I wish my office looked like this!
I was perusing through some old Domino magazine issues and one issue particularly struck a chord with me. Maybe I should specify and say that a particular designer struck a chord with me instead. I noticed Ruthie Chapman Sommers when I purchased Domino Magazine's book because her daughter's nursery was featured. But it wasn't until I obtained some out-of-print Domino magazine issues (specifically the March 2008 issue featuring Drew Barrymore) that I realized how much I liked her style.

Between feeling under the weather for the past month and getting my shop up and running, I haven't been able to think to write about her so here I am now, writing about her. I guess I should explain why I like her so much. She uses color, people! Something I am desperately trying to instill in my own home decorating. Not an easy feat since somehow, I have realized that I am somewhat risk-averse in terms of adding color to my house. I really want to, but there's a part of my brain that keeps me from being truly bold.

Not this woman, though. She has no problem creating a room entirely of one color, and I mean the ENTIRE room. Example, below:


And it's not just her use of color that I love, it's also the use of bold patterns and custom upholstering. She pretty much must follow the mantra, 'leave no leaf unturned' because every aspect of the room is thought out and somehow transformed to create a whimsical, fresh, classic design.

Case in point:




When I grow up, I want a living room like this.


I so badly want to reupholster a chair, just like the blue/white one in the back.




I am digging the dotted rug and how it covers the entire space. Guess I should call it a dotted carpet instead?


I've never seen lucite legs on an upholstered, tufted bench. How very smart looking!


I feel like I'm being transported back to the British Raj.




Ahhh, I've got an incredibly similar gold mirror in my entryway!


A bit too bold for me, but gotta love her fearlessness!


Would never think to paint the cabinet fronts a blue like that, but it works. Esp with that cornice box.


One of her quieter rooms, but is still chic and well-appointed.


This fresh, fun kitchen is somewhere I want to hang out at.




A perfect tableau of objets.


I l-o-v-e the drama of the tent-like shower curtain.


I can imagine Old Hollywood darlings getting ready at this vanity.


Now, this is how a dressing room should look. It should get one excited to dress oneself.