THE SOLUTION:
Architecture - New moulding halfway up the walls, new ceiling crown moulding, and a darker color for the ceiling give the Grand Room a feeling of comfortable scale. An elegant new mantel was installed, creamy marble replaced the existing tile, and the wall was closed in above the mantel for a more formal look. New rope mouldings with corner medallions border the antiqued gold ceiling in the Dining Room for a jewel-box effect. A custom-made Louis XVI-style server with marble top makes a dramatic statement.

Lighting - New lighting gives definition to the space. In the Grand Room, newly-installed soft low-voltage linear lighting glows inside the cove ceiling. Accent fixtures replaced existing recessed ceiling floods to emphasize design elements. Deck-mounted specialty lighting outside extends the evening view from the window wall. In the dining room, pinhole lights sparkle on the place settings and graze the columns.

Furnishings, Color and Fabrics - The homeowners wanted a traditional look, so Elinor Jones combined Empire and Classical elements in the design. A beautiful new oil painting over the mantel includes the green, cinnamon, gold, and chocolate palette repeated in the furnishings and fabrics. Floral Design by Paragon Designs and Tommye Easterlin Designs.

Results - The homeowners react to their new interiors with a single word, "WOW!"
HGTV Designers' Challenge program - Check HGTV Program Guide listing for Designers' Challenge Episode DSC-1211: "Elegant and Functional Great Room" for upcoming viewing times