Learning Curve

One of the best parts about having a decorating blog is how much I can learn about interiors: what resources are out there, what the trends are, and what works/ doesn't work.

In other words, it's an AWESOME learning experience for me, someone with an anthropology degree rather than a design degree, who came to this whole decorating epiphany post-college.

Which is all a longwinded way of saying, 

I came across this image a few days ago and keep coming back to it, thinking that I like it almost in spite of it being different from the look that usually appeals to me. It's a perfect example of a look that someone ELSE puts together, and you think... "I would never have thought to put THAT with THOSE and with THAT, but it totally works!"

So what do you guys think?

Any design gurus out there who want to do a little Design Professor and pass on your genius?

So I love the overall look. 

But then I break it down into parts and think, would I have ever thought of that?

Specifically: the wood of the floor, the wood of the credenza on the right and then the white shelving would have scared me. That's a lot of contrast going on. 

Also: the wallpaper. A risk I would have been nervous about taking but actually like.

And the rug, with the patterns on the chairs and the black chair?

Taken on an individual-component level, this room almost leaves my head spinning. 

But overall I think it works. 

 PLEASE EXPLAIN. 

Any takers? I'd love to hear you all weigh in!

image via Design*Sponge