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Look for Less:
Lighter Shade of Pale Living Room

Oct 02, 2009

This photo is from Traditional Home magazine. The room was designed by Maryland decorator Lo Thai, and he filled the entire home with this light and airy, Swedish-inspired palette. I thought it might be fun to put together a room like this one, with a couple of updated twists and a lower price tag. New Traditional, anyone? Here we go.

Inspiration Room Designed by Lo Thai

Photo: Traditional Home.

Inspired Room Design's Look-for-Less Inspiration Board

CLICK TO ENLARGE 

Start with paint. I'd recommend Sherwin-Williams Nuance, SW-7049. 

Sofa: Rowe Cromwell in fabric 10027-88

To mimic the expensive piece at a lower price, I looked for similar lines and customizable upholstery.

Coffee Table: CB2 Smart Coffee Table, $199

This shiny chrome table could be roughened up like the one in the original room with an acid wash or a black glaze.

Side Table: Boulevard Table by Somerton, $276

An even better option: replace the top on an existing wooden table with glass.

Mirror: Paris Mansion Antiqued Gold Wall Mirror, $239

The piece in the inspiration room is very distinctive, possibly a one-of-a-kind antique. This mirror is not as grand but has a similar well-worn feel.

Lamp: Crystal Column Table Lamp, $120

I'm not fond of the original lamp, so I intentionally veered toward something more sleek and crisp. This one has a modern feel but a nod to traditional style with its fancy base detailing.

Sconce: Livex Lighting Home Basics Wall Sconce, $40

I prefer this simpler version, but I'd spray it with a matte gold paint to take that shine down a notch. That will make it look more expensive.

Pillow: Home Decorators Russell Pillow, $26

These pillows add a new texture to the room. (Click out to the link— they're fuzzy!)

Wire Basket: West Elm Iron Wire Magazine Basket, $35

The original is probably an antique. A couple of these wire baskets will add the same semi-industrial element to the room.

Drapes: Supreme Pinch-Pleated Draperies in Silver Sage, 50"x95", $55 per pair

Order them long so you can puddle them on the floor.

Fabric for slipcover: Sunbrella Heather Beige 6-Bar, $15 per yard

If you have basic sewing skills, slipcovers are easy. If not, having one custom-fitted to your chair is worth the money if the alternative is a sloppy (or worse, stretchy!) off-the-rack cover.

Rug: Hand-woven Sisal Rug, 5'x8', $90

The original rug is huge, but this 5'x8' version gives you virtually the same texture for a lot less money.

Want some help re-creating your favorite designer room for less? Email me.

TAGS: lo thai pale color scheme living room traditional designer look for less money rowe crate barrel overstock.com west elm

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