sprite's Profile

@larrouxgirl: I agree with other posters that it's your home, and you should display whatever gives you the most pleasure. You're the one who lives there every day!

BUT, I would tuck the photos away when the time comes to sell your place. Anything very personal is great for making you feel at home, but may prevent potential buyers from envisioning themselves living in the space.

The shorter stacks are fine, and I like the book-stack-turned-side-table, but I foresee an avalanche the day someone wants the bottom book in one of those tall stacks.

The only way I see this combo working in an actual living space is with a lot of light and a neutral to offset the colors' intensity. #1 and #4 work the best, IMO. #3 looks like a bordello.

I don't mind the color-coded idea - I could see some very visual folks finding it easier to remember where a book is by color than by author name. I have to shelve some books according to size, and I have no trouble finding them. But then, I know my books really well.

I think book lovers take pleasure in seeing shelves of books regardless of the effort put into styling because we don't just see books - we see stories and ideas conveniently packaged in a form we can use over and over. That has an attraction beyond the merely aesthetic.

I think it's great to add visual interest to break up rows of books, but any styling that makes it harder to find a specific book is a turn-off for me. Books are not accessories.

Thank you for sharing the before pics, Karen! The change is so dramatic. I'm not usually a fan of all-white walls, but they've brightened up your space and made it feel more open. The vibe is completely different and very serene. Beautifully done!

My guess is B.

I found the bedroom very inspiring - love the b&w art and the way it's hung!

I love the red lamp. The image is surreal, as if the room were actually doll furniture on a desk. I'm not sure I could live with it, but I think it looks cool.

I originally had my sofa perpendicular with our windows, facing the wall with the tv. After my husband moved in, I came home one night to find it on the diagonal. It was weird at first, but it's a much better arrangement - we get good sightlines to both the tv and the big windows, and it's easier to move around the sofa to the dining area.

The space itself is impressive, and the furnishings have a lot of personality, but overall I find it cold. I don't think I'd be comfortable there, even at a party. But I bet the light and view are amazing.