Dissecting the Details: Living Rooms by Colleen McGill

Hello lovely LDV readers! It's Nancy of Marcus Design, back with the latest installment of 'Dissecting the Details.' Today we are taking a closer look at the über chic living rooms created by one of my personal design-heroes, Colleen McGill. The gorgeous spaces below have a calm and inviting feel, and that young traditional vibe that I just can't get enough of! Let's examine what makes these spaces sing, shall we?

You can't start off better than to create good bones in a space. If a coffered ceiling and built in shelves are out of your budget, how about a simple DIY paneling project to get the effect of the room above?

A living room should have at least 3 'tiers' of lighting: ceiling fixtures, wall sconces a level below, and then table lamps even lower. This effect of various levels of light brings interest, depth and warmth to the space.

A pair of side chairs, benchs, ottomans that double as extra spots to perch; all of these are chic ways to bring in more seating and create a very inviting space. And seriously, how inviting is that built-in tufted bench? Beauty!

Colleen's signature style is definitely a neutral back-drop with just a dash of color and pattern brought in with accessories, like the Madeline Weinrib pillows and blue and white ginger jars above. How easy would it be to change this up with the seasons? Love it.

Colleen's new line of furnishings includes this fab keira chair, and the tie one on pillow. A ginger jar collection will never go out of style, and the ikat pillow from Madeline Weinrib adds graphic pattern to keep neutral far from boring. And finally the symmetric twist sconce from Circa Lighting would add glamour to any living room. Now I've got myself dreaming of changing up my entire living room decor!