Like Mother Like Daughter?

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  "People describe my bedroom as having a bordello feel... but I never have a theme or plan when I decorate. I just buy old soulful pieces that catch my eye and then figure out how to make them fit in," says Lorraine Kirke, a store owner/designer from East Hampton, NY.

  Paul Costello

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  Lola Kirke says, "I love my mom's taste, but it can be hectic. I like more method to my madness. My mom decorated my room when I was 6, and as I got older, I tried to tone down all the florals by removing a rug and adding my own touches, like the vintage Italian Some Like It Hot movie poster."

  Paul Costello

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  "After living in Paris with my family for five years, I developed a passion for classic European decor. I answer business calls at this grand Louis XV desk. Christina has impeccable taste, albeit less traditional than mine, but that hasn't stopped me from asking her to oversee the design of my new apartment," says Loida Nicolas, CEO of TLC Beatrice, from New York City.

  Paul Costello

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  Wall Street Journal reporter Christina Lewis says, "I admire my mother's fearless use of color and pattern. My place is more tonal. Because I have a one-bedroom, this streamlined marble-top table has taken on many functions: I eat, entertain, watch TV and work here."

  Paul Costello

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  "I would describe myself as very traditional. The entryway is gracious with a lovely bench, which makes the area inviting-so important, as I like to entertain. Talbott is more eclectic than I am, hence her turquoise front door," says Kit Pannill, a grandmother from Palm Beach, FL.

  Paul Costello

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  Talbott Maxey, a Palm Beach, FL stay-at-home mom, says, "My house is a mid-century modern glass box, but it's filled with family antiques. Maybe that's why my aesthetic is so similar to my mother's-I have all her old stuff! But with young children running around, it's not easy to keep tidy. This drives my mother crazy. She's a bit of a neat freak."

  Paul Costello

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  Gun Nowak, co-owner of Face Stockholm cosmetics, of Germantown, NY, says, "I've ripped out as many walls as possible to let the light in. I have a weakness for garden furniture and gold that's really worn-out looking. I have to admit, I'm a little hopeless when it comes to old things."

  François Dischinger

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  "My mother has fantastic taste but she believes that aesthetics come before anything else. You couldn't curl up in her gold Gustavian chairs. I think I rebelled against that a little. I wanted the seating area around the fireplace to be cozy," says Martina Arfwidson, also a co-owner of Face Stockholm cosmetics, from Selkirk, NY.

  François Dischinger

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  "When I look at my daughter's apartment, I'm amazed," says Nian Fish, creative director of KCD media relations, from New York City. "We use the same decorator, Gregory Bissonnette, but she's always had such elegant style. When I was in my 20s, I had none. I was putting milk crates next to my friend's old dresser. As I've gotten older I've become more expressive and courageous in my style."

  François Dischinger

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  Natane Boudreau, an actress from New York City, says, "When I bought this apartment I wanted to turn it into a cocoon, a place that didn't feel like New York. The paint was important to me. A creamy tan color was rubbed in by hand to get the organic effect I was looking for. My mother's taste is more ethnic, mine is more elegant."

  François Dischinger