2002 Idea House: Abberley Lane

Curl Up With a Good Book
The designers created a library atmosphere for the living room with a fireplace setting and built-in bookcases. Small paintings were hung from the bookcase frame for an added decorative touch. Simple sconces mounted directly to the outside molding provide extra light for reading. A secret compartment, while not shown on the plan, was built into one of the bookcases to conceal valuables. The rich wall color complements the yellow toile and blue-and-ivory silk fabrics.

Refined Dining
The dining room, in ivory and celadon green tones, overlooks the graceful iron railings of the front porch. Because of the room's rigidly square dimensions, Joci and Cullen chose a skirted round dining table to provide contrast. Instead of using an expensive wood dining table, they disguised the basic table form with a dressy silk tablecloth. This simplicity is balanced by elegant dining chairs. The china cabinet provides display space. Wainscot with raised panels and elaborate crown molding add depth.

Room With a View
With its 24-foot-tall ceiling, the family room takes full advantage of the house's scenic views. Three pairs of French doors, which open onto the back porch, and a set of clerestory windows flood the room with natural light. A simple pediment above the mantel, made from coordinating molding, serves as a nice focal point. This is a clever way to add a classical look to a fireplace.

Joci and Cullen warmed up the space with comfortable furnishings in casual moss green-, wheat-, and salmon-colored fabrics. They chose large-scale pieces to match the lofty space. The walls repeat the same green tones of the foyer and bring continuity to the decor. A coffered ceiling, decorative interior balcony, and wrought iron-and-wood staircase leading to the second floor add architectural appeal.

Copper-Trimmed Kitchen
The ceiling of the spacious kitchen is paneled in cypress for a rustic Lowcountry feel. "The pecky boards are meant to recall the old cypress that was dug out of Savannah swamps, reconditioned, and milled into planks," notes Greg. Floors were covered with a unique tile that has a wood-grain appearance. Tile was chosen over wood for its durability, while its gray-green finish perfectly matches the massive 11-foot center island that anchors the space. Greg also complemented the vintage look with unusual copper crown molding and custom beaded-board cabinets. The striking copper was repeated on the vent hood above the cooktop. The back stairway landing, just off the kitchen, is filled with an oversize reproduction clock face, which serves as functional art.

Casual Meals
Cypress boards were used to panel both the ceiling and the walls of the adjoining breakfast room, which overlooks the back porch. The windows are dressed with a simple scalloped valance so as not to obstruct the view. The green, yellow, and rose fabric of the valance and tie-back chair cushions coordinate with the green tones of the kitchen. An antique breakfast table and a reproduction Welsh hutch for china display round out this charming space.

Convenient Office
The family information center, which can be approached via the garage or the kitchen, "serves as a central catchall for the mail, keys, schoolbags, and stuff that usually gets stacked up on a desk," says John. Cubby-hole mail slots help organize the clutter. The center can be equipped with a fax machine, computer, printer, and phone. It even includes cell phone stations where family members can charge up their mobiles. A pet station with built-in water bowls and leash hooks accommodates family pets.