the living room that didn't make the magazine

I found out that the reason the living room did not make the magazine was because of space issues.  I really, really wish it could have been included because a lot of work went into it and I would just love to be able to see the final pictures.  If you agree to have your home photographed you don't get any of the photos! None. It's been so hard waiting to see just how they all came out.  Seeing them online was good but when I opened the magazine I was so shocked at how lovely the photography was.  Roger Davies did such an amazing job.  Especially since he normally shoots for Architectural Digest and other high-end magazines.  Just look at the portraits he has shot here. I thought he'd be bored with shooting my house but he was the opposite.  He just reminded me on Instagram how much he enjoyed the days here with the White Stripes playing in the background.  He truly is a lovely, lovely man.

Anyway...so the top photo is what the living room looked like when Country Living got here.  And then this happened...

and this.

This is Janna Lufkin, the stylist.  Starting to mess around with some of the pillows she purchased.

And this

One possibility.

And another.

And while she was styling the pantry, I came up with this.

 The above 2 photos are my favorites of the whole shoot. (that I took)

Larry made that black bench about 20 years ago and it was at Alex's house.  Jana thought it'd look good as the coffee table.

Looks too narrow to me but she said they'd photoshop it.

I think this would have been the angle used in the magazine.  I think.  Anyway that's what went into styling just one room.  Each room was like that.  Painstaking attention to details like the way fabric draped, the angle of a book, the position of a pillow.  Each shot was sent to New York for approval before moving on.  If you are interested I can show you lots of other photos showing the preparation and styling of the other rooms.

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I'd also like to take just a moment to thank you all for your sweet, kind and thoughtful words on Melinda's passing.  It's been a week now and I still can't believe she is gone.  I've read and re-read your comments and they've helped so much.  Thank you all, you truly are the best readers anyone could ever ask for.  I love you all. xo