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Design Eye Training : 117

BySarah Gibson
3 Comments

The most recent Design Eye Training post I shared was last spring, so we’re definitely due for a fun session! This is my 17th post in the series and today we’ll be analyzing & admiring a beautiful bedroom, perfectly fit for December, designed by none other than Ralph Lauren. I think the lighting and antiques are the best part about this space, and it will certainly give you a nice & sophisticated holiday escape without screaming Christmas. Click through to chat design with me… 

Design Eye Training : 117 - roomfortuesday.com
via Ralph Lauren Home

To quickly recap… in our Design Eye series, we observe and admire design fundamentals like scale, texture, pattern, material use, lighting plans, color, floor plan & layout, and a variety of intentional styling & interior moments pulled together by the pros. It’s an exercise I used to practice often in design school, and one I still enjoy today. By discussing and breaking down well designed spaces in greater detail, you’ll begin to train your “design eye”, build upon the design fundamentals, and can apply some of these things to your own home, if they appeal to you. I also feel like this series can really help you hone in your personal aesthetic, determining what you like and dislike… and most importantly, why. Ready to give it a try?

Bedroom Interior Analysis

Design Eye Training : 117 - roomfortuesday.com
via Ralph Lauren Home

I think the color palette is what makes this room feel festive and fit for the holidays- like a Scottish getaway. You’ll notice the red & green plaid wallpaper, classic green pleated drapery panels, vintage layered rug, mahogany furniture, leather upholstery, and luxe textures. It’s definitely a heavier look paired alongside stained wood millwork.

Design Eye Training : 117 - roomfortuesday.com
via Ralph Lauren Home

The maximalist styling also makes this room feel extra cozy and interesting. Each surface (mismatched bedside tables, the desk, and even the chairs) are stacked the brim, perfectly imperfect and casually executed. For a space that could look really stuffy, it takes on an exceptionally inviting vibe (thanks to well-selected textiles & good styling). While my personal taste is typically less layered and lighter, it works really well in this space with the traditional aesthetic.

Design Eye Training : 117 - roomfortuesday.com
via Ralph Lauren Home

Next to the lighting, the wood furniture is perhaps my favorite thing in the room… specifically the desk and campaign chest. I’m predicting we’re going to see darker woods (mahogany, and maybe even deep cherry) resurface this year. Everything comes back around! The timeless woven rug and shinier brass finishes also captured my attention.

Design Eye Training : 117 - roomfortuesday.com
via Ralph Lauren Home

I adore the layered lighting, vintage artwork, gilded frames, oversized branch arrangement, and lived in approach to this dark green bedroom. Here’s an easy takeaway… more styling books open to a favorite page or excerpt! I’m into that look.

Design Eye Training : 117 - roomfortuesday.com
via Ralph Lauren Home

FAQ

How do you style lots of vintage items without making a room look like a thrift store?

Excellent question and this space is a great example… I think styling with intention is always important. Also think of your surfaces like a landscape- heavier or larger items in the back, then work your way forward with smaller items that feel cohesive or functional in some way. Also keep practicality in mind- like a water glass within reaching distance on the bedside, then less useful or decorative objects further away.

Where is the tapered brass and glass lamp from?

You can find that lamp here! All of the light fixtures are from the RL collection at Visual Comfort. I’ve linked them all in the slider at the bottom of the post.

Where do you like to source vintage art?

Etsy, Ebay, home estate sales, auctions, etc. We have some really pretty vintage works in the Tuesday Made shop right now- including a horse drawing.

Do you think this aesthetic would look too heavy or outdated during the spring and summer months?

My opinion is to do what you love at home. This could easily be lightened (textiles, bedding, etc) for the warmer months, but it’s definitely a traditional look. I think it’s classic year round, but especially fitting for the winter months.

Design Eye Training : 117 - roomfortuesday.com
via Ralph Lauren Home

Related

Here are some similar blog posts you might have missed and may enjoy…

What did you notice about this bedroom? Was there anything specific you noted that you’d like to translate to your own home this season? Since we’re having an equestrian holiday over here, I figured this room was fitting. I hope you enjoyed it! I’ll link some of the items seen in the space below…

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3 Comments

  1. Good morning! Very fitting space for Operation Equestrian Christmas. 😉 First, I adore the plaid walls and overall green, red, and brown palette. I’m also a fan of the gorgeous deep wood trim. While I admire the obviously high-end case goods (especially the round table with the fluted base!), the addition of all the rich dark leather makes it too monochromatic for my taste. Very brown on brown on brown. I confess that I’m quite flummoxed by that bed with its ornate gilt trim. No. The linens, naturally, are topnotch. Ralph knows bedding! I love the layered art, books and small floral arrangements. Taken alone, the styling on each surface seems fine. In a pulled-back look though, it veers into clutter for me. Like housekeeping made the bed but didn’t tidy up the rest of the room. Overall, I enjoy the luxe lodge vibes, but maybe swap some leather for a little more red zing. Thanks for a design muscle stretch this morning! Have we really done 17 of these?! Crazy. I hope you are packing every single minute of joy that you can into your vacation. I can’t wait to hear all about it! Cheers to a beautiful day, Sarah!💜

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  2. While I’m not a maximalist you know I love a perfectly designed Ralph Lauren space 😍 His rich use of pattern, and color is so very swoon worthy. The layering techniques look so effortless and comfortable. This bedroom exudes a coziness, a timeless elegance, with his classic equestrian vibe that always captures my horse loving heart. From the plaid wallpaper, paisley bedding, dark wood furniture, leather sleigh bed, layered rugs, artwork, photos, books, dried arrangements, it all works so harmoniously together. Not to mention a roaring fire with an incredibly beautiful pup setting the perfect scene. While it does feel like the perfect winter setting, I think your right Sarah you could totally lighten it up with the change of bedding and maybe removing a rug. I would add some delightful floral bedding for a spring and summer look. And fresh florals would also add brightness. This time of year I’m totally digging it’s dark and cozy feel.
    There is so much to admire about this bedroom, I love, love it 🐴❤️🔥
    Anyway better run, so much Christmas wrapping 🎄
    Happy Wednesday! And thanks for the gorgeous RL inspiration Sarah, just stunning 🤩

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  3. Good morning! How have we done 17 of these?! Time flies when you’re having fun and flexing design muscles, ha! Ralph Lauren is and always will be one of my top interior designers for inspiration. What I’m always drawn to in his spaces is the effortless layers- not just textile layering. This space is the perfect example of layering art, books, personal effects, throws… you stated it perfectly when you said ‘lived in’. I adore the stained wood millwork, the rich dark wood furnishings and the glossy elements: brass lighting, gilded frames, glossy leather… again, layers of sheen on layers of texture. My favorite piece is probably the desk- what a beaut! For my own taste this space would feel cluttered; but my takeaway is that I am drawn to the rich colors and textures, pattern on pattern, and effortless, functional, layers. I’d like to strike this same cozy vibe, but on a smaller, more paired back scale. I’m noting his styling of artwork and framed photos- these are, in my opinion, the most personal elements of a space. Yes to more framed photos, yes to more art! This space feels like the perfect winter lodge escape and I’m here for it. Thank you for sharing! Wishing you smooth and safe travels home today, and hoping you’re ready for all the snow that awaits! Cheers to pizza Friday friends!

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