All Things Considered

When José Solís Betancourt transformed a Virginia farmhouse by combining neoclassic architectural motifs with rustic, well-worn finishes, he created a "Greek farmhouse." The classic elements give the house a timeless spirit, but it's the details, in all their complexity, that make it brilliant.

• For the sunroom, José Solís Betancourt commissioned a frieze depicting Greek mythological figures to go around the edges of the ceiling. The artist painted the design on canvas first and then applied the canvas to the ceiling.

• Because the use of the sunroom changes throughout the year, the window treatments were designed to be just as flexible. In a unique application, cotton sheers are looped around fixed pegs on the window casement. They can be folded back to let more light in, spread out across all the pegs to cover the entire window, or removed completely.

• Surprisingly, there are 18 different fabrics in the drawing room alone, varying only slightly from pale, icy gray to cool, mineral blue.

• Betancourt has a way of making even the most formal pieces and rich fabrics feel well-worn and polished. On a chaise longue designed by Betancourt, nailheads have a rustic, pearlized finish.

• Providing the maximum amount of light possible, Betancourt outfits swag curtains in a shimmering silk trimmed with crystal bead fringe. Sunlight streams in through the sheer silk and the beads for a romantic touch.

• Accent pieces, such as the small side table with an inlaid motif of Greek figures, are consistent with design elements echoed throughout the house. Greek architectural elements, such as fluted pilasters, columns, and Greek key patterns, can be found on all types of surfaces. On a tiny bolster pillow, braided cord hangs dramatically, nearly reaching the floor.

• Even the master bath is finished with rich architectural detailing. Reed and ribbon paneling surround the tub area. The oculus brings daylight into a nearby water closet.

RESOURCES: José Solís Betancourt and Paul Sherrill, Solís Betancourt Designs, 202/659-8734, www.solisbetancourt.com