Picture a brighter living room

<div class="inline-content inline-photo inline-photo-normal horizontal-photo modal-0"> <img class="zoom-in" data-hi-res-src="http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_1484w/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2014/09/03/LocalLiving/Images/Housecalls25-21409784545.jpg?uuid=heF33DO8EeSfTSQQPLi3Qg" data-low-res-src="http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_400w/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2014/09/03/LocalLiving/Images/Housecalls25-21409784545.jpg?uuid=heF33DO8EeSfTSQQPLi3Qg" src="http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_1484w/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2014/09/03/LocalLiving/Images/Housecalls25-21409784545.jpg?uuid=heF33DO8EeSfTSQQPLi3Qg" /><br /> <span class="pb-caption">Caroline Brearley’s living room. (Leah L. Jones/For The Washington Post)</span></div> <div class="inline-content inline-photo inline-photo-normal horizontal-photo modal-0"> <span class="pb-caption"> </span> </div> <div class="sublabel"> THE CHALLENGE</div> <div class="sublabel">  </div> Arlington resident Caroline Brearley would like to finally hang photos in her living room, but indecision on furniture placement has kept the walls bare for six years. Brearley, who is willing to part with much of the existing furniture, wants storage solutions for two young children and a fresh coat of paint.<br /> <br /> <div class="inline-content inline-photo inline-photo-normal horizontal-photo modal-1"> <img class="zoom-in" data-hi-res-src="http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_1484w/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2014/10/06/LocalLiving/Images/BrearleyLiving.jpg?uuid=Z_U85E12EeSqXnFT5GagLQ" data-low-res-src="http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_400w/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2014/10/06/LocalLiving/Images/BrearleyLiving.jpg?uuid=Z_U85E12EeSqXnFT5GagLQ" height="414" src="http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_1484w/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2014/10/06/LocalLiving/Images/BrearleyLiving.jpg?uuid=Z_U85E12EeSqXnFT5GagLQ" width="640" /><br /> <span class="pb-caption">The solution. (Julius Goyanko/For The Washington Post)</span> </div> <div class="sublabel"> THE SOLUTION</div> <div class="sublabel">  </div> Designer Danielle Gray adds color to the neutral space and arranges new furniture for a cheerful, relaxed and kid-friendly space. Gray, of Gray Livin’ (202-681-2086, <a class="show" href="http://www.graylivin.com/">www.graylivin.com</a>), is based in the District.<br /> <br /> Styled with framed photos and wicker baskets, <a href="http://livinghomefurniture.blogspot.com/"><b>a </b> </a><b><a href="http://livinghomefurniture.blogspot.com/">bookshelves </a>do double duty as toy storage and display space</b>.<br /> <br /> <b>Pale gray walls </b> <b>unify the space</b> <b> and make orange and blue accents pop. </b>Try Benjamin Moore’s Gray Owl.<br /> <br /> <b>Define the living and dining areas </b>with different but coordinating rugs.<br /> <b>The smaller sofa and recliner </b>are better scaled to the space. A dark indigo fabric for the recliner adds extra color and can hide stains.<br /> <br /> <b>Dress up windows and add privacy</b> <b>with a neutral curtain. </b>A wavy pattern is fun but subtle.<br /> <div class="sublabel"> SHOPPING GUIDE</div> <div class="sublabel">  </div> <b>Furniture: </b> <a href="http://www.crateandbarrel.com/axis-ii-2-seat-sofa/s220978" title="www.crateandbarrel.com">Axis II two-seat sofa in Theater Gunsmoke </a>($1,899) and <a href="http://www.crateandbarrel.com/wyatt-40-media-console/s667659" title="www.crateandbarrel.com">Wyatt 40-inch media console </a>($599) both from <a class="show" href="http://www.crateandbarrel.com/">www.crateandbarrel.com</a>; Cooper coffee table ($299,<a class="show" href="http://www.iometro.com/living-dining-room/coffee-tables-end-tables/cooper-coffee-table" title="www.iometro.com">www.iometro.com</a>); <a href="http://livinghomefurniture.blogspot.com/">Brook </a>recliner in indigo linen with black finish ($1,279, <a class="show" href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/brook-recliner/furniture/category/living-room/chairs-chaise/224070" title="www.ballarddesigns.com">www.ballarddesigns.com</a>); Ideal white chair ($80,<a class="show" href="http://www.cb2.com/ideal-white-chair/f9347" title="www.cb2.com"> www.cb2.com</a>).<br /> <b><a href="http://livinghomefurniture.blogspot.com/">Accessories</a>: </b> <a href="http://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/rugs/safavieh-wyd376/silver/101WYD376G-2309.html" title="www.rugsusa.com">Wyndham rug in silver</a> ($324 for 5-by-8-foot rug) and <a href="http://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/rugs/safavieh-mtk751/grey/101MTK751K-2306.html" title="www.rugsusa.com">Montauk rug in gray</a> ($76 for 4-by-6-foot rug), both from <a class="show" href="http://www.rugsusa.com/">www.rugsusa.com</a>; <a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/cotton-canvas-printed-window-panel-scribble-lattice-b901/" title="www.westelm.com">Scribble curtain panels in Feather Gray</a> ($49 per 96-inch panel), <a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/wrh-gemma-orkin-afghan-pillow-cover-t1258/" title="www.westelm.com">Gemma Orkin Afghan pillow</a> ($24), <a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/capiz-orb-pendants-w872/" title="www.westelm.com">capiz orb pendant in medium</a> ($199) and <a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/glass-jug-table-lamp-mercury-w984/" title="www.westelm.com">mercury glass jug table lamp</a> ($169), all from <a class="show" href="http://www.westelm.com/">www.westelm.com</a>; <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/cheetah-colorful-pillow-cover/" title="www.potterybarn.com">cheetah pillow cover in Twilight Blue</a> ($27) and 18-inch <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/down-synthetic-bedding-pillow-inserts/?pkey=e%7CFeather%2BPillow%2BInserts%7C1%7Cbest%7C0%7C1%7C48%7C%7C1&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH%7C%7CNoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-Pillows" title="www.potterybarn.com">feather insert</a> ($14) both from <a class="show" href="http://www.potterybarn.com/">www.potterybarn.com</a>; stainless steel spheres ($15-$30, <a class="show" href="http://www.cb2.com/stainless-steel-spheres/f3192" title="www.cb2.com">www.cb2.com</a>); woven <a href="http://livinghomefurniture.blogspot.com/">rectangle </a>basket ($34 for medium, <a class="show" href="http://www.wisteria.com/Woven-Rectangle-Basket-Medium/productinfo/T11027" title="www.wisteria.com">www.wisteria.com</a>).

Picture a brighter living room

Caroline Brearley’s living room. (Leah L. Jones/For The Washington Post)   THE CHALLENGE   Arlington resident Caroline Brearley...

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Ellen Pompeo Unveils Her Home's

<div style="text-align: center;"> It has been one busy year for actress Ellen Pompeo.</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> The "Grey's Anatomy" star and her husband, music producer Chris Ivery, not only <a href="http://www.today.com/parents/ellen-pompeo-secretly-welcomes-second-daughter-husband-chris-ivery-2D80190884" target="_blank">welcomed their second daughter, Sienna May,</a> earlier this fall, but they are now unveiling their <a href="http://livinghomefurniture.blogspot.com/">Los Angeles home's</a> transformation for <a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/celebrity-homes/2014/ellen-pompeo-los-angeles-villa-article" target="_blank">Architectural Digest</a>.</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="art medium none" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Architectural Digest" src="http://media4.s-nbcnews.com/j/streams/2014/October/141010/2D274906975172-pompeo-family.blocks_desktop_medium.jpg" /><br /> <div class="credit"> Roger Davies / Architectural Digest</div> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /> Pompeo and Ivery purchased the 16,000-square-foot home in 2009, and it came with asbestos, lead pipes and a handful of other issues. </div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="art medium none" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Architectural Digest" src="http://media3.s-nbcnews.com/j/streams/2014/October/141010/2D274906975129-living-room-after.blocks_desktop_medium.jpg" /><br /> <div class="credit"> Roger Davies / Architectural Digest</div> <div class="credit"> </div> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"> "I love a project," Pompeo told the magazine. She joined forces with designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard to transform the 1930s villa, and five years after buying the property, the labor of love is complete. </div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="art medium none" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Architectural Digest" src="http://media3.s-nbcnews.com/j/streams/2014/October/141010/2D274906975173-daughter-bedroom.blocks_desktop_medium.jpg" /><br /> <div class="credit"> Roger Davies / Architectural Digest</div> <div class="credit"> </div> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"> The remodel was extensive and included enlarging the windows to maximize the home's stunning views, reconfiguring the layout, and adding finishing touches like a Carrara-marble backsplash throughout the kitchen and decking out two colorful rooms for baby Sienna and her 5-year-old sister, Stella Luna. </div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="art medium none" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Architectural Digest" src="http://media1.s-nbcnews.com/j/streams/2014/October/141010/2D274906975130-nursery.blocks_desktop_medium.jpg" /><br /> <div class="credit"> Roger Davies / Architectural Digest</div> <div class="credit"> </div> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"> "Everything has been done before," Pompeo said about the home's reinvention. "So the question becomes, "How do you take something classic and make it fresh for a new generation?" </div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> With an all-new take on the 80-year-old home, it would appear Pompeo has succeeded in doing just that. </div> <div class="art medium none" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Architectural Digest" src="http://media3.s-nbcnews.com/j/streams/2014/October/141010/2D274906975174-ad-november-2014-cover.blocks_desktop_medium.jpg" /><br /> <div class="credit"> Roger Davies / Architectural Digest</div> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <i>See more of Ellen Pompeo's home in the November issue of Architectural Digest.</i></div>

Ellen Pompeo Unveils Her Home's

It has been one busy year for actress Ellen Pompeo. The "Grey's Anatomy" star and her husband, music producer Chris Ivery...

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Have a living room like Olivia

<div style="text-align: justify;"> When we last saw Olivia Pope, she was on a plane headed for parts unknown, but we hope she returns to Washington D.C. in the season four premiere Thursday night so that we can see more of her gorgeous apartment. We especially covet the living room, where she cozies up on the sofa with a (very) generous glass of wine after a hard day being the fixer extraordinaire — and the president’s mistress.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Lucky for us and the rest of the Gladiators out there, the set and production designers of “Scandal” — production designer Corey Kaplan, set decorator Barbara Cassel and production assistant Sandie Bailey — are sharing the inside scoop on how they designed the space for Liv so we can recreate it in our own homes.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <strong>The mood</strong></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The key to the space is all about comfort, Kaplan says, “a place where you can take your shoes off and feel safe. We didn’t want the apartment to be large, so Olivia can cocoon in her space.”</div> <br /> <div class="art large none"> <img alt="SCANDAL - Production set (ABC/Danny Feld) " src="http://media4.s-nbcnews.com/j/streams/2014/September/140925/2D274906858876-131408-0540.blocks_desktop_large.jpg" /><div class="credit">  </div> <div class="credit" style="text-align: justify;"> This comforting cocoon is achieved by a neutral color palette. The living room walls are painted with <a href="http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/nantucketgray" style="line-height: 1.5em;" target="_blank">Benjamin Moore’s Nantucket Gray</a>, while the sofa, two chairs and bench are upholstered in various shades of white and ivory to mimic Olivia's wardrobe. </div> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Olivia’s comfy sofa is a custom piece from the <a href="http://www.ciscohome.net/" style="line-height: 1.5em;" target="_blank">Cisco Home furniture line</a>, The Beaumont, but if shelling out dough for custom furniture isn’t in your budget, you can get the look with the <a href="http://www.la-z-boy.com/Product/5215-3632/Talbot-Casual-Sofa/" style="line-height: 1.5em;" target="_blank">Talbot Premier Sofa</a> in Vanilla from La-Z-Boy.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> “Don’t think too much when you shop for your couches,” Kaplan. “Use your gut. Think simple, the accessories will spice up the room — pillow, blanket, standing lamp.” </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <a href="http://livinghomefurniture.blogspot.com/"><strong>Architectural elements</strong></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The amazing architecture of the living room is based on the glamorous El Royale apartments in Los Angeles, a rococo-style building that set the standard for vintage Hollywood architectural elegance and prestige. The designers selected the place because it's classic, stylish, beautiful and elegant — all words that would also describe Olivia Pope.  </div> <br /> <div class="art large none"> <img alt="SCANDAL - Production set (ABC/Danny Feld) " src="http://media3.s-nbcnews.com/j/streams/2014/September/140925/2D274906858877-131408-0528.blocks_desktop_large.jpg" /></div> <br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Get the look by adding similar architectural elements in your home — arched doorways, a mix of woods and plaster details. The set designers suggest checking out <a href="http://www.rejuvenation.com/" style="line-height: 1.5em;" target="_blank">Rejuvenation</a>, <a href="http://www.restoration.com/" style="line-height: 1.5em;" target="_blank">Crown City Hardware</a> and vintage salvage yards for carved corbels and other elements to bring in that same feeling. </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <strong>Pops of color</strong></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Relaxing blues accent Olivia’s living room, adding interest without upsetting the dreamy vibe.</div> <br /> <div class="art large none"> <img alt="SCANDAL - Production set (ABC/Danny Feld) " src="http://media3.s-nbcnews.com/j/streams/2014/September/140925/2D274906859476-131408-0209.blocks_desktop_large.jpg" /><div class="credit"> <br /></div> </div> The subtle patterns in the drapery and rug add small amounts of color to the room, as do the custom throw pillows.<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"> You can get the look of the teal armchair with the <a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/stratford-chair-and-ottoman/furniture/category/living-room/chairs-chaise/12156" target="_blank">Stratford Chair</a> in Queens Velvet Teal from Ballard Designs and add a bit of color with a <a href="http://www.wayfair.com/Dakotah-Pillow-Polyester-Accent-Pillow-305871-305888-VPS1111.html" target="_blank">Dakotah accent pillow</a> from Wayfair or in a <a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/solid-silk-hand-loomed-pillow-cover-light-pool" target="_blank">Solid Silk Hand-Loomed Pillow Cover</a> in light pool from West Elm.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <strong>Tables</strong></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Avid watchers of “Scandal” may have noticed that some living room items have changed slightly as the show was filmed on location in season one and moved to a set on season two. One of those items was the coffee table. Designers needed a larger piece that would accommodate Pope's lifestyle, which often includes a bowl of popcorn and extra-large glass of wine. </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Get the look of the coffee table by giving a coat of matte gold paint to the <a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/andrews-coffee-table/304832" style="line-height: 1.5em;" target="_blank">Andrews Coffee Table</a> from Ballard Designs. Just don’t forget to add a heaping bowl of popcorn and large glass of wine on top.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The “Scandal” designers purchased the side tables from <a href="http://www.bassman-blaine.com/" target="_blank">Bassman Blaine</a> in the LA Mart, but you can snag a similar look with the <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/willow-round-mirrored-accent-table" target="_blank">Willow Accent Table at Pottery Barn</a>. Top them with the <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Safavieh-Safavieh-Amy-1-Light-Gourd-Table-Lamp-Set-of-2/23625998" target="_blank">Safavieh Amy Gourd Table</a> Lamps from Walmart to mimic the ones Liv has from the <a href="http://www.pasadenaantiquecenter.com/" target="_blank">Pasadena Antique Center</a>.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <strong>Art and accessories</strong></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> While the overall look of Olivia’s apartment is clean and simple, carefully curated accessories and personal items pepper the space while abstract paintings in muted colors, like “Orange Trees” by artist Nancy Crawford, decorate the walls.</div> <br /> <div class="art large none"> <img alt="SCANDAL - Production set (ABC/Danny Feld) " src="http://media3.s-nbcnews.com/j/streams/2014/September/140925/2D274906858878-131408-0570.blocks_desktop_large.jpg" /><div class="credit"> <br /></div> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Books, flowers, and other small objects are used to elevate Pope's appearance as a sophisticated and well-cultured woman. </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Get the look by displaying minimal collected trinkets and pictures on tables and bookcases, or fake the globe-trotter mementos with décor items like the <a href="http://www.pier1.com/Buddha-Bookend-Set/2684479,default,pd.html?cgid=sculpture_art_figurines#nav=top&start=1" target="_blank">Buddha Bookend Set</a> from Pier 1 Imports or the <a href="http://www.birchlane.com/Birch-Lane-Tracery-Vase-BL3169.html" target="_blank">Tracery Vase</a> from Birch Lane. </div>

Have a living room like Olivia

When we last saw Olivia Pope, she was on a plane headed for parts unknown, but we hope she returns to Washington D.C. in the season four ...

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Furniture Giant IKEA is Plotting Disruptions

<div class="mod-economictimesarticletextwithadcpc mod-economictimesarticletext mod-articletext" id="mod-a-body-after-first-para"> <div style="text-align: justify;"> In sync with sustainable home furnishing solutions, the Euro 29.2 billion Swedish giant is revving up conversations around circular economic models. And true to IKEA's identity, Jesper Brodin, <a href="http://livinghomefurniture.blogspot.com/">Global Head of Range & Supply</a>, believes that the IP of the company actually lies in its design while the procurement of materials can come from any source—of course, adhering to stringent quality standards.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <em>In an exclusive interaction with <strong>CD, Brodin </strong>outlines the company's global supply chain, offers a peek into tomorrow's furniture and positions India as a major retail and procurement hub. Edited excerpts:</em></div> <br /> <img class="gwt-Image" src="http://www.economictimes.indiatimes.com/photo/44751719.cms" /><br /> <strong> </strong><br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <strong>How is IKEA's iconic design woven to the supply chain?</strong></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The world is obsessed about quality and low price or function and low price. We need both. That means together with our supply partners, like the people we have been working with for more than 30 years in India, they are our partners in making that happen. In certain aspects, some things are more cosmetic, but the quest is to provide real function at lower prices.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> So we spend our investments in R&D, product development, industry development, technology. What we want to do in the new India, and also supported by us moving into the customer side here, is to bring innovation technology and innovations here, build it up as we build up the retail side, but also look at more ambitious opportunities for India to become a leader in industry and export.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Today, we are 65 per cent textile-based in India wherein rugs and textiles are the main trade. We see huge opportunities to develop other materials and technologies in India for export as well.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <strong>IKEA seems to press the refresh button in its product range quite occasionally. How many SKUs does that leave the company with every year?</strong></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> We have about 10,000 products—everything from sofas to lights. Of the 10,000 products, we probably shift about 2,000 every year. So we have quite a turnaround of bringing in new designs and vitality in our offerings. The whole point of our stores is to have a place where you have instant gratification but it's also an experience in home furnishing. So it is both experience and shopping.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <strong>Despite high raw material prices, expensive transport and inflation, how do you keep your prices low?</strong></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> We work long term and the effort is to constantly bring down prices. Our business model is to take out unnecessary costs. We don't compromise on quality but try to bring in innovation and industry leadership to take out costs.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <strong>Give an example.</strong></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The innovation is not only to take out cost but find a sustainable business model. An example is furniture that instead of being solid with board material, we have invested in huge setups where the production is based on density. We have made holes (in material) where you need strength and where there is low density, you don't need holes.</div> </div>

Furniture Giant IKEA is Plotting Disruptions

In sync with sustainable home furnishing solutions, the Euro 29.2 billion Swedish giant is revving up conversations around circular eco...

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