Grandma’s teatime look replaced by golf nuts’ tee time

Carroll and Paul are self-proclaimed golf nuts. The couple work hard all day at their high-tech jobs, so when they have time off they like to relax on the links. Ten years ago, they bought a traditional home on a wooded lot that is very close to their favorite golf and country club, and guests are always coming by to play a round or two with the couple — or just hang out and watch (more) golf on television.

While most of the décor in the house has been updated over the years, the living room — the biggest entertainment space in the house — was left untouched. The room looked like a Victorian tearoom, complete with old finishes, outdated lighting and prim furnishings. It was so lacking in style that Paul had even haphazardly fashioned a sheet on the wall that served as a television to screen golf games.

The couple desperately wanted a room that was comfortable and elegant, one where they could relax and entertain friends and family. So I gathered together my crew and got set to turn “grandma’s living room” into the ultimate golf watching and entertainment space.

I started from the top down. I took out the room’s anaglyptic paper and dated ceiling and replaced them with new drywall. I also tore down Paul’s large “TV sheet,” painted the whole room a rich chocolate brown and contrasted that with crisp white trim.

I then chose a rich color palette — inspired by the area rug in the home’s dining room — of succulent raspberry, cream, chocolate and tan.

Next, I divided the room into two main areas: a fireside lounge and a patio-side sitting area. In the fireside lounge, I refreshed the existing fireplace and installed a big-screen television above it. For a bit of style, I added a remote-controlled piece of abstract art that covers the screen when not in use. I flanked either side of the fireplace with creamy white cabinetry, complete with elegant mirrored backing and a mix of glass and wood shelves.

In front of the fireplace, I put a big comfy raspberry-colored sofa, two patterned chairs, a glass-topped table and a beautiful area rug in brown and cream.

On the other side of the room, I created a second furniture grouping that includes a beautiful round dark wood table with striped chairs, a desk and a huge mirror. These all sit near a whole wall of windows, which look out onto the couple’s beautiful backyard. On these windows I put up wispy sheers, dummy panels in creamy linen and a 14-foot tailored valance. On the doors that lead out onto the patio, I put up a frosted, vinyl graphic film that gives the appearance of etched glass.

To lighten up the space, I put in new recessed lighting, a crystal chandelier above the table and two matching sconces by the fireplace.

After some final accents and accessories — including throw pillows, lamps and artwork — this room was ready. Thanks to elegant fixtures, traditional finishes and comfortable furniture, this room got a casual yet elegant makeover and got out of its Victorian rut.

Now it’s goodbye “teatime” and hello “tee time.” Now that’s divine!

Interior decorator Candice Olson is host of HGTV’s “Divine Design.” For more ideas or information visit www.divinedesign.tv. Her column is syndicated by Scripps Howard News Service.