The winners of the Times Union Home Design Contest

When Steph and Jim Pettit first moved into their home on Third Avenue, Troy, in 1997, Steph decorated the living and dining rooms in a way she felt was appropriate for its Victorian history and stature: gold ceilings, floral wallpaper and Victorian furnishings. The space is massive, with 10-foot ceilings, and original features: substantial crown moulding, black-and-gold marble mantels and elaborately-framed pier mirrors at opposite ends of the living room and dining room.

By 2014, Steph was tired of it. It was too stodgy, too old, too far from Steph's personal style. So, she changed it up. This year, she entered her spaces in the Times Union Home Design Contest, sponsored by Mooradian's Furniture. The Pettit's living room was the grand prize winner. Steph Pettit won $1,000 toward furniture at Mooradian's and each of the five category winners won $200 to use in the stores.

"I wanted a coastal look without it being ridiculous because we're three hours from the closest beach," Steph said Tuesday. "But it's where I'm happiest."

She achieved the look by incorporating beachy colors — a linen fabric on the furniture in sandy color, with weathered wood and baseball stitching; a purpleish gray paint on the walls and an area rug comprised of blues, grays, creams and dark yellow in a subtle seascape design. The beachiest vibe is in the accessories, a faux coral bowl and a glass case of seashells. The focal point of the room is still the pier mirror between two front mirrors, framed in elaborate curly cues made with plaster. A simple glass chandelier, side tables, potted plants and framed artwork complete the room, along with the family photos on display. The flooring is wide plank pine, refinished by the Pettits but original to the house. Originally a farmhouse built in the 1780s, it was expanded in 1829 when the Van...