GET THE LOOK: KELLY WEARSTLER’S MALIBU LIVING ROOM

Lately, I have been drooling over Kelly Wearstler’s fabulous Malibu beach house, recently published in Elle Decor. I’m sure the weather is to blame, as I’ve fantasized abandoning the long, cold winter to spend a week in a place like this.

Kelly Wearstler's Malibu Living Room, from Elle Decor

Kelly Wearstler’s Malibu Living Room, from Elle Decor

 

I have always coveted Kelly Wearstler’s dramatic style. Melding influences spanning the 60s to the 80s, she mixes modern with vintage effortlessly. When you see a Kelly Wearstler room, you KNOW it’s a Kelly Wearstler room, even when she forgoes her signature use of bold color for neutral elements. Inspired by her latest project, I designed a living room that’s easily sourced and friendlier-priced.

wearstler moodboard

 

When working with a blank slate for a living room, I find that it’s easiest to choose a sofa first – the largest piece of furniture – and design around it. The popular Piazza velvet sofa from CB2 in the perfect neutral shade of greige (i.e., beige and gray) anchors the room. Its soft and wide shape, perfect for leisurely naps, creates the laid back Malibu vibe.

Cb2 piazza storm velvet sofa, $1399

Cb2 piazza storm velvet sofa, $1399

 

Leather butterfly chairs seem to be ubiquitous as of late. I love this original take on the look – the white leather with contrast stitching somehow nails the fancy-but-casual ideal.

White Leather Butterfly Chair, $229

White Leather Butterfly Chair, $229

 

Pretty much everything in the Nate Berkus line at Target works in this room, like these understated glam studded throw pillows.

Nate Berkus Decorative Pillow with Studs, $20

Nate Berkus Decorative Pillow with Studs, $20

 

Graphic black and white prints and sculptural gold pieces on the walls play off the neutral furnishings…

Nate Berkus Starburst Wall Decor - Gold

Nate Berkus Starburst Wall Decor – Gold, $28

Society6 Abstract Ink (Black on White), from $15

Society6 Abstract Ink (Black on White), from $15

 

For lighting, the effortless drama of this linen pendant lamp at CB2 is a no-brainer.

Cb2 linen pendant lamp, $60

Cb2 linen pendant lamp, $60

 

These pseudo-nautical rope mirrors are reminiscent of a beach house by the water.

World Market Connor Rope Mirrors , from $30

World Market Connor Rope Mirrors , from $30

 

Matching side tables in a dark shade add symmetry and break up the lighter colors in the space.

Ennis Side Table, $140

Ennis Side Table, $140

Wearstler-ize it with sculptures in varying sizes.
Set of 2 Aragonite Obelisk Towers (Peru), $43

Set of 2 Aragonite Obelisk Towers (Peru), $43

A soft, oversized pouf in place of a hard top coffee table makes the room feel softer and more relaxed.
Safavieh Pin-Striped Large Beige Cotton Fabric Poof Ottoman, $185

Safavieh Pin-Striped Large Beige Cotton Fabric Poof Ottoman, $185

The typical Kelly Wearstler room has a graphic rug that ties it all together. There are plenty to choose from in Safavieh’s affordable line of plush rugs on Overstock. This gorgeous retro-classy square rug is a winner.

Safavieh Retro Grey/ Ivory Rug (6' Square), $135

Safavieh Retro Grey/ Ivory Rug (6′ Square), $135

 

If you love Kelly Wearstler like I do, this beachy living room captures her essence. Stay warm!

 

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