Design Master Class: Paige Dick tackles a Cary home
The challenge
This 2006 transitional-style home in Cary was ideal for its new owners, a couple from Charleston, S.C., with two young sons. It had plenty of space for the family to grow into. The challenge was to infuse it with a relaxed sophistication and coastal elements inspired by South Carolina’s Lowcountry.
Super space
We started from scratch with new furnishings and warm colors to create a child-friendly great room with an emphasis on art.
Focal point: With a dramatic mantel that draws the eye up to the coffered ceiling, the fireplace is a strong focal point for this 21-by-17-foot space. A 40-by-50-inch coastal landscape by Cary artist Susan Hecht hangs above the mantel, providing a pleasing color palette that carries through the room. We pulled tints of green, beige, blue and yellow from this artwork into the hand-tufted area rug that defines the seating area. The 12-by-15-foot rug is large enough to accommodate all of the furniture pieces and give the boys ample floor space to play.
Comfy seating: A pair of 86-inch custom sofas by Century Furniture provide style, comfort and durability. They are upholstered in a heavy-duty jute fabric that resists stains; spills simply bead up and can be wiped away – perfect for kids and pets! We accessorized them with button-trimmed, porcelain blue pillows, larger worn-leather pillows and a soft, blue throw for texture and warmth.
The owners asked for slip-covered chairs so fabrics can be changed out for variety. Transitional swivel chairs by Lee Industries with a green, Greek key print provide contrast without overpowering the room. A modern side table by Gabby with a decorative top fits between the chairs. It features a brass-colored diamond pattern on the round base – a geometric motif also displayed in the pearl-colored inlaid top. It’s a striking and useful conversation piece.
Built-ins: The homeowners were thrilled with the recommendation for a built-in media center and bookshelf next to the fireplace. The white, custom built-ins provide storage for the kids’ toys to be tucked away under the TV as well a shelves to display coastal accents, family photos and special books from past generations. Plantation shutters provide light control and a sophisticated backdrop for the furniture.
Finishing touch: Finally, we wanted to bring a little of the outdoors inside. A copper planter with verdigris patina echoes colors in the chairs, accent pillows and green tones in the rug. The ficus tree from Garden Supply in Cary provides just enough height between the built-ins and sofa to balance the space.
Mission accomplished.
Terrific trick
Great pairs create symmetry in a room. If you have the space, consider purchasing identical sofas rather than the standard sofa and loveseat combination. The sofas provide more seating and create balance in a larger room.
(Not) by the book
Mixing different finishes does work. You don’t have to decide whether you prefer silver or gold. Mix them together. A gold end table with silver accents is stylish and brings sparkle to the space.
Paige Designs LLC
1002 Dominion Hill Drive, Cary
720-220-9500 or paigedesignsllc.com
This story was originally published December 12, 2014 at 8:00 PM.