The most interesting room in the world

So I had a reader come to me with a really fun request -

"Have you seen those Dos Equis commercials, about 'the most intersting man in the world?'
I have a library that I'd like to decorate like that - leather, skeletons, artifacts, books - and I was wondering if you could do a blog post on rooms that have that sort of 'worldly' look." -V

In case you're not sure about the ad she mentions - you can watch it here.

Here is a shot from the ad and two photos I found on the Dos Equis website.


Here are some images I dug up to provide some more ideas and inspiration for achieving that old-world, well traveled look.

This library is very similar because of the stone fireplace and rich upholstery and fabrics. Notice also a globe, stacks of old books, and the scientific painting of the skull.
via Fresh Home

From a Buenos Aires bed and breakfast.
via Claundine's Homes

Maps are an easy way to accomplish an worldly look, also they are affordable and widely available. You could even go to a used bookstore and find maps in books to cut out and display.
via Apartment Therapy

via Great Interior Design

via Ralph Lauren Home

two above via Style Rumors

via Design is Mine

via Point Click Home

Notice that in all of the rooms that dark walls instantly create a sense of intrigue. Also - keep in mind that most objects should not match -or come as a set. Curiosities and artifacts are gathered overtime from different places. You'll have different textures and colors in your fabrics, furniture, and objects.

An academic atmosphere also contributes to a worldly look - journals, good illumination, and organized collections.
via Point Click Home

Classic architectural sketches are also a nice touch - and can be found in flea markets and bookstores - even better if from your travels!
via Home Interior Design Themes

A faux stucco plaster treatment is a gorgeous way to create an antiquated look.
via Sandy Foster

Turn to libraries and museums for ideas.

Specimen drawers, apothecary jars, and specimen mounts are all ways to give your objects an "interesting" look. You can find these supplies at specimen and lab suppliers.
Two above images from via Curious Expositions

Thanks Victoria for a great idea! Does anyone else have some tips or ideas?

Cutting edge style

William Morris famously said “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.”

One of my favourite things is when form meets function to create an object that is beautiful and useful at the same time. I'm the tragic kind of person who oohs and ahhs over a lovely pair of oven mits, a stylish set of glass jars in a pantry, or a even a well designed ironing board cover! I just love the elevation of an everyday item into a thing of beauty.

So that must be why I have a 'thing' for beautiful scissors - they are an ordinary thing you use that can also be lovely. I keep seeing these great images of scissors that I just have to save and store.

I've bought my own pair of scissors that I think are beautiful (below). So much lovelier than a cheap plastic pair, but they weren't expensive. In the image below I've put them on top of some fabric I've bought for a little craft project I'm working on with my son for his bedroom....more about that another day.

Whenever I'm out on one of my trawls around auctions and second hand shops, I keep my eye out for beautiful pairs of vintage scissors. I have yet to find any that I really like, but I would love to start a little collection.

Images 1 Eva Lindh 2 Sletvoll 3 Paul Massey 4 Marie Claire Idees 5 Baileys Home and Garden 6 The Bedlam of Beefy 7 fffound via Brabourne Farm 8 Atlanta Bartlett 9 me 10 flickr

Best wishes,