Memorable rooms

What elevates a well-designed room from simply 'nice' to something really special?

As well as using overscale elements or intriguing and unusual color juxtapositions, an out-of-the-ordinary display of unexpected objects is a great way to add visual drama and interest to any space.

Kelly Wearstler, a master at creating "dramatic expression" says, "I love to be caught unaware by a stunning surprise."*

A large collection, when grouped together and creatively displayed, can transcend the value or appeal of the individual pieces. And if you have a large focal wall, that's a perfect place to start.

A basket collection gone mad, by interior designer Stephen Falcke.
Image from Stephen Falcke.

A collection of busts displayed on wall brackets takes this classically elegant dining room from beautiful to unforgettable. (Of course, a silver armadillo on the table doesn't hurt.) Image via Cote de Texas.

Faux flowers are strewn across the lacquered walls of this whimsical and edgy powder room designed by Katie Ridder. The sophistication of the highly charged wall color and shiny finish (not to mention the fabulous sink, vanity and mirror) is kept in check by the sweet flowers. This might not qualify so much as a collection, but each flower takes on special significance through careful placement. Photo from Katie Ridder.

In a nautical-inspired beach house, designer Kerry Joyce lined this bathroom with floor-to-ceiling ledges to display the owners' starfish and shell collections. Photo by Dominique Vorillon for Elle Decor, 06/03.

Kelly Wearstler used (a lot of) British china to create a focal wall on an open-air patio at the Viceroy Hotel. White plates on a dark background provide real graphic punch. Photo from Modern Glamour by Kelly Wearstler.

At left: Parking garage mirrors create a wall mural in this Miami condo at Aqua, Ellison Island. The combination of reflective, sparkly mirrors on the dark wall creates movement and depth. Photo by Carlos Domenech for 11/07, Metropolitan Home. Interior design by Marshall.
At right: Turn a normally bland transition area into a thing of beauty. Designer/architect Carlos Mollino framed a paper butterfly collection cut out of a book (Joyaux Ailés, published by Hachette, 1955). His apartment in a 19th century Italian villa has been turned into the Casa Mollino Museum (which sounds to us like a must-see on any trip to Turin). More about Carlos Mollino and the museum here. Photo by Johannes Mueller for Vogue Living Australia, Mar/Apr 08.

A massive collection of 18th century Creil plates highlights the lime-and-pigment-painted walls in this dining room. Located in the South of France, this farmhouse is owned by a couple of Milanese antiques dealers. Photo by Thibault Jeanson, for Elle Decor, 04/04.

*From Modern Glamour, by Kelly Wearstler

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Parking garage mirrors like those in above image are available here or here.
Baskets similar to those in top photo available here.
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