Continuing our celebration of fifteen years of rooms we loved, we are revisiting the Living Room we designed for our St. Charles, Illinois, project in 2022. This project was also featured on the cover of our latest book, Forever Beautiful. The space feels particularly fitting for October, as the leaves begin to change and the cooler fall weather makes us want to settle in and enjoy the comforts of home.

For this Living Room, we wanted to create a space that felt both elegant and comfortable. The walls were covered in soft green grasscloth wallpaper, adding warmth and texture to the room. A beautiful white rose chintz fabric was used to upholster the French-style chairs and accent the pillows, bringing a romantic touch to the space. We especially love how the different shades of green work together without feeling too coordinated.

Our muse for this space was C.Z. Guest, the American socialite, fashion icon, horsewoman, and gardener. Famously known as one of Truman Capote’s “swans,” she was admired for her understated elegance and effortless style. Her love of horses, gardens, and country living was reflected in both her personal style and beautiful homes.

We were particularly inspired by Templeton, the legendary Long Island estate of C.Z. Guest. Famously featured on the cover of Time magazine in 1962, the estate was a beautiful example of elegant American country living. Stark leopard carpeting and green faux-marble woodwork added unexpected details to the interiors. We love how comfortable furnishings, collected antiques, and a connection to the outdoors created a setting that felt both sophisticated and inviting.

One of our favorite elements of the St. Charles Living Room was its use of symmetry. Pairs of antiqued mirrors, demilune tables, and brass lamps flanked the fireplace, creating a beautiful, balanced focal point. This allowed us to introduce contrast through the large-scale modern artwork, bringing an unexpected touch to the traditional space. We love mixing periods and styles to create rooms that feel collected over time.

Our St. Charles Living Room is a beautiful celebration of timeless design. As the leaves turn shades of brown, orange, and gold, we are reminded of the simple pleasure of gathering at home with family and friends. While the seasons may change, timeless design endures. We love creating spaces that are beautiful today and will remain so for years to come.