Cozy & Classic
After 30 years in their Brookhaven home, an Atlanta couple downsizes without sacrificing style
Contrary to the age-old adage, bigger is not always better. For Atlantans Carol and Clay Moore, the perfect home is partially defined by their lifestyle. Because they are in the our-kids-are-grown-and-we’re-free-as-birds phase of life, the Moores decided it was time to downsize—significantly.
The couple knew they wanted to stay within the safe and quiet neighborhood of Brookhaven, where they had spent the past 30 years. “But there weren’t a lot of options to choose from,” notes Carol. Eventually, however, they found a 1970’s two-bedroom condo and set out to make it home.
Moving into a residence that was one-third the size of their previous home was enough of a change, so they weren’t about to forgo the aid of their long-time interior designer Liz Williams, of Liz Williams Interiors. This, the third collaboration between Williams and the Moores, was a natural one because “Liz and I are in sync,” says Carol. “If you gave us three fabric or color choices, nine out of 10 times we would both make the same decision.”
Still, it wasn’t easy. “The hardest part was choosing what [furnishings] would come to the new house with us,” Carol says. Much of it, adds Williams, came down to what would fit in the new space.
Even though the Moores brought many of their antiques and artwork, including Carol’s collection of paintings, at the same time they were ready for something different, too. “I knew I wanted to update the look,” says Carol of their new home. “I wanted to jazz things up a little.”
When Williams built the new palette around a blue-green hue found in the living room rug, Carol approved of the color immediately. “Their previous home had warm pops of red and orange, so they were ready for cooler colors,” Williams explains. A blue upholstered chair, accent pillows and end table add the perfect splash of color to the otherwise neutral living room. And in the bedroom, the designer used a rustic bench and pillows—also in blue—to complement the room’s chocolate brown.
Even holiday decorating is kept simple in the Moores’ new abode. Packages wrapped in browns and neutrals are tied with blue bows that tie into the palette of the living room. Quiet touches of greenery adorn the dining room buffet and the living room mantel, paying homage to the season. And a red-and-green arrangement of roses, berries and magnolia leaves from florists Mark & Scott brings a festive holiday mood to the iron table purchased specifically for the dining room.
Now that life is simpler for the Moores, they have time to reflect on the move. “Parting with many of our 30 years’ worth of possessions wasn’t easy, but we knew—with the children grown and out of the house—we wanted to spend most of our time at our beach house or traveling,” Carol says. “And we haven’t regretted the move for a minute.” Liz Williams Interior Design, (404) 816-9868