Southern Classic

Color and pattern transform the interior of this refined winter park home from dull to dynamic. 

- Sarah Ristorcelli

WHEN LOCAL ARCHITECT William Platts and his wife Heather bought their Old Florida home in Winter Park, they knew within months that they wanted an updated look. While the home’s exterior style is traditional, with white siding and shutters, the rooms were dark and drab, and the family room walls were painted ketchup red.

They met with Bridget Ray, NCIDQ, whose firm Ray Interior Design is based north of Heathrow. William Platts’ business partner, Randall Slocum, had worked with Ray years ago at another design firm, and he facilitated the connection.

The Platts knew what they wanted: casual yet elegant living spaces and Old Florida style. They have a collection of paintings with scenes of Florida landscapes and grand Southern homes, and these artworks helped inform the design direction.

Ray re-designed the first floor of the house with custom accent pieces and new wall, floor and window coverings, which helped to creatively and fully integrate the Platts’ existing artworks and some of their furniture pieces.

PARLOUR

The room, which may be the most formal space in the house, is a serene getaway where William plays the couple’s baby grand piano. It also serves as a quiet place for the family, which includes two young sons and a dog, to read, escape from the television or visit with guests.