A desire to downsize inspired Ann Nicholson to help a neglected North Carolina bungalow on Sunset Drive live up to its glowing name. See how a vivid imagination and pails of yellow paint made this house shine.

Bright Living Room

Walls had been removed and windows had been added to brighten the abode. A sunny saffron palette that Ann borrowed from the home's address on Sunset Drive had been introduced as the home's "neutral." Radiant and invigorating, yellow shines in every room of the 2,600-square-foot house, as well as on its exterior, for accent.

For a bold, graphic feel, add black and white furniture with strong silhouettes to a room already vivid with colour. Antiques provide warmth. To minimize clutter and hide electronics, Ann designed cupboards that mimic panelling to flank the fireplace, which was relocated to this room from another area in the house.



Airy Dining Room

To create a small house with big rooms, a wall was removed in the kitchen and the ceiling was raised. French doors and windows were added to let in a lot more light. And a new addition, hidden from the street, supplied square footage.

The kitchen opens into the airy addition. Beams from the Nicholson's farm accent the ceiling above an improvised kitchen island, fashioned from a marble-top buffet. Yellow lampshades and dark furnishings are lightened by modern dining pieces and white leather wing chairs, well loved by the couple's three beagles, Andy, Opie, and Floyd. French doors lead to the courtyard.



Kitchen

An antique buffet, a statue, and a custom-built armoire for the refrigerator play down the kitchen's functionality.



Elegant Office

The drama of black, white, and yellow is playfully undercut by the chair's upholstery, which is raincoat vinyl.



Marble Bathroom

Mirrors, one concealing a Robern medicine cabinet, enlarge the bath.



Baroque Mirror

A baroque mirror creates the illusion of space.



Black & White Striped Bedroom

Lined with batting, upholstery by Ronald Gasper covers the bedroom walls.



Living Room

Pairs of furnishings create visual rhythm.





Text: Avril Adams
photo credit: Jennifer King