| Elegant and comfortable, classic style is a popular | | | | fingerplates are all in period style - opt for |
| choice for a living room, creating a restful | | | | gleaming brass or crystal rather than chrome. |
| ambiance for relaxing, or an impressive setting for | | | | Style Pointers |
| entertaining. | | | | WALLS |
| A classic living room has an air of effortless style | | | | Pale/matte: plain pale latex; decorative paint |
| and comfort, as though all the contents have | | | | effects - ragging, marbling, or dragging; |
| been cherished and handed down over the | | | | symmetrically paneled areas with plaster beading, |
| centuries. Soft, gentle color schemes give an | | | | or wainscoting; white, pale gloss, or stained and |
| impression of space and light, while period | | | | polished woodwork. Wallpapers: formal stripes, |
| architectural details, such as a marble fireplace or | | | | subtle florals, or small traditional motifs such as |
| decorative cornicing, add to the look of a | | | | wreaths or classical urns; ornamental borders or |
| well-established home. | | | | trompe l'oeil effects of classical moldings. |
| Deeply upholstered sofas and armchairs are | | | | WINDOWS |
| surrounded by antique-style furnishings - a | | | | Elaborate: full-length lined curtains on imposing |
| sparkling glass chandelier, an old brass-handled | | | | wood or brass rod; elegant swags and tails; |
| chest used as a coffee table, and richly draped | | | | formal pleated valances or shaped cornices; |
| curtains all reflect an earlier era of gracious living. | | | | fringes, tassels and braids. |
| Small details are important too, such as dainty | | | | Shutters/blinds: folding shutters; simple roller |
| tassels that finish a tablecloth corner or dangle | | | | shades in plain cream with tassels. |
| from a window shade. Complete the effect with | | | | FLOORING |
| formal groupings of pictures, lavish flower | | | | Traditional: polished wood or parquet; fitted carpet |
| arrangements, and precious-looking china, glass, | | | | in subtle neutrals or small all-over scrolling designs. |
| and silver. | | | | Rugs: traditional Persian and Turkish-style in rich, |
| Creating the Look | | | | toning colors; tapestry rugs in gentle browns, |
| Choose easy, gentle shades for walls, keeping to | | | | pinks, and blues. |
| pale shades if the room isn't large. Creamy | | | | FABRICS |
| yellows, shades of rose, off-white, or beige make | | | | Rich/traditional: gleaming damasks, silks, glazed |
| good backgrounds for stronger accent colors, and | | | | chintz, woven stripes; small woven motifs or |
| contrast well with rich, polished woods. Plain latex | | | | velvets for chairs; tapestry or needlepoint |
| or interesting paint effects are suitable, with detail | | | | cushions. |
| added in the form of plaster moldings, paneling, or | | | | FURNITURE |
| wainscoting. Pick out any details in a delicately | | | | Period style: comfortable sofa and armchairs; |
| contrasting color, or rub them lightly with gilt wax | | | | upholstered ottoman, stool, chairs; polished wood |
| for a faded sheen. | | | | or Chinese lacquer occasional tables; small |
| A period fireplace makes an important focal point; | | | | antique-style desk; fitted glass-fronted cupboards |
| an Regency-style plaster surround has a graceful | | | | or shelving. |
| effect, while marble looks imposing - you can | | | | LIGHTING |
| imitate this successfully with paint. Carved and | | | | Grand: central chandelier in gilt and cut glass; |
| polished wood has the right look too. A number of | | | | period-style wall sconces; brass or wooden floor |
| firms specialize in original fireplaces - check out | | | | lamp with large pleated silk shade; table lamps; |
| architectural salvage companies before buying an | | | | candles in silver candlesticks. |
| expensive imitation. | | | | ACCESSORIES |
| Wallpaper designs are traditional - smart stripes, | | | | Antiques, objects d'art: delicate porcelain and china; |
| scrolled designs, or stylized flower and leaf prints | | | | silver; gilt-framed pictures and mirrors; |
| all flatter the look, but patterns should be fairly | | | | leather-bound books. |
| subtle. Keep woodwork pale - white gloss looks | | | | Flowers: large formal displays of seasonal blooms |
| fresh and crisp - or strip back to the wood, then | | | | with trailing greenery; small flowers in tiny jugs; |
| stain and polish to an aged mahogany or oak | | | | bowls of dried flowers or potpourri. |
| effect. Make sure details such as door handles and | | | | |