Urban Farmhouse

When you love where you live and know what you want, creating a home as perfect as this one, is easy. Provided you have access to the right interior designer. Homeowners (above) wanted a home that had a "functional and durable environment", for children of course. Mission accomplished, a beautiful gallery below of relaxed sophistication.

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This library or reading room is the perfect escape. No TV or distractions, just a place to sit and beautiful books to dive into. The wonderful woodwork is most impressive, it has beautifully tailored lines and the perfect dark walnut stain.

It's Wallpaper ! Seriously wallpaper with an ash faux wood pattern. It creates a beautiful depth of colour! Celings are actually pewter - and help tone dowd the walls. So smart!

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Kara Mann sits proudly in the expanded kitchen.

Situated on a generous lot, the home was already 4000 sq feet, and was expanded to include and additional 2000 sq ft that wrapped around the back of the house. You would never guess this home has so much space.

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Located in Chicago, this old farmhouse was updated and expanded to meet the needs of a young family. They hired Interior Designer Kara Mann for her talents with monochramitic pallettes and clean lined furnishings. She brilliantly pulled together a palette of grays and silvers mixed with taupes and rich wood furnishings. The result is inviting and elegant, and really family friendly.

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All photos are from Metropolitan Home, Mar 2009. You can also visit Kara Mann Design, for some other really inspiring galleries.