The Perfect Room

I clipped this picture from the pages of Southern Living magazine probably twenty years ago, and recently came across it in my "House Files" notebook.

I scanned it into my computer so I could have it handy to study and use as inspiration. Every time I look at it, I see something different that I haven't noticed before, and I am amazed by how it still looks stylish and up to date, even after the passage of 20-something years.

I love the eclectic mix of styles -- from the elegantly formal grand piano, Queen Anne lamp table, Oriental chest, Chippendale (?) side chairs, and collection of blue and white porcelain pieces scattered around the room ... to the rustic pine "scissor-leg" sofa table, casual herringbone fabric on the sofa, and wicker and rattan accessories — all of which perfectly complement each other to create a beautifully warm and welcoming room that beckons you to come in and sit a spell.

I love the touches of black in the rug, and the piano, and the ginger jar lamp at the left end of the sofa — and the black background of the picture hanging over the mantel.

I love the simplicity of the twisted willow branches in the vases on the mantel ...

And the contrast between the elegant orchids (or lilies?) and the plain terra cotta planter on the coffee table.

I love the bookcases that actually have books in them, as well as the books stacked on the tables all over the room.

I love the neutral colors in the floral fabric of the draperies, and also on the two chairs in front of the piano.

And last, but certainly not least, I love the soft "taupe" color on the walls (also repeated in the rug and floral fabric), and the rich earth tones used throughout the space.

This beautiful room epitomizes what comes to my mind when I hear the words, elegant, timeless, classic, tasteful, warm, and inviting ...

In other words — absolute perfection!

I wish I still had the issue of Southern Living that featured this lovely room, so I could give credit to the homeowner or designer who created it. Perhaps I will get lucky and he or she will see this post and contact me.