Wednesday, December 22, 2010

One Room, Two Looks

Two Martha Stewart editors, Rebecca Robertson and Kevin Sharkey were recently challenged to decorate a similar room in a week.  Rebecca Roberstson took her love for bold colors and graphics and created an "ecletic modern room."  Kevin Sharkey went back to his Parish-Hadly roots and created an"updated traditional" room.  Let's look at the two looks in more detail....First up, Rebecca Robertson.
What initially attracted me to Rebecca's room was her bold use of colors; and I couldn't ignore her use of  Madeline Weinrib patterns!  But, after more review, what really won me over was her creative DIY projects.  For example, she reserached and found unpainted victorian gingerbread baulsters and used them on her walls. Talk about a graphic statement!
She bought generic Ikea ready made cabinets with built in shelves and used punched MDF radiator material to cover the glass fronts of the cabinet doors for a custom look.  How genius is that?
Lastly, also seen on Karen's Strictly Simple Style blog, Rebecca covered simple bakers trays with a bold zig zag fabric she designed on spoonflower and topped them with plexiglass.  Love it.
All pictures above from Room Remix.

Now, let's see her competition - Kevin Sharkey. 

He first began with the gingham check grasscloth wallpaper - the scale reminds me of buffalo check which I really love. And, then he added Schumacher's floral garden wallpaper to the ceiling to add a fifth wall.  This is very different from how he decorated his current home. 
He said his inspiration was a garden room, hence you see the garden stool, wicker furniture, floral wallpaper, etc.
Similar to Rebecca, he bought unfinished ready made bookcases and added molding to make them look custom.
All pictures above from Shannon Berrey Design.

So, there you go - one room, two looks.  Have a favorite?  I do and would love to hear yours.  Go here to vote. 



13 comments:

  1. I must say this is hard. I like equal elements in both rooms.

    Mr. Goodwill Hunting

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  2. I was over the moon with that first room. Not only is it beautiful, her ideas are so ingenious.

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  3. I am mad for Rebecca's room--love the bold color and the use of quirky design elements (i.e., a cot as a coffee table!). It feels fresh and lively and just the jolt of energy I needed on this cold winter day!

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  4. Fran I really adore Rebecca's room, the art is stunning!! her use of color is magnetic!

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    Joyeaux Noel!

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  5. Fran, love this! I voted for Rebecca's room; it edged out Kevin's, I'm afraid. I love the colors--and that baluster "wainscoting" she created is mind-blowing. Love it. Hope you're enjoying the holidays!

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  6. It would be really hard to pick one bc they are both great. I love to see ordinary things turned into something special with added trims and materials. So inspiring!

    -Rene

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  7. I think I'm going to go with Kevin's (though obviously both are TDF!). I can't get over the gingham large scale wallpaper.

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  8. i adore the baluster detail! what a fantastic statement!! happy holidays!

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  9. I think I would choose room number one but that grasscloth wallpaper? Kills me. Love it!

    Great post.
    abby

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  10. I love Kevin's more--there is a lot going on, but I love it. Merry Christmas to you & your family :)

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