky and unique, or deep and rich.

Remember, the two-square-inch color sample at your local Home Depot may be deceiving under florescent lighting. Take the sample home and tape it in the wall of the room you intend to paint in order to see how the color would look in the lighting of that room. Also try to visualize what that two-square-inches of color would look like on the entire wall surface: what you buy is not always what you get.

Welcome

Hello and welcome to Lively Interior Design! We are dedicated to bringing you a fresh outlook on design techniques and to providing an excellent standard of service for room renovators. Please feel free to browse this site for ideas and give feedback if you wish.

We look forward to serving you!