luxury living rooms Decorating Ideas 2012 by Candice Olson

Designer Candice Olson mixes comfy furnishings with elegant textiles and color schemes to create family rooms that define the meaning of lived-in luxury.

Contemporary yet Rustic

Rustic elements are combined with streamlined contemporary furnishings to create a couple-friendly living room. The tumbled marble fireplace contrasts well with the dark, luxurious wooden hearth and cabinets. For optimal fireplace and TV viewing, a large sectional sofa in creamy chenille and an ottoman in espresso brown are centered in the room.

Effortless Style

To brighten up this attic living space, Candice installs light-toned wood floors, brings in a cream sectional and adds track lighting. A color palette of greens, blues and tans complement the lighter tones, while paisley fabric and wall decals add a feminine, bohemian quality to the space. A reclaimed wood ceiling with faux beams adds architectural interest.

Eclectic Mix

Modernize a living room with a combination of different design styles. Sleek chairs in a classic paisley print are mixed with a traditional tufted ottoman in butterscotch leather and a contemporary sectional in taupe velvet. Rustic meets elegant in a two-layer treatment of woven blinds and silk draperies on the bay windows.

Multi-Functional Living

To create a more functional space, divide a room into different zones. The bay window is the perfect setting for a home office and features custom built-in shelving, while the area next to the back window is the library lounge, an ideal spot for conversations and reading. The main area of the room is used for TV watching and hanging out. Tie the entire space together by using the same color palette, like the combination of chocolate, caramel and oatmeal in this living room.

Romantic and Feminine

Dark wood paneling is painted antique white to brighten up this living room, which features a color palette of pink, green, cream and chocolate. To mimic the fabric used on the chairs, whimsical vinyl graphics of an agapanthus flower are transferred onto the ceiling, giving it the quality of a hand-painted piece of art.

Cottage Casual

Custom cabinetry plays a key role in this living room, providing plenty of storage and a place to display collectibles. The fireplace flows seamlessly into the cabinetry and features a sandy-tone mosaic tile surround. To give the room a more intimate feel, a fan is hung 36 inches below the ceiling, while a color palette of white, sand, pale blue and green keeps the space light and airy.

Gender Neutral

For most family rooms, creating a space that appeals to both genders is a must, so Candice chose a mostly neutral palette of deep browns, cool creams and inky charcoals for this living room. The corner is turned into an office with an antique desk flanked by mirror-backed bookcases, and the living room is ideal for relaxing with a large sectional and leather club chairs.

Muted Sophistication

Finding the right place for a TV is often problematic; however, in this living room, the 46-inch TV takes center stage since it doubles as a mirror when not in use. Carpet tiles in shades of calming blue, green, taupe and beige reflect the fabric used to cover the bench seat and pillows on the sofa. Stainless steel accents add a contemporary flair to the room. 

Comfy Elegance

A metallic floral-patterned wallpaper provides a luxe backdrop to the cozy living room, which features a silvery linen sectional and a classic writer's desk. Soft, gauzy sheers trimmed in gold satin separate the living and dining rooms, as well as diffuse natural light from the large windows at the end of the rooms.

Bold and Colorful

Two feature walls, one a brilliant fuchsia and the other covered in teal-and-gold paisley wallpaper, create an instant wow factor is this open plan living room. Low-slung furniture in white and peacock blue create a cool, lounge-like vibe, while natural-stained maple flooring and updated shag carpet ground the space.

Urban Functionality

In this urban loft, a color palette of gray, black and white is paired with shimmery steel and rich wood accents for a cool, contemporary vibe. Modern furnishings, smart track lightings and a dramatic ceiling fan combine for a stylish and functional living space.

Rustic Chic

Hand-scraped oak flooring is the perfect contrast to the impressive limestone fireplace, and a wall of cabinetry with custom bookcases and stainless steel dressers provides plenty of storage for the TV and media components. Distressed leather furniture with tufted detail adds vintage elegance to the room with blue linen draperies creating a beautiful backdrop to the space.

luxury living room curtains Ideas 2011

A print on a half panama fabric.   Great value for money. A nice bright horizontal stripe brings a touch of style to your room. This design is fully lined with an eyelet heading. Matching cushion covers are available to give a finishing touch to the look

These timelessly elegant woven jacquard curtains would be a sophisticated finishing touch for any interior. The beautiful trailing tulips gives a traditional feel whilst the woven quality of the fabric adds a subtle touch of texture.

A geometric top border on a hop sack cloth, for an admirable design. The depth and clarity of the contrast colours on the natural hop sack cloth will fulfil anyone’s wish for a modern and exciting feel.

The ultimate in luxury. Traditional yet Modern. This silk inspired jacquard design is an elegant timeless classic. It will give a stunning finish to any room.

A  faux silk embroidered fabric which creates an ambiance of both calm and vibrancy.  An abstact swirl design with a subtle sheen will give a stunning appearance with great value for money.

This self patterned waffle effect curtain will enhance the ambience of any room they are located. They are lined with matching tie backs and cushion covers.

A  faux silk embroidered fabric which creates an ambiance of both calm and vibrancy.  An abstact swirl design with a subtle sheen will give a stunning appearance with great value for money.

Traditional yet Modern. This design can encompass the whole spectrum of window dressing. These curtains with their metallic yarn expertly woven onto a heavy weight textured fabric would give an excellent finish to any room

An effective spray pattern compromising of the most up to date colour pallet to give this design the real WOW factor. It takes its cue from the most modern trends and yet has its own air of originality. 

Contemporary leaf print design giving a warm autumnal feel.  Luxurious woven pencil pleat curtains with a soft sheen. These sophisticated colour palletts will suit any modern interior.

A large modern floral woven design. Inspired by some of the most up to date designs and incorporating modern manufacturing techniques, to give a contrast of a silk effect flower against a more natural base cloth.

A Stunning modern hopsack design with a faux suede appliqué squares running through the curtain. The density of the hopsack cloth and the faux suede appliqué combine exquisitely to provide a curtain that has a real touch of class and is truly value for money.

A stylish and elegant modern large floral print, printed on a cotton jacquard. This flowing design will make any room feel warm and modern. 

Classically elegant with timeless appeal, Capesbury is a beautiful vintage floral printed on a linen look ground, which adds a real touch of luxury and completes the antique feel.

A traditionally woven heavy weight tapestry design. This design will bring an air of grandeur to any room in the house, making it feel warm and homely.

A funky modern floral print with an eyelet heading set on a contrast border to give the design a luxurious look. With its blend of vibrant colours and unique design this is to make any room feel warm and look modern.

A contemporary cross stripe chenille and taffeta woven eyelet design which is enhanced with a metallic yarn to give a defining contrast yet delicate ambiance. Suitable for any room. This design is fully lined with an eyelet heading.

Contemporary Window Treatments Panels 2011

These lined window treatments with unique bursts of color are a great way to transform your windows. The engineered embroidered and printed flowers offer dimension mixed with complementary hues for a visually exciting look.


Bring depth and dimension to your windows with these beautifully designed window treatments. The color blocked sections in complementary colors are accentuated by engineered pleating in a wavy design


The luxurious look of these window treatments give your room a refined feel. Solid colored panels and charcoal and cream leaf silhouettes on the valance are heightened by silver and gold accents.


The deep gold and light cream colors of this window treatment will add a touch of elegance to either classic or contemporary decors.


These refreshing window treatments feature a unique medallion design with a mixture of embroidery and textured jacquard in soothing shades of brown, taupe and gold.


This elegant window panel has a faux silk finish and is adorned with embroidered flowers for a touch of subtle grace. A great way to bring sophistication to your windows.


Regal and royal these window panels really make a statement. The panels and ascot valances feature metallic scrolling patterns that give them a subtle shimmer, adding drama to your decor. Merlot, gold, chocolate and cream colors all feature a golden metallic accent.


Window panels are a lovely addition to any window with corner weights sewn in for elegant drapability. The generous width gives a rich, full look to windows, while the classic styling enhances both formal and casual settings. Panels are also interlined for heat and cold insulation as well as for room darkening capabilities.


Window treatments have sweet rosettes along the top to bring a lovely touch to any window. Pair with the Rosette sheer window panels for a stunning look.


Add a natural, rugged appeal to your windows with these textured window treatments. The tightly woven panel and valance adds character to your decor and is a great coordinate in any room.

Window Treatments Design Ideas 2011 By HGTV Designers

Stylish Window Treatments

Modern Stripes

Simple panels are one of the easiest and most popular window treatment options. To spice up the living room's neutral palette, designer Troy Beasley selects white-and-green-striped curtains. Choose wider stripes and contrasting hues for a more modern look.

Curtain Combos

Valances provide a streamlined look by hiding drapery hardware. Designer Troy Beasley pairs a valance with cream panels trimmed in brown to add warmth to the bedroom while still letting in a little natural light.

Layers of Pink

Layer a mixture of curtains to create an updated design. Designer Andreea Avram Rusu pairs vibrant striped sheers with deep pink panels for a bright and contemporary bedroom.

Bold Contrast

A grommet heading, rings inserted into the top of the curtain fabric, is a contemporary and clean solution for hanging drapes. Make a bold statement with black and white stripes, like the Horizon in Shantung panels from Wildcat Territory. Photo Courtesy of Wildcat Territory.

Sleek and Blue

Designer Lori Dennis maintains the contemporary look of the living room with sleek panels hung close to the wall. Hidden hardware gives the window treatments a streamlined look.

Full of Frills

Unique window treatments complete a room. Designer Shelly Riehl David creates custom puff-top silk draperies for this romantic and feminine bedroom.

Creative Treatments

Windows aren't the only place for beautiful draperies. Designer Tracy Morris fills a luxurious bathroom with soft pleated curtains hung along the walls to add warmth and to create different spaces.

Pretty and Practical

Combine panels with blinds for privacy and to add warmth to a room. For a natural and unique touch, designer Jennifer Duneier uses a bamboo rod to hang the panels.

Flowery Style

Floral patterns don't have to look outdated. Look for ones with a large print, like the black-and-white Roman shades designer Erinn Valencich uses in this modern bedroom.

Keep It Simple

Simple shades and panels in a modern geometric pattern frame the view of this stylish study. Designer Troy Beasley says, "Keep windows open and light. Don't dress up the windows with jabots, swags or other old-fashioned, fussy treatments."

Fireplace Decorating Design Ideas 2011 From Candice Olson

Natural Beauty

A soaring stone fireplace is an impressive and rustic focal point in this living room. To reduce the scale of the stone and add interest, a long mirror is placed above the mantel. Candice also uses the fireplace as a jumping off point for the room's palette, by selecting the hues of sage, stone, taupe and caramel from the fireplace stones.

Raise It Up

A sleek stainless steel gas fireplace is installed at the perfect height to enjoy from anywhere in the space. Surrounded by a beautiful stone facade, the fireplace is the perfect combination of contemporary and natural.

Illusion of Grandeur

Paint the wall over the mantel the same color as the surround to give a fireplace more presence in a room. When a fireplace is flush with the floor, place a beautiful screen in front to provide ambience and safety.

Striking Focal Point

Floor-to-ceiling glass and marble mosaic tiles in brown, gold, cream and grey tones are a spectacular setting for an elevated gas fireplace. The contemporary focal point adds both visual and physical warmth to the room.

Classic Centerpiece

Sophisticated moldings are combined with a marble-tiled surround for a traditional fireplace. To allow the space to be a conversational area as well as a space to watch television, Candice hides a television behind a piece of remote-controlled artwork so it's out of sight when not in use.

Pure Luxury

A simply elegant fireplace surround is painted cream to offset the dark wallpaper in the dining room. Raised off the floor, the visual warmth of the fireplace can be enjoyed from each seat around the table. The fireplace is also flanked with mirrored panels that add depth and dimension, as well as reflect light into the room.

Contemporary and Streamlined

The show-stopping feature wall is a modern arrangement that boasts a long, linear gas fireplace and a massive surround of grey and white marble mosaic tiles. Not only is it eye-catching, but it brings much-needed warmth into the space. The fireplace is flanked with a custom-built cabinetry unit that holds a big-screen television, media equipment, books and some display items.

Crowning Jewel

A true glam centerpiece of the room — the fireplace surround is covered with silver dollar-sized stainless steel tiles and above the mantel is a glittering ebony quartz.

Cozy Gathering Spot

The fireplace, which features a wood mantel and is clad in a beautiful circular glass tiles, anchors the room. Traditional beadboard panels above the fireplace add texture.