Joyce Arnold volunteered as a tour guide in a historic home in Charleston, S.C., and enjoyed the city’s spring and fall home tours. Arnold and her husband, retired Navy Capt. Gene Arnold, lived in the historic city during his service in the military.
Design ideas came from visiting beautifully appointed homes, which often featured items that had been in the residents’ families for a long time. The Charleston experience showed Joyce how to use new and old furniture and accessories -- including Gene's Navy awards, photos and other mementos -- in their homes, including a new residence in Soleil Laurel Canyon.
In their move from another Southern city -- Memphis -- the couple intended to downsize, but at about 4,000 square feet, their Canton home has more square feet than their previous residence.
“The only thing we downsized was the garage,” Gene said. “We had a three-car garage. We have a two-car garage here.”
Snapshot
Residents: Retired Navy Capt. Gene Arnold and his wife, Joyce
Location: Soleil Laurel Canyon, Canton
Size: About 4,000 square feet, four bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths
Year built: 2010
Year bought: 2010
Architectural style: Craftsman
Favorite architectural feature: The crown molding they selected for the home.
Interior designer: Mark Sunderland of Mark Sunderland Interiors
Interior design style: Casual traditional
Favorite interior design feature: Throughout the home, Joyce chose Oriental rugs to protect the hardwood floors and connect with the color scheme.
Favorite community feature: The abundance of activities. "When they call it an active adult community, it really is. You could be busy 24 hours a day if you want to," Joyce said. "I've gotten into things I never did before. Just so many things are open to you to try." Joyce is involved in water aerobics (the community has an indoor and outdoor pool), book clubs and card games such as mahjong, while Gene is a member of two cooking clubs and a veterans group.
