This family room which is open to the dining room and kitchen is a perfect layout for entertaining large groups. We started with a very neutral palette and kept it light with neutral furniture with pops of blue in the rugs, pillows, accessories and chair backs. There is yet an other patio behind us with an exterior fireplace.

Spazio multifunzionale con angolo tv e camino

Below the kitchen, the homeowners had a family room that was rarely used because access could only be obtained from the outside of the house by way of a set of super steep cement stairs. Our plans brought the exterior set of stairs inside. New skylights above these stairs drive natural light down to the basement, and the extra space above the now interior stairs gives the kitchen more breathing room.

Behind the counter and wall are stairs to a Finished Basement, TV Room. To the left of the counter is a dog door.

Photos by Randy Colwell

Entre Nous Design

Vincent R Ivicevic

This 1964 Preston Hollow home was in the perfect location and had great bones but was not perfect for this family that likes to entertain. They wanted to open up their kitchen up to the den and entry as much as possible, as it was small and completely closed off. They needed significant wine storage and they did want a bar area but not where it was currently located. They also needed a place to stage food and drinks outside of the kitchen. There was a formal living room that was not necessary and a formal dining room that they could take or leave. Those spaces were opened up, the previous formal dining became their new home office, which was previously in the master suite. The master suite was completely reconfigured, removing the old office, and giving them a larger closet and beautiful master bathroom. The game room, which was converted from the garage years ago, was updated, as well as the bathroom, that used to be the pool bath. The closet space in that room was redesigned, adding new built-ins, and giving us more space for a larger laundry room and an additional mudroom that is now accessible from both the game room and the kitchen! They desperately needed a pool bath that was easily accessible from the backyard, without having to walk through the game room, which they had to previously use. We reconfigured their living room, adding a full bathroom that is now accessible from the backyard, fixing that problem. We did a complete overhaul to their downstairs, giving them the house they had dreamt of! As far as the exterior is concerned, they wanted better curb appeal and a more inviting front entry. We changed the front door, and the walkway to the house that was previously slippery when wet and gave them a more open, yet sophisticated entry when you walk in. We created an outdoor space in their backyard that they will never want to leave! The back porch was extended, built a full masonry fireplace that is surrounded by a wonderful seating area, including a double hanging porch swing. The outdoor kitchen has everything they need, including tons of countertop space for entertaining, and they still have space for a large outdoor dining table. The wood-paneled ceiling and the mix-matched pavers add a great and unique design element to this beautiful outdoor living space. Scapes Incorporated did a fabulous job with their backyard landscaping, making it a perfect daily escape. They even decided to add turf to their entire backyard, keeping minimal maintenance for this busy family. The functionality this family now has in their home gives the true meaning to Living Better Starts Here™.

When dealing with large open spaces sometimes it is wise to divide them into smaller areas, but only with furniture that allows the newly obtained area to breathe and still be a part of the overall design. Achieve charm and uniqueness by simple materials and an even more simple, yet inspired setting. Twist the entry with wooden sliding doors, a grey accent wall and giant letters for a contemporary meets rustic interior design. Use brick and traditional hardwood walls, set up a cozy place near the fireplace and there you have it: the perfect setting for pool players. Don`t forget earthy tones – browns, grays and neutrals against red exposed brick wall to ensure the true rustic feel. Let the parties begin!

Joshua Mc Hugh