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[Oznell]

Designer Sarah Vaile had an interesting dilemma.  She was familiar with her client's design and color tastes, as the client's previous apartment in New York had been published widely-- it had vibrant purple grasscloth, and high-style black lacquer.  Yet for her return to live in Chicago, she had told the designer she wanted a 'soothing' color surround.

Seems to me that Sarah Vaile managed to deliver color, but still make it tranquil, per the client's request.  Pale blue walls in an often cloudy climate are a really good choice, in my opinion.  They give a lift, even on the grayest days...  and look great with the lilac couch.

[on the bay]

Those are such pretty blues.

But I definitely don't think those  brown hanging lights/lamps help this pretty light room.

[kindred cats]

I really like this room.  Most of the walls in my home resemble that pale blue almost grayish walls.  I actually like the lighting too. 

[DSD2]

The room has a good aesthetic. Oznell, I do like the blue walls and the lilac couch is different and very pretty! I also like the vases on the window sill.

I would switch out the lights and the rattan elephant table while adorable seems a bit out of place here. 

Thank you for another great post.

[DREAMON]

Pretty room. I am not sure about the hanging lights….I think I would change them to something that was more complimentary to the room.

[781Florist]

The color on the walls is very attractive.  Everything else would have to go.

[phoenixbrd]

I think Vaile accomplished her goal.  The colors are soothing, refined, and quiet.  I am not fond of the lighting....I like the color but not the design.  Overall, I'm sure the client was pleased.

[Oznell]

@kindred cats ,  I'm another who can attest to the salubrious effect of pale blue walls!  My living room walls, in B. Moore's historic "Woodlawn Blue",  are a soft, slightly "off" shade, leaning toward robin's egg, so not "cold" at all....   I'm continually surprised at how cheerful they are, bringing blue skies even in drab winter.   Not all of my paint choices over the years have been that good, shall we say...  

I would have bet that the lights in this room wouldn't appeal to a majority here, but in this context, I rather like them.  (That's interesting that they appear brown on your monitor, @on the bay--  they are actually a polished brass or gold).

The whole feeling of the room to me is what I usually respond to, then the individual elements.  With her blue-sky walls and softened colors, she then brings in a compatible "tropical" accent, in the palm motif, the whimsical wicker elephant, the white Chinese Chippendale rattan chair, etc.,  and even the fan-like pendant lights. 

Overall, still a polished city apartment, but slightly playful and happy -- that's the feeling I get.  AND, not "cookie-cutter",  that's so refreshing in itself.

Glad you mentioned the vases on the window sill, @DSD2 .   I hadn't paid them much attention, but after your comment I enlarged the picture-- they are gorgeous.  Could almost be famille rose, maybe, so pretty. 

Speaking of lights, another thing I like is the astute choice of the black shade on the white lamp near the window.  It helps ground all the light colors, and ties in the art in the dining area... 

[We rescue cats]

Interesting and pretty, definitely will combat the dreary Chicago weather. I thought the same about the rattan elephant, then I wondered if it held a special place in the owner's heart or memory. The vases on the window are beauties, and it looks like ****** Willows in them. Love that touch of nature. I am unsure about the light fixtures, but I don't think they would have been my choice.

[stevieb]

Overall, I could take or leave this one but would most likely leave it. It doesn't impress me on any level. As for the elements, easier to say what I sort of like since there's far more I'd move out than would keep. While nothing here rocks my world, the sofa, the lamp, the brass tripod table and bamboo-like white chairs could stay. The rest goes, starting with the ceiling fixtures, the oversize ottoman-esque coffee table, the bust in repose and carrying through to the entire island vibe, which strikes me as sort of ridiculous. I might keep the elephant table, assigning it to another space, simply because it's cute. As for the paint color, it reads more gray than blue to me, but either way not much of a fan.