Household Basic - Gallery 5

Whitewashed wood paneling is balanced with furniture and accessories in rich red and brown hues. An Oriental rug distinguishes the living space from the dining room, and a coffee table works well for both family game nights and for putting your feet up.

Hand-me-downs add patina to any home. The iron bed was a family heirloom, and the trunk came with this Magnolia Springs, Alabama, house.

Vintage-style fixtures pair with a claw-foot tub that’s original to the house. All white subway tiles give the charming bath an updated look.

Shrimpers’ rope accents the edge of the countertop that is supported by columns found at another house. Old ship lights serve as a chandelier above the island.

Slipcovered club chairs and an Oriental rug complement the patina of the aged, wooden fireplace. A painting of the house before restoration hangs on a track above the mantel to hide the television.

By transforming the useless space under the stairs, new purpose is given to this once wasted space. Keep the fabrics interesting by mixing patterns in the same shade.

This farm-style table is perfect for family gatherings and casual meals. A bench is a charming addition to the set.

A narrow kitchen island provides ample room to work without taking up too much floor space. A soft, moss green on the cabinets and island feels both casual and inviting, and two pendant lamps illuminate the workspace.

Holly branches on the center of the dining room table and on the buffet are a classic way to bring the Christmas spirit into your home.

Yellow glazed walls brighten the double parlor, where columns define the two seating areas. An impressive collection of antiques and fabrics in a rainbow of colors keep this living room from feeling too stale.

In this master bedroom in Potomac, Maryland, a fluffy rug makes each step feel like floating on a cloud. The floral wallpaper in a soft blue palette and the magnolia blossom painting give this space Southern spirit.

This unique pantry portal was a vintage door from an old New Orleans bank safe and is installed on a sliding track. A chalkboard effect on the walls was achieved by mixing wall paint and unsanded grout.

An apron-front sink, bin pull hardware, and a beaded-board island are all classic cottage elements.

A wall-mounted faucet pours onto a modern flat-surface sink, where the water spills into a surrounding channel. A gray and gold antiqued mirror further adds polish and interest.

This Christmas tree in Potomac, Maryland, is a focal point in the spacious hallway by the stairs. It boasts ornaments in chartreuse and ocean blue, as well as coordinating wrapping paper and ribbon. Instead of the traditional star, try a crown as a Christmas-tree topper.

In this Potomac, Maryland, living room, a palette of Swedish tones and a daybed keep the space feeling airy. Wreaths embellish the French doors at the back.

A balanced combination of metals, woods, and whites form a cohesive look in this North Carolina kitchen. An industrial-style kitchen island echoes the stainless steel of the appliances, and wheels make it multifunctional.

A vibrant green gives this front door extra panache, and a striped welcome mat completes the look.

Original shiplap walls and ceilings bring loads of charm to this East Hampton, New York, master bedroom. Wall-to-wall sea grass carpeting is ideal in a coastal space. It adds woven texture and feels good on your feet.

Freshly painted wood paneling throughout this bath is a classic, coastal element. Even the bathtub gets this nautically-inspired treatment.

 

Traditional elements, such as quilts, antique wood beds, and gingham fabrics, link this guest bedroom in East Hampton, New York, to its Colonial past, while vibrant hues help it feel fresh and modern. 

There is no shortage of patterns in this master bedroom, but by limiting the fabrics to small patterns, the bed linens and wallpaper almost look like solids. 

Craft your own kitchen island with inspiration from antique pieces like this custom island made of a wooden shiplap back and bracket feet from limed oak. White marbleized subway tiles create this clever backsplash. 

 

Mix styles with a mod, multifunctional sideboard and a handmade, rustic dining room table. Make a statement with a graphic rug or a piece of artwork.

 

In this cozy kitchen, tiles give the illusion of wallpaper, but they are much easier to clean. Keep an open kitchen from looking too hardworking by concealing appliances like refrigerators behind cabinetry. 

Comfortable furnishings, such as an upholstered ottoman, soft area rugs, and a cozy fireplace, encourage family time. Wall-to-wall built-ins provide plenty of storage for media components, games, and books. 

 Pay close attention to the ceiling when walking though this hallway. Salvaged wood (also found on the family room fireplace) is used as wood paneling, and outdoor lanterns lead the way.

A distressed, green, butcher block-topped antique table inspired the entire look for this exuberant kitchen. Green cabinets in a slightly lighter hue and huge windows keep this kitchen from being too dark.

Large timbers and rustic yet elegant furniture bring nature inside. Burnt reds and oranges evoke traditional mountain style.

Using maps instead of wallpaper create a cool effect in this master bedroom. Pick maps of places you've been or that remind you of home. Here, the maps cover only a portion of wall above the bed; covering the entire room would have been too much. 

Even though the colors in this living room may be simple neutrals and whites, the space gets big personality with texture and the occasional punch of blue. Interesting accents -- cool lamps, side tables, a rustic wooden mirror, and art objects -- bring in a collected feeling. 

This staircase gets big personality with built-in shelves and interesting art objects. Maximize unused space -- like the wall of a staircase -- by adding built-ins.  

In this tiny kitchen, a bar-height island paneled with cypress conceals the workspace and creates storage. The rest of the space is simple with white cabinets and hardware.