Outfit to Room: Timeless and Collected
One day I was walking by Threadleaf, which is right next to Penny Post, and saw the most wonderful skirt in the window. It literally stopped me in my tracks, and I haven’t stopped thinking about it. It’s triple gauze cotton and looks like it should be hanging in a gallery. Naturally, when I thought about doing an outfit to room fall edition, I knew this skirt had to be the cornerstone of the outfit. Finding the rest of the ensemble was easy. The gorgeous green wool Ulla Johnson jacket from the Hive is perfect on its own, but with the skirt, it beautifully pulls out the bits of green. The Ulla Johnson boots are another item that I’ve been drooling over since I saw them posted online. They are delicious! As is the Jerome Dreyfus bag. I kept the top and accessories simple in order to let the skirt, jacket, and boots shine. Hopefully Nicole and Elizabeth agree that all these pieces were made for each other!
Outfit: Skirt, $318; Boatneck T-shirt, $128; Jacket, $825; Boots, $845; Handbag, $1,295; Earrings, $250
For the room, I knew I wanted to use the dark green and the abstract in big, bold ways. You all know I love a dark room and all its drama, so I decided to go with a dark green reptilian grasscloth wallpaper from Schumacher. It’s a showstopper for sure. I considered an abstract fabric or wallpaper, but in the end, I thought a giant abstract piece of art would be the defining piece in the room. This piece is not an original, but it’s just as appealing, especially when framed in a plexiglass box. If you’re looking for original art, I highly recommend Kristin Try for a commissioned piece. She’s amazing!
Room: John Derian Brook sofa in leather, $10,148 MSRP, $7,307 Sale Price; Art framed in acrylic box, $3,825; Beaumont chair in COM, $2,655 MSRP, $1,912 Sale Price; Peter Dunham fabric for chair, $175/yd; Floor lamp, $945; Farm coffee table, $1,965; 8×10 Crosshatch rug, $1,426; Side table, $781; Table lamp, $635
This outfit felt very organic and collected. Like you have had it in your closet for years and it never ages. To recreate that feeling, I went with very classic silhouettes for the furniture. English rolled armed chairs and a Chesterfield sofa by John Derian are timeless. I would upholster the sofa with a gorgeous luggage leather so that it will continue to age beautifully. I wanted the art to stand out, so I didn’t include abstract anything else in the room. Instead, I went with a very traditional pattern from Peter Dunham. This fabric on these chairs feels like they were your grandmother’s chairs that you just can’t part with.
The accent pieces are another collection of what feels like found objects and art pieces. Ceramics and old wood drawers, sleek metal side tables, and a floor lamp that harkens back to the age of art deco complete a complex living room. Accessorize with souvenirs from trips abroad, beloved heirlooms, and pieces that mark milestones on your road to becoming an adult and you’ve got a lovely space to call home.
Just like these gorgeous pieces of clothing pulled together for a timeless look, this room feels collected over the years. Everything here can be purchased through Red Barn Mercantile. Our semi-annual upholstery sale ends on September 30, so come in and let us help you find the perfect pieces that reflect your timeless style!
- About the boutique
Red Barn Mercantile opened its doors in September 2007 with a single vision in mind: providing old and new to offer our customers signature whole-room designs at great prices.
We’re more than a furniture boutique and provide more personalized service than a big box retailer. We work hard to bring you the highest quality furniture and gifts, the most unique conversation starters, wall hangings and accent pieces, whether they come from off-the-beaten-track flea markets, or the latest designers.
1117 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
703.838.0355
