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Updated Rooms & Great Views Too

Southern Living, Apr 2007 by Mercer, Amy Bickers

Stop that bulldozer! Think before you tear down an older home. Try a little TLC first.

The 1950s ranch-style house often gets a bum rap, but this open and airy space proves that simple steps can turn past into perfect.

Homeowner and interior designer Greg Baudoin stumbled across this house and immediately recognized its good bones. "My whole philosophy is that we should recycle these houses rather than tear them down. I saw its potential," he says. Luckily, cosmetic changes were all this space required to make it fit Greg's vision of contemporary comfort.

New and Old

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Original travertine floors remain, but area rugs soften the hard surface and delineate the two living areas. Painted a subtle gray, the walls are a richer alternative to plain white. The one small bit of construction came with the addition of recessed lighting. It was strategically placed so the artwork shines.

Natural inspiration is found in some of the house's artwork. A sculpture by Memphis artist Wayne Edge, crafted from river rock and rosewood, hangs behind the dining table. It's the focal point of this area.

Defying Gravity

A built-in cabinet wraps around one corner behind two armchairs. Original to the house, the cabinet has no legs and repeats a floating theme found throughout the room. On the fireplace, shelves float on the concrete surface. One end of the fireplace surround appears to float outside the window. Like the rest of the house, it's the kind of architectural detail worth saving.

On Loan From Mother Nature

This long space lives large, thanks in part to the sliding glass doors and floor-to-ceiling windows. "We're borrowing outdoor space," Greg says. "I have always wanted to live in a house that was more unified with nature."

The windows and doors on either side of the room let in ample light and create easy flow during parties. A table and chairs for casual meals on the deck and two comfortable chaise longues for lazy days enhance the indoor/outdoor vibe.

-AMY BICKERS MERCER

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Updated Rooms & Great Views Too

Southern Living, Apr 2007 by Mercer, Amy Bickers

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