Private Sanctuary
Written by R.K. Evans
Main Stories - Fall 2009
Transforming a custom built home into an inviting, luxurious sanctuary, and the perfect getawayA Residential Masterpiece
Are you plagued by the daily hassles of a busy schedule? With work, family and other obligations, many of us have become professional jugglers just to get it all done. In order to stay on top of her very active game, Susan, a local executive, has worked along with her husband to create a must-have retreat for their working family in a warm, restful place they take great pleasure in calling home.
This residential masterpiece is bright and airy, with soft, soothing neutral tones to keep the eye grounded in classic contemporary comfort and sophistication. Custom stone work paves the way beautifully to a second floor with smooth slabs in almond tones. The great room beckons visitors for a long look through a wall of windows that are dressed to the nines in draping fringe and finery. The custom window treatments beautifully frame the floor to ceiling backyard view in grand style.
The backyard space is perfect for a large gathering of family and friends, with an outdoor fireplace and in-ground pool. A fully landscaped gazebo boasts a bar, wrought iron seating, meticulous stone masonry and lush foliage which come together to give the entire backyard area the grand appearance and feel of a private resort. Tall lush trees stand guard to provide a border of privacy for a casual swim after a long, hard day.
The feel of luxury sweeps you from start to finish by incorporating key elements such as color, metal accents, texture, wood tone and lighting. Don’t let the neutral tones fool you. Just as with the outdoor entertainment area, every room is infused with splashes of vibrant, exceptional color, and invites visitors to come in and stay awhile. “From the moment you leave the breakfast room to enter the screened porch with a fireplace and flat screen television you realize that we designed it to bring the indoors out,” the homeowners add.
Metal accents and splashes of color are prevalent throughout this diverse, contemporary home design, providing decorative framework and clean finishes. Furniture, end tables, lamps and fixtures provide continuity in all the rooms of this charming home.
“We love our kitchen. It has fantastic appliances and a great design flow.” This beautiful kitchen is made amazing by intricate marble countertops, solid honey oak cabinetry, stainless steel fixtures and sleek ceramic tile flooring. “After a busy day at work, we enjoy family time in our cozy hearth room that adjoins our kitchen. It’s the perfect place where we can relax as a family and enjoy time together.” Matching marble covers the large, convenient kitchen island, and joyful centerpieces provide ideal, colorful accents that bring the look together.
In fact, the splashes of color and textures chosen for the home, as well as the accessories were some of the most important decisions in creating this perfect getaway. Decadence embraces you in a collection of fine quality pieces that draw the eye, and soothe even the busiest professionals into relaxation mode. “We have four fireplaces inside our home, and two outdoors.” Susan explains. “We utilize each of them in the fall and winter, and enjoy being able to sit outside in our screened porch on cool fall evenings while we watch TV.” The comfortable quality of leather sofas please the most meticulous of tastes, and the window treatments drape a well-dressed family room in plush elegance that blends perfectly with the clean lines of design.
Soft accent pillows and delicate throws are lovely additions that make the hearth room cozy. “Our favorite area of our home is definitely the kitchen/breakfast/hearth room area,” says Susan. “It’s not only the heart of our home while we are spending time together as a family, but it is a great area for entertaining.” The expansive backyard view is just the ticket to unwind. This family and their friends enjoy spending time here to celebrate their blessings, and the comfort that only comes with the pleasures of home. “Our backyard was designed to be both adult and kid friendly, as well as perfect for entertaining,” the couple agrees. “We worked with our builder to custom design each area of our backyard – from the placement of the swimming pool and cabana area to the design of the landscaping. We have seating for over 40 people outside, an additional fireplace in the pool area, and the covered cabana that includes an outdoor kitchen. We were also sure to include a baby pool so our youngest son could enjoy the outside space, as well as our teenage son who can be found outside in the pool every night in the summer with his friends. This is an added bonus, because our house has become the ‘place to be’ in the summer for he and his friends, so we always know where they are.”
The couple has created the perfect getaway by exploring the many different colors, patterns, and textures that suit their personal tastes. The patterns are not too busy, and there are no harsh tones. Brash, loud colors can actually disrupt moods, and design experts have long advised using muted soft colors to dress a relaxing environment. Today, muted tones have become a staple in home accessories, and come in an amazing range of designs, textures and colors.
Anyone can create a home sanctuary by clearing spaces of superfluous clutter and mixing crisp whites with caramel creams, neutral-inspired wall accessories and splashes of color. With a little work and inspiration, you too can easily transform your living space into the ideal hideaway complete with a fresh, inviting, updated look.
After a long day of meetings, carpools, phone calls and presentations, a home sanctuary is just what the doctor ordered, and the dream that this career family has made a reality. Check out some of the many styles, colors, textures and designs made available by area designers and transform your home into the perfect getaway.
