Hand Crafted Elegance

For those that live to travel adventures abroad are exhilarating! They are tactile experiences that linger in the mind, a scent or a taste can transport you back to the moment, stirring memories that bring joy and add richness to your life. Often, a small memento stuffed in your carry-on will live on a bookshelf near the travel book from that country. When your eyes land on it, you might pause, think and remember, but some travelers bring home more than a trinket. They return with craftsmanship and culture woven into pieces made by human hands. Hand knotted rugs carry the spirit of the place, the skill of the maker, and the warmth of the experience. They are beautiful to see and to touch, and they endure through generations, quietly enriching every room they grace. Let’s peek into the living room of a Stoneybrook courtyard villa that has been refreshed with layers of warmth somewhere in the heart of The Villages.

  •  Rugs
The room’s transformation was sparked by the arrival of the new rugs. They are hand-knotted pieces with a traditional pattern and a palette that moves from cream to deep black to warm gold. Their dense fibers are sheared to a fine nape, giving the surface a rich, velvety texture. Depending on the angle of light and view, the colors subtly shift, creating a pleasing dance between shadow and sheen. These rugs introduced a sense of depth and elegance that did not work with the room’s original palette of yellow walls and blue accents.

  •  Paint
The walls were updated from a sunny yellow to Drift of Mist SW 9166, a soft grey with subtle brown undertones. This color responds beautifully to changes in natural light, shifting gently throughout the day. In this room, the neutrality of grey blends with the warmth of beige, creating a calm and balanced atmosphere that feels both fresh and inviting.

  •  New furniture
The furniture in the before picture features a blue couch and two crème recliners. The homeowners wanted all new seating pieces, so they purchased a sandy tan dual reclining sofa. This sofa worked better for them because they could sit together, instead of sitting apart in the recliners that were flanking the sofa. They purchased two swivel chairs to flank the new sofa. These chairs can easily pivot toward the sofa for conversation or toward the television for events like the Superbowl. To complete the arrangement, two sandy wingback chairs were placed on either side of the entertainment unit. Lightweight and comfortable, these chairs can be pulled into the main seating area when needed. Their placement adds symmetry to the focal wall, while the black finish on the arms and legs introduces a touch of visual depth, echoing the dark tones found in the rug.

  •  Skirted side table
On one side of the sofa, a skirted side table was chosen for both function and charm. Its generous surface area offers plenty of space for everyday use, while the long fabric skirt conceals wires and other visual clutter. Also, it helps conceal the gap from the back of the sofa to the wall that many of my clients do not want to see. The fabric adds softness to the space and creates a cohesive look. Skirted tables are a classic staple in Southern design, and this piece is built to last, it is sturdy, timeless, and full of character. On the opposite side of the sofa, a new side table in a warm griege finish was selected from a local furniture store. Its clean lines and neutral tone complement the room’s palette, offering a subtle contrast to the softness of the skirted table while maintaining a cohesive look.

  •  New lamps
The lamps are crafted from gold wire, with delicate weld points that lend a refined, hand-made quality to each piece. Their artisanal nature means no two are exactly alike, echoing the warmth and individuality found in the hand-knotted rugs nearby. To complete the look, we added our own black lamp shades, which introduce a sense of drama while preserving the lamps’ practical function.

  •  Art
Selecting the art for this space was so much fun. We aimed for a rich mix of textures and a personal narrative, blending everyday charm with evocative memories from the homeowner’s trip to Africa. The star of the collection is an overscale zebra, affectionately named “the cheeky zebra”. He greets you with playful energy, almost leaping off the canvas, just looking at him makes you smile. To balance his bold presence, we placed two soft watercolor birds above the wingback chairs. Their gentle palette and peaceful posture offer a quiet counterpoint, allowing the zebra to shine without competition. Throughout the room, we layered in texture with woven baskets, lanterns, and handcrafted wall hangings, reinforcing the artisanal spirit and warmth that defines the space.

  •  Tree
A large fiddle leaf tree anchors the back corner of the space as light dances through its large and lush canopy. Yes, it is a permanent botanical, but its realism and scale make it a striking representation of the well-loved fiddle leaf fig tree. If your ceilings are high, don’t hesitate to introduce a tree. Watch how the shifting light catches the leaves, adding depth, drama, and a quiet sense of life to the space.

  •  Mirror
To adorn the hallway leading into the master bedroom, we selected a large mirror with a sculptural black wavy frame. Its presence adds visual interest without competing with the artwork flanking the entryway, allowing each piece to breathe. The mirror also reflects natural light from the dining room window, brightening the corridor and enhancing the sense of space. As a final touch the mirror doubles as your last-look mirror before heading out the door. You get style, light, and function all in one for triple win !
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Before and After Pics Below