March 24, 2010

This or That?

This room is utter visual perfection in my book. Well, kind of. The scale is just right, the horizontal and vertical lines are in perfect balance. It's palette is soothing, the textures are warm, and that glossy black vase with flowers makes me swoon. But then, when I ask myself if I'd be content living here, something tells me no (can those chairs actually be comfortable?).

Perhaps something a little more like this. The colors are the same, the point of view not too dissimilar, but the feeling is so much more livable. It's the curve of the English roll arm chairs, the plushness of the blankets, and the slightly more relaxed layout that invite me to come in, relax and make myself at home!

So, what do you think? Is it just me? Which one would you rather live in?

*images via Nuevo Estilo

16 comments:

Maryam in Marrakesh said...

I agree! The first one looks like a showroom picture. No personal signs of life. The second one could do with a few more personal touches, too!

Anonymous said...

I love the second room, much warmer and more welcoming. The view doesn't hurt either!

Erica Cook said...

Love the serene aspect of these spaces. :)

Susan Terese said...

Definitely the second one!

Julie @ Chapman Interiors said...

That IS a toughie! I like the first photo a lot too, but the second definitely feels more livable and welcoming.. do we have to choose!!

-julie

Unknown said...

Totally agree about the second, and yes absolutely the key is the softness of the pieces. Very insightful post.

HAMPTON HOSTESS said...

I'm with you on scene two-the chairs look comfortable and classic and the view fantastic! Great story

carolina @ patagonia gifts said...

oh yes I'm absolutely with you! the 2nd room is SO livable, so inviting! gorgeous! xo

Marija said...

Definitely #2. And no, those chairs cannot be comfortable. I have earily similar ones and they are terrible. Granted mine are from Ikea but still. It's the shape that makes them so unbearable! Marija

Unknown said...

Wow, both are really to my liking but I would choose the bottom room. Can you imagine what that view would look like at night with all the twinkling lights of the town across the way? Amazing.

Sarah Klassen said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Overlooking Mississippi said...

The second one seems so comfy and inviting..a place I'd want to come home to..

Creategirl said...

GREAT post and conversation! I am much more partial to the 2nd space. Even with a "formal" room I always want it to feel inviting and for me that usually comes from less rigid lines. The fabrics and textures make me want to jump right in and get comfy!

Rachel {little bits of lovely} said...

I agree with you Crystal. The first one is completely stunning, but the chairs don't look comfortable at all. The second one looks like somewhere you could relax and be extremely comfortable. Plus the view looks amazing! xx

Kathysue said...

I vote for THAT #2 the view alone would be soothing and the chairs look nice and cushy,Kathysue

Alaina @ Live Creating Yourself said...

Definitely the second iamge. Those chairs are great. And I love that there is tea ready and waiting to be served!

Alaina

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