The second-floor sitting area, an anteroom to the main bedroom, provides a quiet spot to read, enjoy a cup of coffee or watch TV without interrupting other guests.

A hand-knotted rug, inspired by the design of both old garden gates and damask prints, anchors the space and pairs well with the room's diverse collection of upholstery fabrics.

Interior designer Linda Woodrum's technique of layering textures (organic elements, glass, hammered metal and distressed pine) lends visual interest and a lived-in look.

"That makes the whole space work," says Linda of Gnosis I, an oil and encaustic on panel by artist Rob Douglas.