before
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riginally decorated in what De Vargas refers to as her “Ikea phase,” the décor consisted of birch and lime green shades, and per the affectionate homage, a bevy of build-it-yourself Swedish design. It was around this time she began pursuing her degree in interiors, igniting a redirection in design taste. Looking to up the ante, she darkened the mood, exercising a palette of grey, black, red and white throughout the house, resulting in a sophisticated and modern, classically articulated theme. “That was definitely my dark phase,” she says -- she actually bathed the walls of all her rooms in deep grays. And then the design tables turned again. Craving a fresh, natural, bright and airy space, De Vargas traded the dark shades for mostly whites and creams, delivering a more muted, calming presence that felt more in line with her West Coast surroundings. Painting the living room a neutral off white allowed her to utilize pops of color and pattern with the furniture and accent pieces, including cleverly lining her inexpensive drapes with a playful dragon trim. Her kitchen became refreshed with both white walls and flooring, accented acutely with Asian artwork, and her bedroom features a fresh shade of robin’s egg blue, a color she actually pulled from her childhood bedroom. Not one to shy from the beach or from entertaining friends, De Vargas knew she had to create a space that was not only welcoming but durable on several aspects. Covering her hardwood floors in sea grass rugs from Pottery Barn both enhanced her desired natural feel as well as allowed for the inevitable tracking of wayward sand. The vintage sofa is upholstered in ultra suede, and her kitchen chairs feature vinyl zebra covers, proving that resilience and chic décor are not mutually exclusive.
*Create a look that personalizes who you are by pulling colors and patterns that you like issue two
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