Man sized

Let's face it.  Almost every man wants a big screen t.v.  The bigger the better. It doesn't matter what room it's for.  I know.  I now have a 42" plasma in my kitchen when all I really needed as a small indiscreet counter top version.  Now, it's the only thing you notice in my kitchen.  

I love this picture from Elle Decor.  It's the perfect solution to that large t.v.  It's so indiscreet in this built in.  The reason it works better than most is that the t.v. is recessed and has moulding where you would normally have the black or silver trim.  Now,  all you see is the screen just like a framed piece of art.   Your eye goes directly to the bookcases and not the t.v. 

It's the perfect solution to all those giant t.v's.  Now, run out and find a contractor to build you one of these. 

What would your space say about you?

I think I almost ran my cart into an unsuspecting customer at the grocery store when I saw the new cover of the March Elle Decor. It knocked my socks off. Of course it's the work of Nate Berkus and Anne Coyle.

I love the juxtaposition of the dark walls with the modern art and eclectic, french furniture. This room is young and hip, yet so comfortable and inviting. I'd love to retire to this room to catch up on T.V. viewing.

I love the whole vibe of the whole house. It's so personal and looks like it was decorated over multiple years - not 20 months. I loved that the owner, the executive producer of the Oprah show, wanted a very personal space. She didn't want a house that looked like a showroom or a designers signature look. She wanted a space that was one part Babe Paley, one part Ralph Lauren and one part Twiggy. Now that's a woman I'd like to meet.

She turned her guest bedroom into a basketball court for her two boys. What a great idea if you have the space and the money. I made the mistake of showing this to my oldest son and he is determined to turn our guest bedroom into a basketball court as well. I don't think that's going to happen anytime soon.

I also loved their approach to the boy's bedroom. It's not overly designed and the space is usable and cool for a teenager. They can customize it any way they want so the room grows with them as their likes & dislikes change. Now, a wall of cork will be happening in my sons room. It's the least I can do since I can't do the basketball court.

Amazing closet door in the master bedroom. Dreamy. I could almost cry.

The dreamy closet. I could hide from my kids in here. Unfortunately, knowing them, I wouldn't be able to get them out of my closet. I think they would convert it into their bedroom. They love beautiful spaces.

The office space is another example of great design. A custom desk with space for two computers and separate drawers. Not over the top but beautiful and functional. The vintage Chippendale chairs and burlap covered bulletin board are a great contrast to the stainless steel counter top.

Elegant master bath. Again, so timeless. The paneled marble floor based on their stay at Claridge's in London adds a modern touch and reminds them of their travels.

Master bedroom. Classic and serene. The vintage chandelier is the star of the room .

Living room. This is the room that is the epitome of the blended styles that the owner wanted. I think Nate Berkus and Anne Coyle nailed it.

Dining Room. Definitely Ms. Paley walls, with RL table and Twiggy chairs.

Clean, modern kitchen. Great usable space. Love the modern table and chairs paired with the built in nook. A great place for families to connect. And in this digital age - we could all use a space like this.

So, while the cover of Elle Decor stopped me in my tracks - the rest of the house made an impression on me. I love that the owner could have had anything she wanted based on her position, and she wanted a personal and eclectic space that reminded her of family and her travels.

Isn't that what your house should say about you.

What do you want your space to say about you? What personalities would you design your house around? I'll have to think about that one as I think mine would change on a daily basis.

Today I'd be on part Suzanne Kasler, one part Kelly Wearstler, and one part ????