Elevated Style

I don’t always get to showcase the work I do in Villas and there’s a reason for that. Many of my villa-owning clients will say things like, “Well, I don’t want to over-invest… after all, it’s just a villa.” I always respond with a smile, “This is your home. I wouldn’t limit the options available to myself based on square footage.” Webster’s Dictionary defines a villa as “the rural or suburban residence of a wealthy person.” So why not lean into that spirit? Why not elevate our villas to reflect the stately charm we often reserve for larger homes, even if we don’t have one? Every house deserves to be fabulous, no matter the size. And every homeowner deserves to feel proud, inspired, and at peace in their space. Let’s peek into the living room and dining room of an elevated Emerald model villa. It’s proof that style, comfort, and grace aren’t measured in square feet, they’re felt in every detail somewhere in the heart of The Villages.

  •  Paint
The homeowner wanted a paint color that felt neutral and warm, something that would complement the beautiful pieces she already owned. We chose a color called Patience SW7555, and it truly lived up to its name. Patience is what I’d call the perfect crème. It is a blend of tan and white with just a hint of gold. That subtle golden undertone adds a touch of life to the walls, keeping the space bright without ever feeling stark. When choosing a finish, I always recommend eggshell or satin. These finishes help bounce light around the room, giving the paint depth and dimension, especially important in spaces where natural light plays a starring role.

  •  Crown Molding
Every window in this villa received generous casement molding along the sides, giving each one a crisp, tailored frame. At the top, we added white wooden cornice boards. They are removable for easy blind replacement but designed to look permanent. Each cornice features a crown molding detail that naturally draws the eye upward, adding height and elegance to the room. The sliding glass door posed a unique challenge. Because its vertical blind is mounted externally, we couldn’t apply casement molding without it being obscured when closed. Instead, we installed a matching white cornice board to conceal the blind’s top mechanics and visually tie the slider to the other windows. The result is a cohesive, finished look across the entire space. When you step into the room, every window feels dressed and finished. The crown molding on the cornices adds such presence and lift that you don’t even miss ceiling-level crown molding. It’s a clever, cost-effective way to elevate the space and it is proof that small architectural details can make a big impact.

  •  Seating pieces
The homeowner brought beautiful, high-quality furniture with her. They were pieces with great bones and timeless style, but the fabrics needed a refresh. We decided to recover the two chairs in a lighter, brighter material: a woven cream and tan fabric that instantly lifted the look. The transformation was striking, the chairs felt brand new, yet still familiar and full of character. The sofa, on the other hand, was in excellent shape and upholstered in a solid green that worked beautifully with the palette of the room. So, we kept it just as it was, a perfect example of honoring what already works.

  •  Rugs
We added two matching 8×11 rugs to the space: both in a soft wool antelope print sourced online from Ballard Designs. In smaller spaces, I often recommend repeating the same rug rather than introducing multiple prints. It helps maintain visual harmony and keeps the room from feeling too busy or fragmented. Here, the matching rugs create a sense of calm and cohesion. The subtle antelope pattern adds interest without overwhelming the eye, and the repetition gently guides the flow of the space.

  •  New Chandelier
The homeowner selected a stunning new chandelier crafted from layered glass suspended from antique gold tiers. It’s a piece that brings instant style and sophistication to the room. What I love most is how it manages to make a bold statement while still feeling physically light in the space. The transparency of the glass keeps it airy and open, allowing it to shine without overwhelming the room.

  •  New Artwork
The homeowner was ready for a fresh start with her artwork. She wanted to remove most of the red from the space, and since many of the existing pieces leaned heavily on that palette, we cleared them out and purchased a new collection of statement pieces that better suited her vision. The standout is the photograph above the sofa This custom-sized stretched canvas is framed in a rich dark wood with a crème silk liner, adding depth and refinement. The image itself is a breathtaking sunset rendered in Old Florida sienna tones. Placed between the windows and above the sofa, the piece anchors the room.

  •  New lamps
The homeowner selected two new lamps to flank the sofa, each with the look of carved stone and a subtle touch of gold at the top. To complete the lighting story, a cherished family heirloom lamp was placed beside the chair. With its classic gold finish, it offers both sentiment and style. Together, these three lamps create a layered, inviting glow that enhances the room’s warmth and charm.

  •  Vintage Side Table
The side tables in this space are cherished heritage pieces passed down from the homeowner’s parents. These vintage mid-century modern tables are crafted from solid wood and remain in mint condition. Their clean lines and timeless design add depth and character to the room, effortlessly blending with the newer elements.

  •  Accessories
We purchased new pillows that have all the colors in the artwork from the sage green to the golden hue of the sun. The pillows pull it all together. Finally, a few new chunky accessories on the coffee table finish the room in a way that feels beautifully layered.
Call Ruth your full service decorator at: 352-804-2056
or Contact Us

Before and After Pics Below