This room is technically in Delaware, but if we didn't know better, we'd put our money on Paris--specifically, Saint-Germain-des-Pres. The creator of this French-feeling fancy is none other than beloved New York-based decorator
Bunny Williams, who weighed in with insights designed to help you steal the look.
ADD HIGHLIGHTS:
Establish a tight color palette from the get-go. White bedding from
Pioneer Linens and an ivory rug create a crisp and fresh feeling, and also play the the corp de ballet to the prima ballerina of the piece: meyer lemon-hued accents including bedside chairs and a crop of garden roses. "We decided to use simple white shutters and yellow accents to prevent the room from feeling too precious," says Williams. "Curtains would have felt too fanciful with the room's wallpaper, and the yellow is uplifting against the gray."
TAKE THE SCENIC ROUTE: The sepia-toned 19th-century
antique wallpaper by Gracie brings depth to the palette without upstaging the environs--adding a sense of history, a more personalized aesthetic, and a dash of drama. "We set off on a search for this wallpaper after the client's husband looked through one of her Nancy Lancaster books and said that he loved scenic sepia wallpaper," says Williams.
INSERT THE UNEXPECTED:
The foot of the bed is hugged by an antique brown leather settee
--an out-of-the-box choice for this traditionally leaning look. The more masculine color and texture adds a layer of warmth and interest. "We used several leather pieces that the couple already owned that feel very broken-in," says Williams. "The house is home to children and dogs, so comfort was essential."
MAKE ROOM TO CHAT: We like anything that makes your space feel like a swank hotel: Williams creates an
auberge-worthy sitting room moment by strategically placing a club chair within chatting distance of the settee--a subtle choice with a welcoming impact. "I always design with function in mind," Williams says. "Seating arrangements that lend themselves to conversation are ideal."
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Eclipse Armchair, Price Available
Upon Request, Bunny Williams |
Shantung Fabrick, $25/Yd
Mood Fabrics |
Herringbone Drinks Table
Price Available Upon Request
Bunny Williams |
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Eloquence Dauphine Canopy,
$3461, The Bella Cottage |
Juniper Single Topiary, $209
Fresh Topiary |
Crackle Lacquer Lamp,
Price Available Upon Request
Bunny Williams |
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Inifinity Bedding, From $550
Pioneer Linens |
19th-Century French Wallpaper
Price Available Upon Request
Gracie Studio |
Amgansett Chair, $1150
Serena & Lily |
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Louis XIV Bench, From $549
Ballard Designs |
Ralph Lauren Gingham Fabric,
$117, Decorators Best |
English Leather Sette, $6000
1st Dibs |
Photograph: Francesco Lagnese