Few things in life are more fascinating than getting a sneak peek into other people’s homes. And so, we’ve naturally had a blast perusing all the entries for our Starter Home Photo Contest, for which each entrant is asked to submit a photo of a favorite room in their home. To observe the varying aesthetics and unexpected decor touches and clever uses of space has been inspiring, to say the least, and has encouraged us to consider our own home decor in a new light. Here, some of our favorite contenders so far.
Brigitte, Taos. (Above.)
She says: The Reading Loft.
We say: Sunny and book-filled: A room that we never knew we always needed.
Roger, Long Beach.
He says: I love this sitting room: It’s as functional and warm and inviting as it is pleasing to the eye.
We say: Stripes and color? Sold on this living room decor idea.
Pam, Sewanee, Tennessee.
She says: This is the kitchen in the barn at Wild Heart Ranch.
We say: Some barn. Love the rustic, multi-colored island, replete with a “tree” growing out of it.
Psst. Want more home interior ideas? We’ve got lots…
Steve, New York.
He says: The sunroom in our Asbury Park house exudes serenity, and the color palette is nature’s own—green plants, yellow sun, the earth. This room is also our window to a vibrant community: We sit there on Sunday mornings and watch the world go by.
We say: An easy-breezy room if we’ve ever seen one. Also, can we come over one Sunday?
Amanda, Chicago.
She says: My bedroom is my sanctuary. It’s bright and airy, with bold graphic patterns.
We say: Airy and bold: The holy grail of interior design.
Ziheng, San Antonio.
He says: Detail makes perfect!
We say: We agree, especially when kept to a zen-like minimum, like here.
Ashley, San Francisco.
She says: Inner city living: Taking the indoors, outdoors. Our outdoor room in San Francisco provides an almost year-round divine dining alternative in casual yet chic style.
We say: We couldn’t imagine a more lovely place to dine and wind down each night.
Shannon, Warner Robins.
She says: This is our study. A cozy quiet place to read a book.
We say: Stately and cozy yet open and airy. Perfection.
Andres, Minneapolis.
He says: My wife and I live in a condo in Minneapolis. When we are not eating a healthy meal, we are watching a movie or just relaxing in our living room.
We say: As New Yorkers accustomed to living in compact homes, we can safely attest that this is a superb use of space. (Love those red chairs!)
Jodi, Sonora.
She says: The kitchen in our home is my absolute favorite place to be. We are a family of seven (five children under 6 yrs!), and having a kitchen/dining area that is both functional and attractive is a must have for us!
We say: Open and bright, warm and welcoming: This might actually be the kitchen of our dreams.
Andre, Phoenix.
He says: Mid-century drinking lounge.
We say: Why not have a mid-century drinking lounge? (So Mad Men, no?)
Linda, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
She says: I love this room because of the natural light coming in from all directions and with a five-meter beamed ceiling, I feel like a bird high up in my nest!
We say: We dig the unique aesthetic at play here.
(Now, your turn: Show us the happiest room in your home (and, of course, in doing so, enter for a chance to win a $2,000 MYHABIT gift card. Oh, and if you haven’t shopped our Starter Home series, we highly suggest doing so now.)
