Actually, the quintessential steampunk piece is a modern computer decked out to look like a 19th century device. I met a guy profiled in the Boston Globe who has a steampunk house, and whose kitchen was featured here once. He was selling a cast iron Victorian stove that had been outfitted with a barely-discernable electric cooktop. It's not so much working Rube Goldberg contraptions as it is window dressing on modern technology. I think of it as a stage set in search of a story. Let's say Steampunk is a definite one month from now, as the project that follows the next one. For the very next one to start this weekend, I'm thinking Hollywood Regency, based on an unscientific review of the preference lists people have posted so far. I would sort of like to do the setup for Steampunk, so if you'd rather I not do two in a row, I can happily defer to pal on the HR project. Thoughts?

Palimpset, it's funny that you say it looks accumulated as I worried that it was too matchy-matchy because of all the rattan. I think my propensity towards that approach is based on watching Sarah Richardson putting a room together. Cawaps, there's definitely a lot going on in the room, but I did try and limit the forms to organic shapes and the colors to the color palette from the sofa fabric. It really was about finding a fabric that included both the deep red of the fixture and the orange of the carpet. It would definitely not be a restful living room, but I think would be great for parties. The fabric is from here: http://www.fabricguru.com/p-fabric-by-the-yard/terrace-printed-polyester-outdoor-atlantis-1 and it comes in a couple of other color ways. It's an outdoor fabric so it should be fairly kid-friendly. Positively Patty, The wall color reads to me as a little green, I wonder if a paler version of the pale cream in the carpet would be more restful? Crl, finding the sofa fabric was definitely key. I like the balance between organic curves and linearity in your room.

aktillery9 Thanks for the color inspiration! I love the idea of adding in a fresh color (after all, my entire house can't be white, cream, and blue!), and green is an unexpected yet beautiful choice. (And thanks for including a picture-- it's such a great example of how dark, traditional furniture can be paired with the right items/colors to produce a fresh look! I'd definitely like to do something similar in my space!) suzyq53 Thanks for the feedback. Your comment made me realize that my plea for help might not have been clear-- I definitely don't want a casual beach bungalow look. Ultimately the rooms will be formal spaces, and I'm happy with a more formal, traditional-leaning look... but I do want it to have subtle coastal references, through texture, color, etc. I continue to hope that there's a way to bring "coastal" and "traditional" together in a unique, beautiful way. ARBA Studios I'm mulling over the idea of adding shiplap or something similar to the wall around the fireplace. You're right-- it's not a huge area, so I don't think that it would be a costly change, and it might be a nice way to pull the room from traditional to coastal. Thanks for the inspiration pic! ingrid_vc so. CA zone 9 I agree! BIG rugs are definitely the way to go. I think that once rugs are added, the room will feel much more inviting. And I agree, everything that's currently on/above the mantle needs to be changed, and the dining table is screaming for something beautiful in the center. celerygirl I'm on the hunt for a wicker tray similar to the one in your picture. I think that the texture will be a nice touch, and with the right decor pieces placed on top, I think that it will go a long way to pulling the room together. Please keep the feedback coming, everyone! And if you have specific ideas for items that would look great in my space, that would be much appreciated!

Lucky you! Your house is beautiful! If it were mine, I would put a very long dining table behind that long sofa instead of that small round table. Then I would create a long island to leave the 4 feet of walk-through space needed in your kitchen. If possible, I would use the solid wall for tall cabinets to house all small appliances, pantry storage and counter depth refrigerator. On that island, I would put in the sink and 2 dishwashers, plus pull-out trash bin. You can see that gorgeous view while doing cleanup and food prep. In no way would I lose those floor to ceiling windows! Just my humble opinion, but in this case, form trumps function! But I feel the function is there in this plan. You will still have plenty of prep space on the island, plus there is some counter space on either side of the stove. But it would seem that that view is the reason you are building there. I wouldn't compromise on that.