the HALLMARKS

LIVABLE, comfortable, layered, and imperfect are words used for this approach patterned after old houses where stuff accumulated over generations. Tone down the formality. Embrace signs of age and wear.

FRESH COLORS make up a timeless palette of springtime pastels—pink to apricot, teal and duck-blue, daffodil, and almost any kind of green. But saturated red, blue, and gold (and gold leaf) are in evidence, too, especially in the dining room and den.

PATTERN is everywhere, mixed and layered as if over time. Floral chintz mingles with stripes, plaids, ticking, and even paisley. Rugs, too, are often patterned. A limited palette and an understanding of scale makes it work.

GENTEEL CLUTTER is the result when colorful rooms also boast bookcases filled to overflowing, framed art hung on the walls, and collectibles on display. Favored objects include porcelain and china, photographs, plants and flowers, and travel souvenirs.