There is a lot you can learn from one good photo...

I told Kim a few weeks ago that she didn't have enough book storage to really pull off a cool design look using books.  (see this post)

I came across this photo today- (designer Jason Oliver Nixon) and thought- now here is an example where there is a large enough quantity to have the books look great.  I also love the incorporation of decorative elements sprinkled throughout.  Notice too the area above the bookcase.  This is sometimes an area where people tend to struggle.

I also liked the cluster of wall decor.  The variety is terrific- with common elements of sepia tones and red. 

The third thing I would like you to notice in the photo below is the wall color.  Dark brown works great here.  Dark brown, in my opinion rarely works great.  But I like it here.

The Brown Kitchen

As a follow up to the Blue Kitchen and the Green Kitchen- now presenting- the Brown Kitchen... Many kitchens start brown- simply because of wood cabinets- but these kitchens took a step further- making brown not just the natural shade of wood- but their focal color. Above- it is the brown chairs that seal the deal.

OK- so this is a stretch to put this kitchen in a blog for "brown kitchens"- but I just liked it so much- so I'm stretching... Here- the focal point of the room is the fabulous built- in display - which really pops in brown with the other cabinets in white. Check out the cool ceiling also. I want to move into that house....

This contemporary chocolate cabinet is kept consistent with chocolate barstools- and ceiling.

Here is a painted brown cabinet. I don't know about this one- I feel like painted brown usually looks better if stained...

And I finish it off with brown walls, and accents in this great kitchen. Keep in mind that these brown walls look great because the cabinets are white- and the room is large. Small- or even medium sized kitchens with painted cabinets are not the place for brown walls. Raise your hand if you have seen some brown walls that didn't really work. It takes a large space- and some good contrast.

So- what do you think? Do you prefer blues and greens-... Anyone love the brown?

Photos from House Beautiful.