Twelve bold decorating moves loosen up with stately Georgian home in Richmond, Virginia.
Forgoing Chairs
The oversize, custom Hickory Chair sectionals in the family room are swathed in a durable linen and allow "everyone to sit without touching each other, which is super important with kids!" says homeowner Jenny Lucas with a laugh. "Bench-style seat cushions look cleaner and don't shift around like multiple seat cushions do."
Upholstering with Vinyl
To combat the inevitable food and paint spills, designer Charlotte Lucas selected a linen-and-rayon fabric coated with polyurethane (Brentano's Hard Candy), a choice that restaurants frequently use, on the banquette and chair cushions so the family could eat without fear of ruining their upholstery. An oval Saarinen pedestal table, rather than a round style, also loosens up the seating area.
Glamorizing with Brass and Acrylic
The family room, breakfast nook, and kitchen blend into one large, open space. With lots of strong colors in the nook and family room, they wanted the kitchen to give the eye a break. The answer: a sleek, all-white space spiced up with brass accents and vintage pieces, like these clear acrylic counter stools.
Upping Design Verve with Curves
"With so many traditional elements, the living room needed a really modern lift," says Charlotte. She set her eyes on Jenny's heirloom settee, swathing it in a wild fabric (L'Africain; jedjohnson.com) that takes the piece from so-so to fantastic. To counter the graphic settee, Charlotte used neutral fabrics on the pieces with funkier lines, like the curved vintage Dunbar sofa and the rounded swivel chairs.
Mixing in Bits of Glitz
In lieu of the crystal chandeliers dangling in many Richmond foyers, Charlotte hung two spiky glass pendants (only one is shown) in the front hall. They're by one of Jenny's favorite artists, Helen Gifford. A wavy gilt mirror and matching console continue the hip entry, but the taupe grass cloth wallcovering and antelope-patterned runner keep it familiarly gracious.
Painting Walls Chartreuse
Inspired by a French living room spotted in a magazine, Charlotte lacquered the dining room in an olive-mustard hue to complement the splatter-paint-style, navy-and-white draperies. The traffic-stopping color is a surprising counterpoint to the dark wood furniture.
