The Times

Saturday, January 29, 1977, page 15 (of 23)

← Earlier issue Later issue → Download this page

The page

You can also pinch or scroll to zoom, and drag to move around.

The text of this pageRead by computer from the scan, so some words may be wrong. The page picture is the original.

Dislike for ordinary prompts sophisticated, casual look

By DOROTHY STEIN Staff Writer Four years ago, when Charlanne and Bob Dixon bought their modern California-style townhouse in Kendalltown, it seemed like a pleasant place to spend a year or two, until they could get around to building their dream house in Ocala. They moved in their assorted furniture from past homes, did some modest decorating, and slowly started to become involved in the community. The only major improvement they made was to lavishly landscape and deck the small backyard, so that the house would be more saleable when the time came to move. What the Dixons hadn't figured on was becoming so totally absorbed in their community that any move would be unthinkable. "We realized about a year ago," says Charlanne, "that we just loved it too much to leave, so we decided we'd have to turn our townhouse into our dream house instead." The next step was to enlist the help of an imaginative decorator friend who shares Charlanne's distaste for the ordinary. Their joint efforts resulted in a home that is at the same time smashingly sophisticated and comfortably casual. An uncommon color scheme-cherry red and camel-dominates the living room and dining area, with an ample use of natural materials throughout. The furniture is mostly wicker and rattan, upholstered in fabric which is coordinated with the abstract floral wallpaper. An L-shaped seating unit and matching chairs at one end of the living room form a cluster around a low, glass-topped wicker coffee table. At the opposite end is a camel colored wall unit, built to fit around a spinet which was also repainted to match. Above the piano is a large Bargello wallhanging in a patchwork design, one of many examples of Charlanne's handiwork. Her present project is to make nine separate Bargello pillows in the pattern of each of the squares of the wallhanging. If there is one single item of furniture in the Dixons' home that outshines the others, it's the magnificent dining room table, the base of which is a huge natural cypress tree trunk. This was left unstained, in keeping with the "natural" mood. Resting upon this is a 54-inch square glass top. Charlanne, who entertains frequently, says she specifically wanted a table that was conducive to conversation at dinner parties. "I've always had long tables," she says, "which made it difficult for people at opposite ends to converse with one another. This way two people can sit on each side, and everybody can get involved." The long wall of the living-dining room is covered with alternating strips of natural cypress and mirror-her decorator-friend's trademark-and framing the sliding glass doors is a natural cypress trellis, bordered by tie-back curtains in the same coordinated fabric. Bob hand-customized the kitchen by removing the luminous ceiling to expose the natural wood, and put up angled shingles from the tops of the cabinets to meet the higher ceiling. The breakfast room features an all-brick wall which is covered with colorful Haitian arts and handmade straw brooms. An elaborate natural sisal macrame lamp and planter hangs in the corner, another example of Charlanne's artistic talent. A dramatic touch was given to the dressing room of the master bedroom, where Bob also removed the luminous ceiling, raised it four feet, and installed a sloping artificial skylight. He panelled the walls with tongue-and-groove natural cypress planks, set in at an angle. His next major project, says Charlanne, will be to enclose the balcony and make it into a family sitting room. At least one other member of the family is begin-ning to show the same penchant for creativity as her parents. Nine-year-old Brigitte had one long blank wall in her bedroom, and asked permission to "do her thing" on it. "I felt that since it was her room," Charlanne explains, "she ought to be permitted to do what she wanted with it." And what Brigitte wanted was an original supergraphic mural which she designed, drew and painted herself. Seven-year-old Chris' room was declared off-limits for the moment, but will eventually be given the Dixon decorator treatment.

NOW OPEN! NEW PLANT STORE IN THE GROVE FEATURING Beautiful Healthy Plants AT LOWEST PRICES - WEEDS & THINGS

2809 BIRD AVE. SUITE C COCONUT GROVE 442-8977 OPEN - 11 A.M.-7 P.M., 7 DAYS A WK.

Save up to $500

Use our natural woods to make your own tables, clocks, decor SHARE OUR KNOW-HOW ARTISTS GARDENS 6290 Bird Rd. (S.W. 40 St.)

Don't wait any longer Now is the time to SAVE on all your flooring needs DESIGNER ARMSTRONG SOLARIAN VINYL SHINES WITHOUT WAX

NOW ONLY $1395 YD. INSTALLED "COMPLETE SHOWROOM FACILITIES TO BROWSE IN" (NATIONAL NAMES IN CARPET & FLOORING) SUPERIOR DECORATING CENTER 7400 S.W. 42 ST. (Just 2 Blocks off Bird Rd. & Palmetto Exp.) 261-5478

AWNING WINDOWS DO-IT-YOURSELF

TINTED GLASS • ANODIZE • BRONZE • LOWEST PRICES • FREE ESTIMATES • FREE PROFESSIONAL INSTRUCTIONS All Sales Final Premium Window Products Cash Only 226-3720 Free Delivery Inst. Available. If no answer call after 5 p.m.. All products by Yale Ogron Mfg. Co.

CHATTAHOOCHEE SUPERIOR STONE

CHATTAHOOCHEE HATTAHOOCHEE PATIOS • POOL DECKS • WALKWAYS DRIVEWAYS • ANY EXISTING SURFACE NATURES: CHATTAHOOCHEE IN EPOXY QUALITY CRAFTSMEN SUPERIOR STONE CHATTAHOOCHEE PATIOS 10555 S.W. 185 Terrace Miami, Florida 33157 * 2 yr. Guarantee * Mildew Proof * Non-slip * No puddles * Residential * Commercial * Adds Beauty & Value * Seamless CALL TODAY FOR FREE ESTIMATE 251-5646 24 HOURS

SPECIAL SALE Warehouse stock fabrics 50% off (other fabrics — HUGE DISCOUNT) Warehouse Furniture

SPECIAL ON DRAPERIES UPHOLSTERY FABRICS RAY INTERIORS now located at 325 ALCAZAR CORAL GABLES 443-7293

INTRODUCING THE REVOLUTIONARY ALL NEW '77 CHAIN SAW POULAN MICRO XXVA

* Never has a * $79.95 * price bought * more quality * in a chain * saw. • Lightweight • Easy to handle • Cuts through an 8" log in 10 sec. • Automatic chain oiler • Super quiet muffler $79.95 Come in for a demonstration at South Florida's Head-quarters for chain saw sales and service. LAWN MOWER SALES INC. 6138 South Dixie Highway South Miami, Fla. 661-7003 • 666-8603 * We service what we sell in the same location for 25 years with a com-plete inventory of parts for all chain saws and lawnmowers.