I recently came across these beautiful photos I hadn’t seen before. They are from Elle Decor’s May 2009 issue, so chances are you may have already seen them.  These breathtaking interiors belong to  actress Alexandra Wentworth and her husband, news-anchor  George Stephanopoulos, situated in Georgetown.

*

The room has a neutral backdrop with splashes of different shades of purple. Love the quirky area rug with purple squids. Alexandra has been collecting seashells since childhood, and they are displayed throughout the room. I especially love the giant clam shell in the fireplace.

*

See how much the wall color changes in this photo from the former. It looks a lot warmer here. The ceiling is also painted light blue.

*

One wall is dedicated to Alexandra’s collection of sea shells and sea fans.

*

The wall color could be something like BM Opal.

*

Their home was designed by Elisabeth Martin, and after a look into her fantastic portfolio, I came across a few more photos from Alexandra and George’s home.  I didn’t realize how much color adjustment they use in the magazine pictures (which probably explains the changing wall color). The colors are entirely different, but beautiful nonetheless.

*

I notice there are no squids on this carpet, I wonder if they changed the carpet to or from this? The room also has a different layout, and the sofa is actually not indigo but aubergine. Also, the back of the built-in shelves are not actually blue-green but dark gray!

*

So what have we learned today? Well, we shouldn’t be too sad when our living room does not look as good as the ones in the magazine photos. Good lighting and color adjustments makes a whole lotta difference (+ a professional photographer).

At the end of the day, I love the glossy magazine pictures, retouched or not. To me it is not about recreating reality, rather showing possibility (is it even possible?). What are your thoughts? Are you Pro or Against interior photoshopping?

–> You can read the whole article and see the rest of this home on Elle Decor’s website, see Eleisabeth Martin’s portfolio here!

How can you not be inspired by these gorgeous pictures from the home of interior designer Jamie Drake?

*

I think this champagne and bright purple color combination is absolutely fantastic!

*

Bright purple velvet sofa and a classic chair with modern zebra pattern.

*

I think the fabric on these sofa chairs is simply fantastic.

*

The dining room continues the color scheme from the living room of champagne and purple, the latter being a cooler tone. To distinguish the dining area from the living room in this open plan solution, another color is worked into the dining area; a deep turquoise.

*

I can’t help but enjoy a perfect open plan solution. It can be a challenge to create two separate spaces, which is still part of the same room. Jamie Drake has used both color and furniture style actively here. The dining room furniture is very modern.

*

Camel color bedroom with turquoise accents. Very fresh!

*

Take a virtual tour of Jamie Drakes Apartment with LXTV:

*

Take a look at these beautiful fabrics from Sanderson:

*

Purple and cream bedroom. No need for elaborate accessories on the walls when you have fabric like that to dress your windows with!

*

This fabric is stunning. Oriental cherry blossom with little blue birds.

*

Pretty pink flower cushions in a deep purple sofa. Nice color combination.

*

Same sofa, more floral fabric! Fun balancing bowls!!

*

Topping it off with purple roses.

*

Visit the Sanderson site here!

*

*

Mirror wall and cabinets behind the couch. Purple, brown and silver living room.

*

Purple and white bedroom. The headboard is made fro the same wallpaper as in the living room above, framed!

*