i love the look of modern, understated elegance. where classical architecture merges with the use of contemporary and eclectic elements to create spaces that are unfussy but so obviously well-thought out. these rooms for instance — i quite like the idea of pairing vintage textiles and wallcoverings in a minimalist space or allowing a bold wall color to speak for itself. just a few of your favorite things — perhaps the use of a beautiful lighting fixture, an ornate wall sconce or a portrait painting as dramatic accents and a lot of the rest of the room kind of undone in that unexpected, restrained sophistication and effortless nonchalance.

• photography credits in order of appearance: nicolas mathéus photography for elle decor france; semikah textiles; coqui coqui via remodelista; vtwonen; the socialite family; katherine pole; residence magazine; swarm home; Boezio in carcere; remodelista; @wsjmag; nicole franzen photography; brooke bennett photogrpahy for rue magazine; ana degenaar; peacock print; coqui coqui via remodelista; le bibliomane; libertyn interiors; roomer design; expressen; studio b.

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• Hotel Café Royal in London by David Chipperfield.
• Cédric Grolet’s Meurice Patisserie in Paris by Ciguë.