The generously proportioned living room presented a challenge. “It always seemed kind of empty, no matter what we did.” Bigger, bolder artwork helped, as did moving the dining table in front of the bay window. “Our dining room was really pretty, but we hardly ever used it.” Mary moved the sofa and chairs near the hearth, and reduced the size of the fireplace by redesigning the mantel, extending the surround, and replacing the brick with Arts and Crafts tiles she’d been saving for years. “It was so large before that when we built a fire, it looked like a tiny match burning in a gigantic black box.”



(f)  “I’ve always loved red, but I needed a change.” That’s why Mary switched to buttery yellow wallpaper and crisply striped curtains in the kitchen breakfast nook. To guarantee a soft landing on even the hardest morning, she added plump-cushioned white wicker chairs. “I first saw the hand-painted 1920s cabinet in HOME COMPANION and told the homeowner, ‘If you ever want to sell it, call me.’ She finally did.”

(g) The dining table replaced the living room couch and chairs. “The ceiling is unusually low and kind of in your face, so I had it painted.” Mary decoupaged the hanging lampshades. “They looked so plain, I couldn’t leave them alone.” Dining chairs, Ballard Designs.

Serial Decorator page 1 | 2 | 3
  Stumble It!
archive »