6 pointers for pretty living rooms

Southern Living, Nov 2004 by Sandner, Julie Feagin

Dial up your home's style with these secrets anyone can do.

While working with the Idea House program for several years, I had the opportunity to meet many talented designers across the South. In 2001,1 hired Grant Ray to design the interiors of the Poplar Grove Idea House. His attention to detail on that project always left me wondering what his own house looked like. So I decided to find out and share it with you.

Grant lived a few doors down from this Tudor Revivalstyle house when it came on the market. He wasn't looking to move, but from the minute he walked in, something caught his eye. He knew it had potential, but the home also needed some serious sprucing up. Its location on a shaded lot didn't do much for brightening the interiors, especially with dark paint colors and stained wood covering the walls. When the price was right, Grant bought the house and quickly set a plan in motion to shed light on the home, starting with the living room. So, how did this interior designer choose to update the largest space in his new house? Take a look.

1 Pick the Right Paint

The before picture speaks for itself. Even with the centrally located large picture window, the living room was dull. The dark color scheme made the space drab and dated. For an easy, inexpensive fix, Grant chose a soft beige wall color to pair with creamy white trim. The combination instantly updated the space and created a neutral palette to build upon.

Prior to the update, the fireplace wasn't a focal point. The brick surround blended in with the cranberry-colored walls and stained trim. Now, the lighter walls and mantel make the fireplace stand out as an architectural element in the room.

2 Arrange Furniture for Intimate Seating

The generous dimensions of this living room might send a homeowner into a tizzy, wondering, "Where does the furniture go?" Grant solved the problem by dividing the space. He created cozy seating by the fireplace and a secondary group at the far end of the room. A table placed directly behind the sofa marks the end of one area, while the red-leather French chairs start another.

The multiple seating areas create a traffic pattern as well. With this arrangement, there's room to walk behind the sofa and into the connecting family room and kitchen.

3 Add a Ribbon of Color

"Grant made only a few purchases for the new house. A pair of lounge chairs in a festive red, quilted cotton fabric adds a dash of color. The hue creates a rhythm throughout the room and appears in other elements, such as pillows and artwork. The chairs are balanced with a small-scale chenille sofa.

Because it's only a two-seater, Grant chose not to fill the sofa with pillows. Instead, he placed a cashmere throw on the back to add color and pattern. This style trick works best on tight-backed sofas such as this one. Asian garden stools, used as end tables, are just the right size to place a drink, but can also be used as additional seating when entertaining.

4 Be Finicky With Fabrics

Furniture placement is key, but so is the fabric that's used on each piece. Because the walls are neutral-colored, Grant uses textiles to add interest to the room. He blends velvet, chenille, leather, and quilted cotton for a comfortable but classic look. Remember: The feel of the fabric is just as important as the color.

5 Learn Bookshelf Basics

Don't let a wall of bookshelves send you into accessory overdrive. Grant suggests using monochromatic items for a strong statement. He combines inexpensive knickknacks, such as rattan trays, with a few jewels, such as the antique leather-bound books. Keeping like tones draws your eye to the entire bookshelf, not to just one item.

6 Select Memorable Art

Go ahead and try oversize artwork or architectural elements. In the right place, a big piece will make an even bigger impression.

Most designers have a passion for original artwork, and Grant is no exception. His unique collection speaks volumes about his style; each piece has a personal story or unique history behind it. Whether it simply caught his eye or was purchased on one of his many trips, the artwork gives this room an edge. The combination of traditional and contemporary items keeps the space fresh.

Pages 90-96: Interiors by Ray & Baudoin Interior Design, Memphis, (901) 791-0138 or grant@rb-id.com; floral arrangements by Garden District, Memphis, (901) 761-3277; artwork from David Lusk Galleries, Memphis, (901) 767-3800.