Two Martha Stewart editors, Rebecca Robertson and Kevin Sharkey were recently challenged to decorate a similar room in a week. Rebecca Roberstson took her love for bold colors and graphics and created an "ecletic modern room." Kevin Sharkey went back to his Parish-Hadly roots and created an"updated traditional" room. Let's look at the two looks in more detail....First up, Rebecca Robertson.
What initially attracted me to Rebecca's room was her bold use of colors; and I couldn't ignore her use of
Madeline Weinrib patterns! But, after more review, what really won me over was her creative DIY projects. For example, she reserached and found unpainted victorian gingerbread baulsters and used them on her walls. Talk about a graphic statement!
She bought generic Ikea ready made cabinets with built in shelves and used punched MDF radiator material to cover the glass fronts of the cabinet doors for a custom look. How genius is that?
Lastly, also seen on Karen's
Strictly Simple Style blog, Rebecca covered simple bakers trays with a bold zig zag fabric she designed on
spoonflower and topped them with plexiglass. Love it.
Now, let's see her competition - Kevin Sharkey.
He first began with the gingham check grasscloth wallpaper - the scale reminds me of buffalo check which I really love. And, then he added Schumacher's floral garden wallpaper to the ceiling to add a fifth wall. This is very different from how he decorated his current home.
He said his inspiration was a garden room, hence you see the garden stool, wicker furniture, floral wallpaper, etc.
Similar to Rebecca, he bought unfinished ready made bookcases and added molding to make them look custom.
So, there you go - one room, two looks. Have a favorite? I do and would love to hear yours. Go
here to vote.