I am a big believer that most every time, smaller spaces usually make more luxurious spaces. They are more intimate, and because you have to really think outside the box when decorating them, they tend to end up even more sumptuous and layered than big, giant spaces. This library in a New York apartment is a good example of that.
First, what makes this space so wonderful? Designer Alexa Hampton painted it with a "nice muddy Edwardian green". This colour was very popular during King Edward's reign at the beginning of the century, but in this room Hampton manages to keep it from looking antiquated by using a busy pattern on the walls and mixing in lots of Chinese accent pieces. I personally love incorporating Chinese furniture whenever I can, and this shows how it can really give a space a cosmopolitan look. This space, even with bright red lacquer and leather is very serene and peaceful to me. This space is not enormous, but has high ceilings which makes it appear larger. But by keeping the colour palette somewhat consistent to two colours, Hampton makes this room appear larger yet cozy at the same time. Bravo! I am smitten! (image courtesy of Architectural Digest)
