ELLY LANE GREW UP on the same Uptown street where she now lives with her husband, Merritt, and their three children. The house, not far from the streetcar tracks of St. Charles Avenue, was perfect for them. “We just loved the center-hall feel of the house and all the windows and light,” says Elly. The house’s décor is anchored by beautiful and timeless French antiques, but what truly sets the Lanes’ home apart is the couple’s extensive collection of art. Each room is brought to life with color and a contemporary vibe emitted by modern art. Elly says, “I love color, and I love art.” This bright and happy home has both. The home’s opulent center-hall entry is flooded with natural light. The picturesque staircase, leaded-glass windows and dark hardwood floors provide the beautiful classic elements you’d expect from a grand Uptown home. A graceful 19th century provincial wrought iron, toile and crystal chandelier from Moss Antiques hangs in welcome, and a luminous Wayne Amedee canvas adds to the reflective beauty of the magnificent center hall. A wonderful French antique settee is covered in an unexpected turquoise and black faille. The vivid
BrightandHappy Home
photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN
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colors in Elly’s fabric choice, coupled with a vibrant painting by Nicole Charbonnet, again echo the mix and balance of timeless elegance with a playful contemporary sense. Around every corner is the surprise of another contemporary art detail. A Paul Tarver canvas is featured in an alcove off the center hall atop a stately empire style antique chest with a grey marble top. A very special Allison Stewart, this issue’s cover artist, is the centerpiece of the tiny jewel of a powder room, while a pair of wonderful Jean Geraci canvases grace the hall leading to the
dining room. The grand-scale dining room features by Anne Honeywell a large antique French dining table and chairs. Poised above the table is a spectacular Atelier Petitot copper and glass French chandelier from Uptowner Antiques. Two custom-made hostess chairs are covered in a sophisticated teal green and gold Fortuny fabric. Billows of brown silk faille with velvet-appliqued silk ribbon frame the massive Above: A luminous windows. An imposing Oushak rug in muted tones Wayne Amedee anchors the space. The extraordinary Bradley Sabin- canvas adds to the commissioned art installation on the fireplace is reflective beauty of the the highlight of this room. Hundreds of ceramic >> magnificent center hall. April-May 2015 53