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How Candice Olson honored tradition with a modern moxie

How Candice Olson of HGTV's "Divine Design," honored a traditional home while endowing it with modern moxie.

July 9, 2008 at 4:52PM
AFTER By opening things up, mixing modern features with traditional touches and making this space more conducive to entertaining, the grand-scale living and dining space is now perfect for two or 22.
AFTER By opening things up, mixing modern features with traditional touches and making this space more conducive to entertaining, the grand-scale living and dining space is now perfect for two or 22. (Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

THE PROBLEM Owners wanted to turn cramped quarters into entertaining-worthy digs.

THE SOLUTION Knock out walls to turn living and dining rooms into open-concept space.

HOW IT HAPPENED • Opened up outside wall to reclaim porch as interior space, added windows. • Used older-looking finishes -- coffered ceilings, crown moldings and a walnut floor with a hand-chiseled finish -- to retain character. • Installed a leaded-glass window, which was a gift from neighbors to entice the owners to stay.

• Updated unused fireplace with an insert, mantel and marble-tiled surround.

• Flanked fireplace with display cabinets; installed armoire across from it for hanging (and hiding) coats.

• Separated living and dining spaces with channel-back sofa in gray velvet.

• Added daybed in gray starburst pattern (repeated on dining chairs) and soft sectional to create conversation grouping.

• Installed mahogany table with three leaves to seat as many as 10.

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• Created wall of open cabinetry to showcase owners' china and crystal.

BEST TRICK Hid television in remote-control artwork above the fireplace, so it is out of sight when not in use.

Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service. Interior decorator Candice Olson hosts "Divine Design," which appears at 8 p.m. Thursdays and 9:30 p.m. Saturdays.

Before: in need of a makeover.
Before: in need of a makeover. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
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