The living room in Cathie Richards' home is done in a jungle theme. The muted wall color adds to the earthy palette of the room. Some details include wainscoting and stylish built-in ledges, both of which attribute to the town house's architectural interest and beauty. David Degner/Staff

Decor enhances look of openness in graceful home

When it comes to town-house living, Cathie Richards sees no negatives.

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Cathie Richards (left), Catherine Richards and their dog, Princess Catherine Grace, stand in the loft. DAVID DEGNER Two of the many candles in Ms. Richards' home give off a comforting feeling. The many plants also lend to the softness of the home. David Degner/Staff Cathie Richards' town house is in the Bay Hill neighborhood, which features streets named after Jack Nicklaus and other famous golfers. The home has a loft and two master suites, one upstairs and one downstairs, with spacious walk-in closets. David Degner/Staff Catherine's upstairs bedroom is furnished in white pieces, which add a fresh, airy feel to the 13-year-old's spacious room. DAVID DEGNER Ms. Richards' master suite is her haven, she says. She enjoys the peace and quiet of reading with her teacup Maltese, Princess Catherine Grace. David Degner/Staff The elegant dining room is just off the kitchen. An open counter space makes the room feel larger and enables easier conversation. Richly colored fabric on the chairs and the large centerpiece lend to the dining room's warmth and comfort. David Degner/Staff Catherine's bedroom is painted a soft periwinkle. The teenager says she loves her room because of its large windows and a spacious floor plan. David Degner/Staff

"It's maintenance free, and it's close to everything in Evans," said Ms. Richards, who lives in Bay Hill, a small town-house neighborhood with streets named in tribute to Jack Nicklaus and other legendary golfers.

The town house, built by Sid Beckum, has many details expected in finely built homes in the nearby neighborhoods of Jones Creek and West Lake.

Those details include wainscoting in the living room and built-in ledges.

"It's finished out pricey," said Ms. Richards, a real-estate agent for Remax Masters.

The town house has an open, airy feel. Ms. Richards said she enjoys the large rooms and the huge walk-in closets.

The colors downstairs are muted, earthy tones with punches of color. Numerous candles and plants create a soft feel in the home.

The living room features tall ceilings and a second-floor loft with arched walls overlooking it.

Ms. Richards has the downstairs master suite, which is simply decorated. It is accented by a bedspread with a quiltlike pattern of golds, burgundies and greens.

The kitchen has a jungle theme. The china cabinet looks like bamboo, and a table in the breakfast nook features elephants. Family pictures in animal-print frames sit beside the sink, and leopard-print kitchen towels add yet another jungle touch.

Upstairs, a second master suite is occupied by her 13-year-old daughter, Catherine. The room is painted in periwinkle.

"I love it," said Catherine, an Augusta Christian School pupil. "It's really big and has big windows."

Catherine's room is filled with white furniture. There's a bathroom attached to her room, and the walk-in closet is so big that Ms. Richards put in a wall to divide it and use the space as an in-home office.

The loft has a sitting area, television and telephone. Catherine said it is a good place to hang out with friends.

Ms. Richards' haven is her bedroom.

It's where she can enjoy the quiet and read with her teacup Maltese, Princess Catherine Grace, curled up next to her.

Reach Charmain Z. Brackett at (803) 441-6927 or czbrackett@hotmail.com.

At Home With: The Family: Cathie Richards and her 13-year-old daughter, CatherineThe Home: Three-bedroom, 2-bathroom, 2,000 square-foot town house in Bay Hill in Columbia CountyIt's a Fact: Catherine's walk-incloset was so large that it was subdivided to provide Ms. Richards with an in-home office.

--From the Sunday, August 1, 2004 printed edition of the Augusta Chronicle