Commune Design's eclectic, layered and warm blend of vintage, contemporary, ethnic, and craft invites you in to such places as Heath Ceramics, Oliver Peoples and The Ace and Standard Hotels. The home of Roman Alonso — one of Commune's four design principals — is a perfect example of how to bring those items together for a living room that's personal and welcoming.

The warmth of this look is based in the layering of personal and vintage pieces, collected over many years or through persistent scouting of vintage stores and flea markets. There is an ingenuity in the ability to see beauty in simple materials and to transform utilitarian objects (like the linen covered mattress) into inviting and luxurious. And this ingenuity can also be achieved through resourceful combing of megastores like IKEA, Crate & Barrel and online staples like Overstock. Kilim style rugs can be found at most of these stores; IKEA is a good source for sheepskins as well as picture frames like the Ribba.

Here are some sources to give you a jumpstart:

• A twin mattress is covered in linen used by artists. GrayLine Fabrics has similar: Try off white linen for the bed; blue linen for the bolster. $12/yard


• Curtains made of burlap bring warmth and texture into the room. Make your own or use these from IKEA. $49.99/yard.


• Layer a sheepskin over a large oriental rug or kilim carpet. Ludde Sheepskin $39.99 at IKEA


• Mismatched vintage chairs create cozy, moveable seating: Wood armchair $179.99 (paint it red); metal chair $236.99, both from Overstock

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image: Amy Neunsinger, originally published in House Beautiful

Images: Commune Design