An Artful Oasis

Stepping into the home, guests immediately get a sense of Curtis and Herb’s imaginative aesthetic. “This home was really a blend of our tastes, and the designer we worked with was a big help in finding that balance,” Curtis shares.

To the left, a welcoming living area showcases transitional elements that contribute a strong sense of place, such as the carved wood tables and lustrous gold accents. Wingback armchairs and a Chesterfield sofa are dressed in soft neutrals so the floral-patterned rug and cushions can shine. Overhead, an elliptical crystal chandelier is one of many accent fixtures throughout the home that adds a powerful pop of sparkle.

Curtis Ottinger & Herb Pettit

“This room was special because we wanted to it to be a place for guests to sit and talk,” Herb explains. They opted to exclude a TV and instead centralize the fireplace and artwork, which is gently illuminated by sconce lighting. A favorite sculptural art piece is also featured in this room – a Swarovski crystal peacock on a perch by the window. This figure makes a special appearance during the holiday season when Curtis and Herb put up themed Christmas trees throughout the house, including none other than a peacock-themed tree.

Beyond the formal dining room is a kitchen and keeping room designed with entertaining friends and family in mind. “During a party, everybody wants to get in the kitchen, and it’s always too small,” Herb says, “so we wanted to open this area so everyone can still gather while I can do my thing in the kitchen and still be part of the group.”

The kitchen plays on a monochromatic effect, with perimeter cabinetry in a rich Rockport Gray and full-height subway tile in an identical shade. Polished nickel pulls and colorful floral drapes subtly interrupt the monotone, while barstools upholstered in a woven motif add a textured element. One of Curtis’ favorite features is a hidden appliance cabinet that stores a coffee station.

Just beyond the island is the casual keeping room, which features a curated collection of furnishings including a tufted ottoman and colorful chevron armchair. These splashes of color tie in with the dynamic, absurdist artwork featured throughout the home.

The primary suite showcases the richness of traditional-leaning décor: dark-stained, ornately carved wood furniture is situated against a paneled accent wall. Meanwhile, feathery linens work to soften the effect. To create visual balance, the geometric motifs on the bedding perfectly correspond with the drapes. Steps away, the ensuite features split vanities, both with gold embellishments and tall, framed mirrors. High-contrast format tile with brown veining invites warmth into the space, while polished nickel hardware provides a subtle shine to complement the gold accents.

The dining room is an intimate affair, featuring vaulted ceilings and contrasting ceiling beams. The colors here mirror the exterior, drawing guests into a grand, cohesive space. Beige linen drapes add lightness to the room, while overhead, an abstract bubble chandelier brightly illuminates the circular table. Six parsons chairs are upholstered in a stunning cherry blossom fabric, which commemorates a special trip to D.C. during the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

Last but certainly not least is Curtis and Herb’s favorite feature of the home: the backyard oasis. Stepping onto the secluded patio with its sparkling blue pool, guests are greeted by the relaxing soundscape of wind through the trees and the trickling of the pool’s waterfall feature. The covered sun shelf offers the perfect place to unwind, while nearby, a screened-in living area offers space to visit in every season.

The homeowners’ signature pops of color continue in every space, from blooming flowers to patterned upholstery to artwork depicting scenic, sometimes surreal depictions. Guests welcomed into Curtis and Herb’s stylish home are bound to find a story behind each piece.