Wednesday, November 4, 2009

1 Room - Styled 2 Different Ways

I came across designer Antony Todd's room on House & Home editor Suzanne Dimma' s blog here. The styling is spare - two metal benches that allow a view to the armless sofa, a beautiful urn on the corbel and an ikat pillow. I think it creates an arresting image that highlights each element.
Here is a larger view of the same room, via La Dolce Vita's wonderful post on the color Peacock Blue. The two open, metal framed benches have been replaced by two solid cubes and a number of pieces have been added - floor lamp, x bench, two chairs and a lamp on a pedestal. Possibly a more functional room... Here it is on the cover of Australia Vogue Living May/June 2007. Almost the same room except that the x bench is gone and it appears that the chairs are covered in a brighter turquoise fabric. Which do you prefer? For me, it's the first one.


(second image via La Dolce Vita via Domino, my apologies as I do not know the photographer credit in these pictures.)
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32 comments:

  1. paulaNovember 4, 2009 at 10:51 AM

    love both the images although the second does seem more functional. I do wonder what is behind the screen...

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  2. La Maison FouNovember 4, 2009 at 11:03 AM

    I do love the first one as well.
    Less complicated and straight forward. Nice.
    Leslie

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  3. ArchitectDesign™November 4, 2009 at 11:04 AM

    the 1st is a stronger photograph but I think the 2nd is a better room. I think the vogue living cover is photoshopped turqouise, don't you?

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  4. My Notting HillNovember 4, 2009 at 11:06 AM

    Paula and La Maison Fou - thanks for the comments!
    Architect Design - great point - I didn't occur to me that that could be a possibility.

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  5. alison giese InteriorsNovember 4, 2009 at 11:50 AM

    First one for me, too. Second place goes to the Vogue cover.

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  6. Janell @ House of FiftyNovember 4, 2009 at 12:18 PM

    Stunning, love the oversized lamp on the pedestal!
    Janell

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  7. Zuniga Interiors Design StudioNovember 4, 2009 at 12:51 PM

    Both images work well in a photo. But for me the second image- I like more elements in a space - to visually stimulate, create interest and to warm up a space. Also, a room is balanced if it's useful- more spots to sit for guests more ways to utilize the room etc.

    great post!

    Michelle

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  8. LindsBNovember 4, 2009 at 1:42 PM

    I love the second one, it looks more comfortable to me.

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  9. Red Door HomeNovember 4, 2009 at 1:55 PM

    Both photos are lovely. However, I prefer the second image. It feels more comfortable.

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  10. Beth ConnollyNovember 4, 2009 at 2:14 PM

    Definitely the second. The first looks bare and unfinished. The turquoise in the third is photoshopped for sure.

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  11. tarheelNovember 4, 2009 at 2:31 PM

    I love the second one.

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  12. bluehydrangeaNovember 4, 2009 at 2:49 PM

    I love seeing how a few additions can totally change the look of a room. I have to say the second one is my favorite!

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  13. Chic ColesNovember 4, 2009 at 2:52 PM

    I agree with you, the first image is my favorite!

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  14. Champagne on TuesdaysNovember 4, 2009 at 3:27 PM

    For looking, I prefer the first one. For living, I prefer the second. I think the best design marries the two(not that I'd kick either of these rooms out of bed!).

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  15. pve designNovember 4, 2009 at 3:35 PM

    I love the 2nd image and the blue walls are so stunning. The 2nd image is more grown up.
    pve

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  16. katiedidNovember 4, 2009 at 4:33 PM

    Although I prefer the first image visually...it does not look overly comfortable. I mean, where would I put my Martini? But a beautiful compostiotn none-the-less!

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  17. Willow DecorNovember 4, 2009 at 7:07 PM

    I really like both images, but for me the second one seems more real and welcoming. Such fun to do this!!
    xx-Gina

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  18. debra @ 5th and stateNovember 4, 2009 at 7:34 PM

    wonderful post!

    love the clean look of the first; each piece holds such presence. the second however would be how i live.
    a room design-picture perfect or realistic, something to remember.

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  19. UnknownNovember 4, 2009 at 8:45 PM

    I do like all of them in their own way, but if I had to pick a favorite, it would be the image on Australian's Vogue!
    I love the look with the turquoise chairs a little better than with dark leather. Love the contrast and lightness. More interest in the room.

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  20. Crystal @ Plush PalateNovember 4, 2009 at 9:21 PM

    Love them both but the second one is more my style. It looks stunning on the cover of the mag!

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  21. CaitlinNovember 5, 2009 at 12:38 AM

    I am obsessed with the blue wall color.

    So gorgeous.

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  22. Fargerike DagnyNovember 5, 2009 at 6:27 AM

    I like no 2.. Love the freshness of the turquoise!

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  23. P.Gaye Tapp at Little AuguryNovember 5, 2009 at 8:03 AM

    Love the first one for the styling-as AD says the 2nd room is better as real rooms go. Yes surely they photoshopped the blue in the 3rd pic. It is not good when things like this appear- as the real deal. The color of that blue is much too bright. It disappoints when a room merits a cover-with different colors. It is a real gripe of mine.I love that wall color

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  24. Cristin // Simplified BeeNovember 5, 2009 at 4:25 PM

    I prefer the Vogue cover version.

    Lovely blog!

    cristin @ simplified bee

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  25. AnneHHNovember 5, 2009 at 4:36 PM

    I am with you--the first one is what speaks to me. I just love a very edited look in design even though I cannot really live that way in real life. I also think that the wall color in the first image is extraordinary.

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  26. Dallas ShawNovember 5, 2009 at 5:22 PM

    love the 2nd
    dallas
    http://dillydallas.blogspot.com

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  27. French KissedNovember 5, 2009 at 6:23 PM

    I prefer the first as well. But the second image is really just a case of either bad or no photo styling. The great look with the heavier pieces on the magazine cover proves my point.

    ~French Kissed~

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  28. Scot Meacham WoodNovember 5, 2009 at 7:16 PM

    I think I might head out on a limb here - 'cause I kind of like the last one - from the magazine cover. One aspect of that 'shot' that I like best is because it's photographed from a angle that gives me a better perspective of the entire room . . . I love being able to see the artwork on the right side of the screen . . . and, honestly, I'm loving the blue on the two chairs. I DO wonder if it's real or photoshop . . . but, the burst of colour is truly intriguing.

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  29. Verdigris VieNovember 5, 2009 at 8:15 PM

    Mmm - I enjoy the middle one - although - the turquoise covered chairs sure are interesting... I tend to tame things down a bit!

    Don't forget to stop in for the great giveaway I am having - a beatufiul arrangment from Sophie Dahy.. you pick !

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  30. UnknownNovember 5, 2009 at 11:13 PM

    I prefer the second photo setting. Looks and feels balanced and ready to accomodate today's lifestyle. Great post!

    Bette

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  31. LaurenNovember 6, 2009 at 7:22 AM

    both are gorgoues but if i was living there, i'd say the second one. it looks more comfortable & functional to me...

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  32. Renée FinbergNovember 7, 2009 at 7:43 PM

    i love that you featured an armless sofa.
    they are my fave.
    xx

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