Lynchburg Living

Departments

By Haley Pinder

For most people looking to decorate their homes, they will hear interior designers warn them to stay out of the “danger zone” when choosing color for our interior walls, which means staying away from the bottom colors when looking at the paint swatches, as a general rule of thumb. But Carter and Richard Bendall of Shenngham Street in Lynchburg are not most people. In fact, those “danger zone” colors are among their favorites–and in their home, they’ve made them work beautifully. When considering the interior design of a home it is necessary to think of the house in its totality; a series of spaces linked together by halls and stairways. It is therefore appropriate that a common style and theme runs throughout. Design elements should work together and complement each other to strengthen the whole composition. A way to create this storyline is with the well-considered use of color. In the Bendall’s home, the timeless Thibeaut wallpaper that starts in the foyer and lines the hallways of the house does just that.

As you enter through the lush English garden into the foyer, it’s undeniable that you are in a place where people love to be. Such detail, though casual, reflects Carter’s hospitality goals.

“I want people to feel at home here. We are the antithesis of beige,” she said.

This energetic and whimsical, yet classic cottage was not always like this. When Carter and Richard bought the 1950′s home in 2006, Richard loved the bay window in the living room and Carter saw all its possibilities underneath layers of linoleum and outdated wallpaper. Their renovations turned into a total overhaul, executed beautifully. All of the character of the original home was saved, even treasured, as original floors, bookcases, moldings and doors were brought back to life.

There are various interpretations of cottage style decorating, but certain elements are consistent in them, including floral and toile patterned fabric, mixes of antique wood (both exposed and painted), crisp white elements, such as molding, trim and cabinetry, and integrating old things with new. These elements are by no means exhaustive, but many of them are present in the Bendall’s home.

The living room, which features the darkest color present in the house, offers ample seating arrangements that take advantage of two lovely focal points: the fire place and that bay window that Richard loves. A collection of Staffordshire dogs on the console table in various shapes and colors add a classic, whimsical touch. Rich layers of textures in the sofa’s fabric invite friends in to stay awhile, right down to the accent pillows. As it turns out, those pillows are just one of the ways Carter has created congruency throughout her home.

“You should be able to move one pillow from one room to another,” Carter explained when describing the flow of house.

One of the most dramatic elements displayed throughout the home is the layering of art; Carter has an eye for doing it well. With similar patina in the frames, a unity is felt regardless of subject or size.

“About 60 to 70 percent of the art is from local artists,” she said.

Carter loves to attend Kaleidoscope’s Art Show each year to look for more, and has made it an art form within itself to display collections along with original art. Each room is a showcase of this talent.

“The symmetry is calming,” Carter said of her displays.

There are two common types of balance: symmetrical and asymmetrical. Carter demonstrates both. The pink–yes, bright pink!–dining room is a picture of symmetry as most of us know it. There are pairs of the same object, repeated in the same positions on either side of focal objects. Ornate pillows are positioned on a bench flanked between rich floral panels in the window, plates sit on either side of a print, even the arrangement of the 1860′s family silver service is displayed between blue willow lamps on a chest of drawers that once belonged to Carter’s grandmother.

The more complex balance to attain is asymmetrical, and is often defined as a balance that is achieved with some dissimilar objects that have equal visual weight or eye attraction. Asymmetrical arrangements are more casual and less contrived in feeling, but more difficult to achieve. Carter accomplishes this without a feeling of chaos or disorder through an ordinary yellow painted wall in the entrance to the kitchen that is filled from top to bottom with various artwork.

Each room in the Bendall’s home features light fixtures with back stories linking to their lineage. For example, the toile chandelier that hangs above the uba-tuba colored granite top island in the kitchen, once belonged to Carter’s uncle. She later rescued this Spanish treasure from his attic, had it rewired at McCraw’s downtown … and voila! This unique element now adds more character to the classic white cabinetry and subway tile backsplash in the kitchen; its shape and color compliment the rich yellow walls and tie it into the den space that is open to the kitchen. Estate sales, antique shows and eBay are to thank for the other distinctive toile light fixtures in the house.

Comfort is a big requirement of the English cottage decor. Carter avoided pieces of furniture with ornate decorations and went for designs that were not fussy but more streamlined and practical. Many times, Carter says she bought a piece of furniture only for its good lines and had it recovered locally with fabric that fit her style more appropriately. Estate sales are also great places to do just that; a pair of antique French twin beds in an upstairs bedroom were scored at one, then reupholstered in luxurious striped green silk and topped with layers of pillows. Some of the pillows are even made from Carter’s grandmother’s handkerchiefs. Bedrooms are not the only place of comfort in this house; even the bathrooms feel cozy and comfortable with layers of soft, monogrammed towels and linens.

All in all, Richard sums it up best.

“I love everything,” he exclaimed of the renovations and decor Carter contributed to their home.

Though the Bendalls have only lived in the house for five years, it is already rich in traditions. Christmas is an exciting time, filled with nine trees and an annual party. Easter is also an event to behold, thanks to all the flowers from their gardens that fill the house with fragrance and delight. Both Carter and Richard are from Lynchburg, so the opportunity for their long-time friends and family members to enjoy their home is always welcomed. After all, it’s hard to resist the eye candy, and easy to respect the planning and beautiful consideration that went into restoring this bright house to make it a family-filled home for many years to come.

Take Home Tips

1. Get Personal about Art. Choose pieces that have meaning to your family before going to a big box store to fill up wall space. Consider framing existing pieces that you might already have to hang as a collection. Get out those vintage pictures of grandparents or great-grandparents and hang them in similar frames. The more, the merrier!

2. Have Collection Affection. Carter’s love for collections is evident in her home. Think about that china that has been in the family for years that you don’t eat off of–could you hang some of it symmetrically to add various shapes to your walls? How about that bookcase that seems sparse? Adding silver or porcelain figurines can give it more English cottage interest.

3. Cottage Style on a Dime. Accessories for cottage style don’t have to be expensive. This style lends itself well to pieces that you can pick up at a flea market, estate or yard sales and antique shops. When thinking of cottage decor, think of old, timeworn pieces that have an interesting aesthetic appeal. Just about anything that has an unusual shape and a nice texture to it will add to your cottage style. It’s no wonder cottage style decorating is very popular; its comfortable and relaxed atmosphere is well-suited to today’s informal lifestyles.