How To Get That Look

So you flip through a magazine and see tons of pictures of rooms you love. So you fold the tip of the page in hopes of someday creating something just as special in your own home. Two years later that page is still folded and your hopes have some what lessened. How do we translate those beautiful rooms into our every day lives so we can really enjoy it? "That's a good question Chana, I'm glad you asked. I thought this was going to be just another post of gorgeous rooms and George Clooney..."
Look who is full of surprises... 
When trying to recreate something you're inspired by, the key is not to get stuck on the individual pieces but the feelings of the space and aim for something similar.
So let's start with this area:

This is a dining room that feels earthy and light with a little touch of tribal edge. Let's get the look:

This is earthy, natural with some tribal punch. The woods I used here are darker than the woods in the picture above, but the feel for the room is the same. The dining table is from CB2, the cowhide is from IKEA and so is that plant. The black and white print is from Crate&Barrel. Once you know the feeling you're looking for, it's much easier to find pieces at affordable prices and put them together. When first looking at the first picture, it may seem unattainable, but it's not. Recognize the vibe of the space, and slowly build up with pieces that are in your price range.

                  

This is a bohemian minimalist look taken from Vogue. The chairs aren't matching, the flowers and vases are different shapes and textures. It feels bohemian because every piece looks like it was collected and thought about over time. Although the room feels free spirited, it's not all over the place. Let's get the look:

So this is the bohemian, clean look. The space needed to feel collected and eccentric but with simple lines. I added the black curtains for the warmth and the depth. The console and red chair are from West Elm, the lamp and dining table are from IKEA. Does this feel bohemian minimal to you? (Please feel free to leave comments at the end.)

Almost everyone I speak to can use a small work space in their apartments/homes. A space for the computer, laptop, mail and other gadgets. It's not hard to make it look stylish either, let's get the look:

The table is from IKEA and the chair is from Overstock, you'd be surprised at the stylish affordable things you can find there. The wall accessories are CB2. This look has the cozy, intimate feeling that we liked from the picture above but has a little more "downtown" to it which I think works. If you want to stick to the airier version, you can just switch out the black cowhide, that will change everything:

You see? It changes everything....

This vignette is a beautiful example of the 'Palm Springs retro' thing. It's basically the same as mid century but with a lot more cactus and desert. I love the shaggy rug, the funky shaped chair and iron base table. Everything works well together and doesn't feel exaggerated. Let's get the look:

Welcome to Palm Springs baby. I'll admit if I would of put a picture of palm trees or lots of sand it would be more convincing but I wanted to focus on the furniture choices. The rug is from IKEA, console and lamp, West Elm. I like this interpretation because it feels authentic and clean. Sticking to a neutral color palette was key, how does this feel to you? 
You can leave your comments at the bottom. My posts are not generating a ton of comments so I'm trying to be encouraging.