MAY/JUNE 2019 | SOUTHERN HOME 100appreciates comfort and practicality, especially since the couple has
two dogs and a bird.” With these preferences in mind, Hartley set
about doing what she does best—delivering confident and personal
interiors that catch the eye without screaming for attention.
Starting in the great room, the designer chose a tufted leather
cocktail table and a pair of linen slipcovered armchairs to create a
space that is approachable and elegant. “I also selected a mohair sofa
as an unexpected and fun piece,” says Hartley. “Plus, it’s incredibly
durable for long-term use.”
Just off the great room, a cloistered library with a bar for enter-
taining and a working desk tucked within an alcove can be closed off
with pocket doors. With its rich wood paneling, deeper hues, and
dark leather chairs, this more intimate room offers a change of mood
from the sunny central living spaces.
Striking a balance between the tradition of individual rooms and
the more contemporary interchange between adjoining spaces, large
doorways connect the more formal dining area to the kitchen. Ornate
pilasters and molding animate the gracious openings. In the kitchen,
a backsplash of silver-leaf glazed tiles in an Arabesque pattern sets
a glamorous foundation for a mix of brassy gold and sleek silver
finishes and fixtures. The large island defines the efficient space
and allows for casual entertaining. A sunny corner accommodates
a built-in banquette and pedestal table for family dining and also
carves out a space for a large custom-designed birdcage so that the
couple’s beloved Hercules can roost close at hand.
Located in its own pavilion-style wing, the master suite echoes a
decidedly luxe vibe with the bathroom’s Carrara marble tile floor,
soaking tub, ornate custom cabinets, and chandelier. Sheer curtains
provide privacy yet allow views of the landscape.
Overall, the appeal of the house lies in its seamless mixture of
comfort and sophistication. With a livable harmony inside and out,
it merges effortlessly amid its setting and with the seasons.Opposite: A large cased opening flanked with classical pilasters connects the dining room with the kitchen. Above left: A built-in window seat pairs with
skirted dining chairs and a custom-designed table for a gracious breakfast nook in the kitchen. The open space allows the Hamiltons’ pet bird, Hercules,
to always be part of the action. Above right: The kitchen features a generous island of mother-of-pearl quartzite and a pair of brass pendant lanterns.