Arrowood

To pull it all together efficiently, Ms. Arrowood stuck to a disciplined palette, and repeated her decorating mantra which echoes her rug design ethos: Keep it casual, keep it elegant and keep it happy.

Miami Nice Sara Ruffin Costello 2011

James Bleecker Photography Beth Arrowood Ms. Arrowood has always been a problem-solving perfectionist in a good way.

Miami Nice Sara Ruffin Costello 2011

Paint It White With the stool upholstery and table accessories on color steroids, Ms. Arrowood decided to keep everything else neutral, for visual relief.

Miami Nice Sara Ruffin Costello 2011

As demand for the carpets outpaced accessories sales, Ms. Arrowood stumbled onto her life's work: custom rug designing.

Miami Nice Sara Ruffin Costello 2011

Building Up From the Rug "Start with the rug and address the most important room first," advises Beth Arrowood, who began her decorating odyssey in the living room.

Miami Nice Sara Ruffin Costello 2011

Palette Starts Outside, Goes Inside "I like small houses that flow thematically," says Ms. Arrowood, whose 1,800-square-foot, renovated 1938 cottage fits that description.

Miami Nice Sara Ruffin Costello 2011

I imagine Ms. Arrowood must gaily throw open her doors and offer random holiday drop-ins a refreshing tonic and a thoughtful tour.

Miami Nice Sara Ruffin Costello 2011

Ms. Arrowood shares the home with her husband, a structural engineer, and teenage son.

Miami Nice Sara Ruffin Costello 2011

"I like things to be dressy but casual," says Ms. Arrowood, whose dining area perfectly nails that sentiment.

Miami Nice Sara Ruffin Costello 2011

Most of her antiques, bought either in Palm Beach or off 1st Dibs, craved a little Arrowood love.

Miami Nice Sara Ruffin Costello 2011