Aiming for a 100-percent kid-friendly family room, designer Melanie Elston started with a spill-proof purple rug from Savnik. "You could lose small children in there," laughs homeowner Laura Kofoid.

Emerald green vintage Italian lamps crown a mid-century Monteverdi Young cabinet.

A Victoria Hagan wing chair is fashionably dressed in contrasting fabrics.

In the living room, peacock-blue walls complement the vibrant orange in the adjacent family room. Instead of a sofa, swoop-back chairs from Dessin Fournir are arranged "like campers ringing a bonfire," says Elston.

Elston mixed vibrant patterns--the chair upholstery is "New Wave" from Old World Weavers, and the rug is from Patterson, Flynn & Martin.

A custom-made banquette and an ottoman covered in Bergamo "Bali" silk create a cozy corner.

Traditional dining chairs are given a fresh spin with Colefax and Fowler's leopard-print "Malabar" upholstery.

In the entry hall, a stately grandfather clock and Zuber et Cie's "Les Courses de Chevaux" amazing scenic wallpaper contribute to the home's stunning first impression.

A white "Tulip" chair from Baker and an oversized 1960s enameled sconce pop against walls painted Farrow & Ball's "Hague Blue."

In the home office, Elston created a bold space with Glen Eden's "Out of Africa" rug and yellow curtains in Scalamandré's "Bamboo."
 

A custom table, 1970s Lucite-and-brass bar stools, and Farrow & Ball "Silvergate" wallpaper create a glamorous corner in the billiards room.
 

In the game room, green leather upholstery on dining chairs from the '50s mixes with Ralph Lauren Regent Metallics "Summer Gold" paint. "The closest I could come to beige without being beige," laughs Elston.

Stained cork floors create a graphic backdrop for the classic kitchen.
 

A wall covering from Stark sets the stage for a lively mix of fabrics and patterns in the master bedroom. The rug is from Michaelian & Kohlberg.

Stark's "Gridlock" wallpaper in pink slate and a vanity skirt made with Bergamo's "Saunter" fabric add flirty elements to the otherwise sleek and clean-lined master bath.

David Ricci, Laura Kofoid, and their children, Simon and C.J.

Designer Melanie Elston offers tips on decorating with color and pattern:

  • To create a balanced room, offset large patterns with solids or patterns designed on a smaller scale.
  • To use color successfully, continuity of tone and intensity from room to room is essential. When using bold colors, be bold everywhere.
  • Create transition spaces when using a lot of pattern and color. A great runner and a focal point at a hall's end are all you need.
  • I nearly always use a solid on a sofa to anchor the room. I love to then offset that piece with a fun pattern on a shapely chair.
  • Mix styles! The beauty is in the mix of modern patterns.

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Traditional Home  /  Design  /  Beautiful Homes

Chicago Apartment with Delightful Color

Beige is banished in this vibrant apartment in a prim building on Lake Shore Drive

Written by Lisa Cregan
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Werner Straube

A white "Tulip" chair from Baker and an oversized 1960s enameled sconce pop against walls painted Farrow & Ball's "Hague Blue."

Sconce (1960s large enameled leaf-pattern sconce, vintage): Woodson & Rummerfield's House of Design, 310/659-3010.
Chair ("Tulip Chair" #1991): Baker, 800/592-2537, bakerfurniture.com.
Wall paint ("Hague Blue" #30): Farrow & Ball, 888/511-1121, farrow-ball.com.
Ceiling light: vintage

Tags:
Chicago, Color Ideas, Colorful Home
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