THE BURLESONS ENLISTED IN INTERIOR DESIGNER LOUISE LANTZY OF MITCHELL’S INTERIORS IN LAUREL TO OUTFIT THEIR HOME WITH TRANSITIONAL AND ELEGANT-ECLECTIC STYLE
Written by Kristen Hampshire | Photography by Grant L. Gursky
When Edd and Linda Burleson acquired their vacation home in Millsboro in The Peninsula on the Indian River Bay, it was fully furnished — and in dire need of updating to suit the lifestyle and taste of a couple who appreciate fine furniture. The Burlesons wanted to make it their own, and upon recommendation turned to Mitchell’s Interiors in Laurel and interior designer Louise Lantzy for furniture selections, paint recommendations and essentially a top-to-bottom overhaul.
Over the span of a few years, the Burlesons moved through the four-bedroom home. “We renovated the kitchen, painted everything inside, gutted the guest bathroom and put in an elevator,” said Linda, scratching the surface of the project, which indeed was a labor of love. “What drew us there is the gated community with a golf course and all of the amenities.”
Louise added, “Linda has an eye. The couple are design savvy, and they were just so lovely to work with.”
The Burlesons met Louise in the 40,000-square-foot Mitchell’s Interiors showroom when she was searching for white twin beds for her teenage granddaughters’ bedroom. Louise understood her vision, helped her select the beds and sourced a navy-glazed Gat Creek chest with divided drawers and a coordinating nightstand.
From there, Louise and the Burlesons outfitted nearly every room in the house, seeking out transitional and eclectic pieces that are clean, largely neutral in tone and not at all coastal. Here’s a tour of the thoughtfully designed two-story home.
First, the Paint
Louise advised on paint colors, spending several hours with the Burlesons as part of Mitchell’s Interiors’ complimentary design services. The couple decided on a neutral palette of grays and taupes by Sherwin Williams, including Functional Gray, Westchester Gray, Dhurrie Beige, Mega Griege, Elephant Ear and Toasted Honey. This created an updated canvas and allowed for selecting standout furniture pieces.
Dressing the Floors
Rug selections came next and directed upholstery decisions, Louise said. While the upstairs is carpeted wall-to-wall in broadloom, the refinished hardwood throughout the rest of the home required rugs. Neutral walls gave the Burlesons an opportunity to choose rugs with pattern and interest by Loloi.
EXECUTIVE THINKING
Edd Burleson’s compelling office space began with a campaign-style Theodore Alexander file cabinet to which a matching Theodore Alexander desk was added, along with custom-designed nail-headsuede wallcoverings
A Master Statement
A stately open canopy bed by Caracole has brass detail and a headboard in rich walnut and dark chocolate. The bedroom’s foyer features a Charleston Forge console with a modern, half-moon base that juxtaposes the clean-lined surface. On top is a John Richard lamp of stacked stone that lends an organic, Zen feel, leading to a space where the couple can retreat.
Stylish Seating & Complimentary Pieces
In the great room, Louise guided the Burlesons toward a sectional by Sherril with an eightway, handtied, hardwood, kiln-dried frame. It was manufactured in North Carolina and is upholstered in a soft, gray woven fabric. Louise paired this with two American-leather stylized wing chairs in a sleek gray. Dual etageres in nickel offer space for functional storage and decorative accents. In the upstairs lounge, a Norway Stressless sectional in chestnut-colored leather is complemented with Charleston Forge accents such as end tables of iron and glass.
An Eclectic Office
Design inspiration for Edd’s office began with a piece he already had: a campaign-style Theodore Alexander lateral file cabinet. Louise found a matching Theodore Alexander desk, and she custom-designed the room’s wallcoverings, which feature vertical rows of brass nail-head on a taupe-suede background. The front work below the chair rail is painted in Toasted Honey. Another interesting piece in Edd’s office: a 5½-foot Howard Miller surveyor grandfather clock with antique brass finish.
Graceful Dining
A washed-taupe dining table by Chaddock with chairs by Design Master are upholstered to add warmth to the room. A bench seat flanks three transitional highbacked chairs, with a coordinating seat at each table end. Above it is a chandelier by Elegant Lighting that spans the length of the table and features BB-sized metal roping draped over an artistic brass base.
A First Impression Entry & Beyond
Guests are greeted by a hammered silver console by Berhardt with translucent twin lamps atop. Two Gotham sconces by Regina Andrew with polished-nickel crosses over an alabaster square cover are on either side of a canvas by John Richard that is awash in blues and speaks to the sea in a subtle way. And speaking of impressions, some other eye-catching touches throughout the home include the first-floor powder room’s metallic-gold-papered ceiling, which was repeated upstairs in the master foyer. “Throughout the process, Louise showed us samples of materials and upholstery, so it was easy to make selections — she is very knowledgeable,” Linda said. CS
1 comment
What a lovely home. The decorative assets enhance the detail in each room. It feels homey yet sophisticated. Well done