Copy Cat Design: Raul Martins' Library

Here's the lovely and talented Colleen with our next installment of Copy Cat Design. And it's a good one!

This little library by Raul Martins is chock full of great design ideas, so let's get started!

1. Antique Brass Reed Small Chandelier; Bellacor, $420

Replace the shades on this chandelier with black shades, to repeat the black and gold motif.

2. Clear Crystal Ball with Crystal Stand; Crystal Company, $70

A grouping of crystal balls on a bookshelf looks ever so chic.

3. Steel Commercial Shelving Unit; Home Depot, $65

Look closely and you'll notice these shelves are industrial shelving units, topped with a black marble slab. Such an excellent storage solution!

4. "Studies for a Capital" Framed Poster; All Posters, $100

Framed architectural sketches are so fitting for a library. Botanical diagrams would be lovely too.

5. Solid Marble Obelisk; Wayfair, $67

More intriguing objects for a grouping!

6. Klismos Dining Chair in Chocolate; West Elm, $99

I firmly believe a library shouldn't have too-comfy chairs, otherwise you end up snoozing more than reading. It's for your own good!

7. Penguin Classics Fitzgerald Short Stories; Amazon, $16

A book on which to place an obelisk.

8. Odyssey Dining Table; CB2, $199

You could buy a Tulip Table with a black marble top, but I actually prefer the contrast of the white table.

9. Stone Trellis Wallpaper in White and Beige; Decorators Best, $76.75/roll

Here's another brilliant design trick: the wallpaper pattern mimics the one on the rug, but it's low contrast, allowing the rug to take center stage. Repetition: your design friend.

10. Castleberry Area Rug; Home Decorators Collection, $350 for 7'x9'

A high contrast geometric rug punctuates the repetition of black throughout the space.

PS More Copy Cat post here.

Copy Cat Design: Caitlin Wilson's Dining Room

Colleen is on fire - I love seeing what she is up to on There Comes A Yes. Also, did you hear that she is now the head graphic designer for Lonny? She is so talented and I feel really lucky that she works with me! She's joining us today with a copy cat version of a room designed by another lovely friend, Caitlin Wilson. Here's Colleen:

I really love Caitlin Wilson's dining room in the July issue of Matchbook. It's a pretty mix of traditional and feminine pieces!

1. Laura Ashley Ava Table Lamp with Taylor Shade; Wayfair, $115

It's pink, but the shape isn't overtly girly, so it works well in a dining room.

2. Cabbage White paint; Farrow & Ball

A fresh, light wash of blue on the walls enhances the navies and pinks.

3. Yellow Dynasty Teapot; The Teapot Shoppe, $35

Chintz makes me happy. That's all.

4. French Empire Crystal Chandelier; Gallery Lighting, $297

A very traditional and formal chandelier--it's best paired with a mix of furniture styles.

5. Porcelain Flower Pot; Oriental Furniture, $39

To stuff with hydrangeas, of course.

6. Lucite Square Knob; The Paris Apartment, $34

Dress up a run-of-the-mill buffet with glam lucite knobs.

7. Liatorp sideboard; Ikea, $350

A basic sideboard perfect for customization.

8. "Bordighera" by Monet in Parma frame 37"x31"; Art.com, $245

Scour church garage sales, thrift stores, and fleas for a framed oil painting--you'll get the best deal!

9. Karges French Regency Dining Table; Ebay, $1595

Rarely can you go wrong with a vintage dining set. If you're searching Ebay or Craigslist, try adding "regency" to your search terms.

10. Chandler Caned High Back Chair; Ballard Designs, $299

To get that Regency look, search for high back chairs and caning.

11. Sofia Fabric in Dark Blue; Ikea, $8/yard

Upholster the dining chairs in a navy and white/cream stripe!

12. Grant Wing Back Chair; Home Decorators, $900

Use wing back chairs as host chairs--it breaks up the matchy-matchy look of a dining set.

13. Navy Fleur Chinoise Fabric; Caitlin Wilson Textiles, $60/yard

Tie the room together perfectly with this floral fabric.