Fresh Looks With Red Accents

Old finds and accessories in vivid tones liven up this bold living room with color and style.

Focusing on what you love rather than on trends or someone else's taste will make your interiors more personal and unique. Martha Bell was always drawn to Asian antiques and objets d'art. "They've had this appeal for years, and I can't keep myself out of antiques stores," she admits.

Start With a Simple Palette

Martha worked with friend and interior designer Connie Crosby of Pensacola to update and refresh her assortment of furnishings, some of which she inherited from her mother.

"We went with a neutral palette to unite the pieces and give a feeling of serenity," says Connie. Simple bamboo shades dress the windows and a sea grass rug covers the floor. The subtle colors complement the adjoining rooms and make Martha's bold red collections stand out more.

Slipcovers in inexpensive cotton duck cover blue denim sofas. A camel-colored chenille club chair and ottoman give comfort and texture, while a prim Victorian chair in a creamy cut velvet blends right in. Vivid red pillows made from old Oriental rugs adorn most of the furniture. A Far East-style coffee table finishes the room.

Displays Add Energy

With the furnishings in place, the two friends had fun experimenting with Martha's accessories. Asian lamps from Martha's mother were placed on side tables around the room. Each surface houses treasures in varying heights, shapes, and textures. Most vignettes contain at least one box-a collecting obsession of Martha's. Nothing stays in one place for long. "I'm always moving things around and adding new pieces," says Martha. "Moving accessories brings a fresh perspective to your rooms," adds Connie. Something all of us strive for.

ALICE WELSH DOYLE

FRESH LOOKS FOR RED ACCENTS

Page 132: Interior design by Connie Crosby, Constance Crosby Interiors, Inc., Allied Member ASID, Pensacola, Florida (850) 438-0335.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Sep 2004
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