IN THE DETAILS: MUSIC + BRICK + MIRRORS

There's nothing like some unexpected surprise details in a home to make things feel just a little more special... but this first space is over the top in fabulousness...

On top of the gorgeous overall contrast of salvage + modern, the piano tucked under the stairs is what did me in the most. Can you imagine music magically drifting through the space?

One of my other favorite surprises is when ceilings are given a little extra attention - in this case beautifully rounded exposed brick with a glamorous chandelier makes for a stunning rustic meets traditional look.

And, finally, a perfect example of practical meets pretty with this collection of antique gilded mirrrors as an accent to the full wall mirror. A fun way to create a little playful moment in an otherwise simple space.

*rooms via tumblr and skona hem

IN THE DETAILS: GRAPHIC GOODNESS

Graphic details don't always have to be bold. In fact, sometimes it's the more subtle additions that make a fabulous impact...

I think it's genius how well this lamp base and round mirror mimic the shapes in the wallpaper - it gives a visual continuity to this much-loved vignette.

A traditional ceiling just wouldn't have the same impact as these cut mirrors reflecting the pattern in the floor, and adding their own graphic detail at the same time.

The simplicity of this dining set is given a serious dose of personality just by adding mismatched fabrics to the chairs. A graphic touch that will not go unnoticed by lucky guests!

*images via unknown, kwid, frank features

IN THE DETAILS: GILDED COLLAGES, PETITE TABLES AND FLOATING MIRRORS

Alone, those little postcards from the museum you visited once in London or the vintage family photo of your mother in her childhood backyard don't always make much of an impact. But grouped and layered together like this? It's a work of art in itself!

Rooms flushed in white require little details of warmth and personality or they're sure to feel to sterile and stark. This little bedside table does the trick perfectly! The linen pillows and pair of vintage lamps soften things up as well.

I love a good, unexpected window vignette! Instead of hiding the heaters behind curtains, this space makes the most of the graphic vents to stage a stunning area where the grand scale of the mirror and candlesticks draw the eye up and through to the view behind. Reflective surfaces add to the fresh light.

Little details = big impact, and so does thinking outside the box!

*images via fujifiles, ny magazine, dti

IN THE DETAILS: CURTAIN CALL

I'm a firm believer in the difference curtains make in a home, so I'm really loving these unique details...

Not just the idea of doubling up curtains (which is wonderful, by the way), but having the outer layer blend into the paint color makes it less distracting while still adding gorgeous visual texture.

These gorgeous curtains with black trim would be beautiful enough on their own, but contrasted with a second layer of a subtle balloon curtain under just adds to the luxurious space.

I've yet to find a perfect spot in my own home to try and incorporate curtains as decor in entryways or surrounding a bath, like in this room, but I love the idea and I've seen it done well. Perhaps in the new apartment??? I'll have to tuck it away for future inspiration!


*rooms by mary mcdonald, and via elle decor and house beautiful

IN THE DETAILS: COZY THROWS, TIPTOES + WINDOW SILLS

Just few fun touches to try around the house...
Add a bright throw to any room - whether you think it 'works' or not! It will add a fun and playful touch, and it won't be long until we're swapping out winter comforters for for lightweight quilts.
There's no way opening this window to let in a little sunshine won't bring a smile to your face! Our bedroom is a rich grey just like this, and I'd love a pop of aqua to add a bit of visual depth and cheer to the room. I mean really. How could you not love this lamp?? So unusual and sweet! It's one of my favorite little corners.

*rooms via western interiors, martha stewart and room by tom scheerer

IN THE DETAILS: NOOKS + TABLES

While part of me is craving fresh white spaces, there's a side of me that realizes I will never have an all-white room. Why?
That table's why. That little splash of color from a few very select pieces is just too good. While most would store practical cooking accessories behind a stove, this kitchen is so full of storage space, that the nook was created just to house a bar. A fantastic little surprise. And how amazing are the sliding marble doors? This modern galley kitchen is not what's calling my name here. (Not even close.) It's the personality added by a quirky little dining set of mismatched chairs and that perfect little table. I'd throw those into my condo in a second.

*images via: kara mann (top) and nuevo estilo

IN THE DETAILS: CHRISTMAS DECOR!

I'm always in search of new ideas to make decorating for the holidays that much more special (and sparkly!). Not to mention different and fun! So I thought I'd share a few of my favorite details with you... and believe me there will be plenty more to come...
*images via house & home, ideal home, house & home, unknown

CHECK YOURSELF

How many of you have ever lived in an apartment with checkered floors? Guilty. How many of you wished you could yank 'em out because they simply didn't match your aesthetic or decor? Well think again my dears...
Heavy drapes and unconventional toile paired with a checkerboard floor in the dining room... what do you think? Does it work? Is it ideal? Probably not, but how much does is lighten the mood of this traditionally designed space? It reminds me of Venetian harlequin style - a combination of luxurious fabrics and playful patterns.

Not convinced? Let's try again...
Now, this space really does it for me. Again, mostly traditional or classically styled pieces are contrasted with a checkered floor... and a lacquered ceiling in cheerful yellow to top it off! This, I absolutely love. The soft palette with that bold black and white is perfection.

*rooms via skona hem and bilhuber

In The Details: Frames, Trim + A View

More design details that I am currently swooning over...

I love when artwork is broken up by framing, and this example from Vicente Wolf's portfolio is perfectly placed. It's a simple way to make any print seem more sophisticated or interesting.

I still can't get over how much I love black trim against white paint - especially in this earthy toned room. The modern 'palette' used on traditional molding is transitional design at its best.

And then there's this little view. *sigh*. Yes please. I miss that city.

In The Details: Folding Doors, Chess Pieces + More

So many rooms in my files have cool little features that I love, and from time to time I've done posts to point them out, but starting today, these posts will be titled as a series here on coco+kelley, which means you can find the tag for it over in the sidebar under 'In The Details'. I hope they'll bring you some pieces of inspiration and ideas for original style in your own homes!

And now for a few of my current favorites...
From the portfolio of GP Schafer, I adore the idea of using a vintage screen for a doorway divider where there might not otherwise be a door! And in this photo by Hugh Stewart, I spotted these oversized chess pieces being used for decor - in a polished metallic finish that makes them quite glam. Love it!
I love how curated this hallway feels, but I especially love the low shelving. Not very practical for homes with rambunctious animals or children, but it's amazing how it makes this already high-ceilinged entryway feel even larger! The proportions of everything in this space (via nuevo estilo) are so well played.
One of my all-time favorite bars, that I believe I originally found via decor8. I love that it even has its own teensy little lamp on it! (Not to mention the combination of those chrome chairs with a rustic dining table.) It's unpretentious placement and crowded tray make it perfectly inviting!

I Just Can't Get Enough...

... Of rooms like this and this, as evidenced by this:

I'm just obsessing about clusters of lighting, and I really love the lanterns around the table in this photo by Jonny Valiant. The black ribbon hanging from them is just perfect, and how cool is the collage of photos bursting from the seams of that vintage frame.

P.S. Notice the doorways...?...

Draping + embellishing an everyday feature in the house = awesome, dramatic, and unexpectedly glamorous. Love.