We live in an apartment with a combination living/dining area, so were very interested in the approach Newell Turner took in the design of a similar room for his own home. He says, " I used a settee at the table, which feels much more inviting than a matching set of chairs. It gives me another place to kick back and relax in a room that has to be multifunctional. This is where I read the newspaper and work on my laptop. When I have weekend guests, it looks like an Internet cafe." More below:

The ingredients that go into this style mix:

• symmetry in the upholstery - the sofa fabric is also used across the room for throw pillows on the dining area settee
  
• lots of texture and pattern on the floors - jute and cowhide in the living area and bold stripes in the dining area
  
• a light blue and yellow color palette with just a bit of black as an accent
  
• pairs of little tables - tall parsons style tables flank the sofa, two small round steel tables stand in for a coffee table
  
• a varied mix of higher end pieces, large furniture chain pieces (Pottery Barn dining table) and yard sale finds (rattan side table)
  
• artists easel as flat screen stand
  
• wall art arrangement of vintage family pieces along with modern plates from John Derian
  
• a structured but comfy settee rounds out the dining area, in place of more chairs
  
• a cozy, textural faux fur throw warms up the table area
  
• white cafe curtains topped with dark shades make for a dramatic window treatment

  Read more about the room (along with sources) at House Beautiful.

  
  Previous Recipes for Style:
  

  Chic Living Room by James Rixner

  

  Shipley & Halmos Office

  
  Photos: House Beautiful