Cozy character

At home in a timeless retreat, this room is designed to warm family spirits.

Crisp leaves will soon begin their journey down from trees on high as cooling winds add a nip to the air. An ever-changing landscape offers vivid foliage in shades of gold, cinnamon, and forest green. These homeowners chose to bring that autumn feeling indoors to their warm and cozy retreat.

Currey and Wade Thornton's casual and comfortable family room is part of a recent addition to their historic, early 20th-century Nashville residence. The multipurpose space is dressed in spicy hues and is opened by a vaulted ceiling and a cascade of French doors.

"Currey grew up in this house and later moved away," says Deb Tallent, a family friend and interior designer. "Since then, both of her parents have passed away. She later moved back to the house with her husband. When they decided to add on, they made sure the new space carried the same style as the rest of the home."

"Wade and I love the character of the original home," Currey explains. "We are very outdoorsy people. Our daughter, Macon, is an avid horse rider, and, as a family, we enjoy our surroundings. We wanted to make this a room we could truly live in."

Comfortable Elements

The family room's most dramatic feature is the vaulted, beaded-board ceiling. Painted a beige hue and trimmed with extra-wide, glossy beams in a shade of ivory, it draws attention upward. "Color combinations warm the space from the walls to the ceiling, giving it a mocha look," Deb says. The beaded board and molding also help balance the room.

A series of French doors allows in light and provides a panoramic view of the changing seasons. Deb suggested recessed lighting with the exception of an antique, ornate iron chandelier that gives added focus to the room's center.

Furniture and Fabric Mix

Along with rich details, this space features a mix of solid and floral prints in both vibrant overtones and natural, earthy undercurrents. "Of course, we wanted it to be pretty," Currey explains. "But it also had to be functional.

"Deb helped me mix elegant fabrics with casual upholstery," Currey says. "It was practical to find some fabrics that can resist the wear and tear of our dogs and cat beautifully. It blends the best of both worlds." Several furniture pieces are from the 1920s, including a mahogany console table behind the generously proportioned sofa. Chairs were reupholstered for an updated look. "The driving force for keeping so many furnishings was truly the sentimental value of each piece," Currey says.

A plump, forest green sofa is covered in cotton chenille. High- and low-back chairs and ottomans are dressed in smooth, earthy leather and subtle, textured chenille, while red accents unify the space. Rich floral fabric does double duty as pillows on quilted club chairs and as drapery panels topped with fringed swags.

It's a space that complements the seasons with warmth and character.

MAJELLA CHUBE HAMILTON

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Oct 2003
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