If you’ve got high ceilings, put them to good use! Here’s a great example of a space that does just that. This room subtly draws the eye up with floor-to-ceiling windows, small accent windows placed up high and a stylish, dangling ceiling fan. But let’s not forget about the rest of the room, which is a lovely combo of elegant and colorful. I especially love the use of large, sculptural furniture, and the warm, neutral palette with minimal yet well-placed, vibrant accessories.  The screen on the fireplace adds an interesting, hand-crafted element, while the gradient shading of the books on the shelves accentuates their beauty, not just their function.  A room like this makes you want to take a deep breath and sit down for a minute with a good book, doesn’t it? And it’s nice to know you’d have plenty to choose from…

Thanks to Metropolitan Home for the image.

What a fireplace! In a house designed by some of my favorites: architect Mark Domiteaux, designer Nancy Lieb and metalwork by Cayle Cox, powerful modern lines combined with high-energy sculptural elements bring it to life, even when a fire’s not burning. When alight, there’s the added bonus of cool shadows, created by the hand-wrought metal piece, which play on the wall behind. I also love the rich cranberry upholstery in the living room beyond, and the use of contrasting hardwoods on the walls and floors. The chimney and surrounding bench gleam with an opulent luster fit for kings. With so much attention to detail in one room, it makes sense that it was all put together by the design world’s royalty. Well done

Thanks to Metropolitan Home for the image.

This dining room proves that drapery is not just for covering windows. I love how the floor-to-ceiling use of this shimmery, translucent fabric creates a separation of space without making a complete visual block. It adds a sense of luxury and privacy, but maintains an open, airy feel. This is a good trick for small spaces in which you want to create a sectional feel without getting too cramped. And as a side note, the sleek chairs and hip, mod light fixture don’t hurt the above situation, either.

Thanks to Metropolitan Home for the image.

Looking for a dining room the whole family will enjoy? This one perfectly marries sophisticated, modern décor with, bright playful details. The chairs, with their angular legs and vintage-inspired upholstery, are striking and lend a mature feel to the space. The choice of white marble for the expansive tabletop makes it chic instead of imposing. And don’t get me started on how much I love the free standing screen in the background—I’ve always been drawn to circular patterns in white—here it adds a perfectly-placed bit of texture to the room. Speaking of texture, the circular chandelier, with its warm white and gold tones, also contributes a nice balance of shape and metallic sheen. Next, we have the pops of color: a cheerful bowl of granny smith apples, a lime green mirror and a cute giraffe sculpture in vivid tangerine, which add contrast and personality. In general, modern décor combined with a mostly-white palette might result in a cold or uninviting room, but here we see how texture and color go a long way to warm things up and create a homey feel.

Thanks to Metropolitan Home for the image

I have a feeling I would sleep like a baby in this room, surrounded by so many things that put my mind at ease. I love the black trim against the camel upholstery of that oversized chair. And the gray palette, texturized by that fabulous faux bois wallpaper, is chic and crisp. The high ceilings, and breezy french doors keep everything light and airy…and perfect for dreaming.

Thanks to Metropolitan Home for the image.

Whee!! So many of my favorite design elements in one room is enough to make me giddy! First of all, we’ve got some stunning repurposed antique chairs in my all-time favorite color, turquoise. I love how that luscious accent color is gently repeated in the drapery, but otherwise, the cream and gray palette is nothing short of neutral-chic perfection. Next, the clean lines of the sturdy, modern dining table work to balance the striking complexity of the extravagant chandelier, above. Top it off with dramatic high ceilings, gleaming floors and lots of light, and there’s pretty much nothing I’d change about this romantic space. Oh, except the fact that it’s not in my own house right this very minute, but we’re working on that one…

Image via Metropolitan Home

The evil queen had it right with her mirror on the wall, but this room does it even better with twelve, lovely circular reflections placed so perfectly on a striking black background. The décor in the rest of the room is a bit heavy and dated, but the mirror art lightens everything up and adds modern flare, creating a stylish element of contrast.

Thanks to Metropolitan Home for the image.

White shag carpet, a cherry red circular couch, and lots and lots of luster make this room ultra snazzy, not to mention retro-chic. I’m so impressed with the facade framing the fireplace—handcrafted metalwork gives it texture, while the gleam coming from behind is so eye-catching. Its height draws the eye up, filling the room with even more warmth than the fireplace! The coffee table mimics the wall in texture and the couch in shape—there’s so much symmetry in this room it’s almost dizzying! I want to take off my shoes, step onto that soft rug and relax by the fireside with a glass of wine. Who’s with me?

Thanks to Metropolitan Home for the image

This Spolarium cabinet was created by a fashion designer, and given its clean lines, lux materials and splashy palette, you can see why. Created for Celestina Home, a line of décor and furnishings by Filipina designer Tina Maristela Ocampo, this console is decked out in cerulean Java lizard skin—probably the most extravagant—not to mention exotic—material you can find. You fancy, huh?

Thanks to Elle Decor for the image.

Maybe it’s my recent travels, but I’m drawn more than ever to this exotic textile pattern called Castello by Cowtan and Tout (below).

It’s an embroidered linen blend based on Moorish tile motifs at Spain’s Alhambra Palace. I think it would look fabulous as bath towels. But then again, almost anything looks great in a Spanish villa…

Here’s some tilework from the Alhambra Palace, which was built in the 1300s. It’s certainly on my list of places to visit next…

Can you blame me?

Thanks to The Telegraph, Lilli Anderson, Let’s Take A Trip and Crashingly Beautiful for the images.