sally king-benedict: an artist inspires a family-friendly renovation

Sally King Benedict creates a painterly backdrop for her family in Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood.

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Benedict relaxes in her living room before two of her own works (from top, Fans and Premier Mini Face) as well as an aerial photograph by Sam Kweskin.

Photography by Brittany Ambridge
Photography by Brittany Ambridge
Photography by Brittany Ambridge
Photography by Brittany Ambridge

“We’ve only bought a handful of items for this house so far; we believe the most natural way to decorate is to fill a space with pieces you collect over time.” 

Photography by Brittany Ambridge

The sunken dining room, with its blend of seemingly disparate styles, strikes a nonchalant tone. An iron orb chandelier hangs above a custom table by Georgia Harvest Tables and a grouping of vintage chairs.

Photography by Brittany Ambridge

Create an entertaining nook with a well-stocked bar. 

Photography by Brittany Ambridge

Sally and her husband, George, hail from a similar artistic background. “We both grew up around the same kind of ‘collecting’ mind-set,” Benedict says, “so it’s been fun for us to try to make things work and move things around. It’s a
constant puzzle.”

Photography by Brittany Ambridge

Sally shares her mom’s insatiable desire to reimagine spaces. 

Photography by Brittany Ambridge

Carving out spaces define a home’s character. 

Photography by Brittany Ambridge

Since she first began painting professionally in Charleston, Benedict has gained a devoted
following for her fresh and spirited artworks. And this September, her collection of wall
coverings will be introduced as part of a group show in Atlanta.

Photography by Brittany Ambridge

Flooded with natural light, Benedict’s studio is a refuge for unfettered thought and expression.

Photography by Brittany Ambridge

A vintage rug serves as a coverlet at the foot of a bed designed by Charleston architect Will Wingfield.

Photography by Brittany Ambridge

In the guest bedroom, cool white linens are juxtaposed with the headboard’s tribal mud-cloth printed cover. “I’m most drawn to obvious contrast, subtle texture, and bold color,” says Benedict. “These elements are equally important—and striking the right balance is
an everyday challenge for me as a working artist.”

Photography by Brittany Ambridge

The living room’s understated fireplace creates a simple backdrop for an eclectic grouping, including a mixed-media piece by Benedict.

Photography by Brittany Ambridge

Adhering to classical principles of symmetry and scale, Benedict crafted a serene upstairs work area. The yellow lacquered side table, flanked by two pink womb-like chairs, sits
in front of a series of geometric studies by artist Tom Herbert.

Photography by Brittany Ambridge

Necessity mandated a computer nook; here, Benedict softened the space with a vintage rug, a lacquered desk, and floor pillows her husband nabbed at an estate sale.

Photography by Brittany Ambridge

Global influences converge in River’s room: a skirted side table in vivid Mexican Otomi needlework adds a playful touch, while the contemporary crib contributes to an overall sense of lightness.

Photography by Brittany Ambridge

“We’ve only bought a handful of items for this house so far; we believe the most natural way to decorate is to fill a space with pieces you collect over time,” says Benedict.

Photography by Brittany Ambridge

An antique French commode makes for an unexpected companion to a painting
by domino favorite Mary Nelson Sinclair. “We have some amazing artist friends,” says Benedict, “and getting to gaze at their work is always a great escape.”

Photography by Brittany Ambridge

As they’ve gradually furnished their space, Benedict and Read have aimed
to create a home that communicates the hospitable coastal attitude of Charleston, South Carolina, where they first met.