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My Houzz: A New Dallas Build Handles Family Life Beautifully
An open family room, a smartly designed kitchen and walls of windows are built to suit a family of 5 in Texas
Artist, freelance writer, home tour contributor for Houzz, designer, actor, mother and author of the blog La Maison Boheme. Greenman lives in a 1970s Texas ranch house, which she has transformed into a bohemian haven and family home. She loves eclectic, boho style but also has a soft spot for Midcentury modern and Swedish design. Learn more at www.sarahgreenman.com.
Artist, freelance writer, home tour contributor for Houzz, designer, actor,... More »
An expansive great room, generous windows, a beautiful old oak tree and a central outdoor space combine to create this stunning Dallas haven for Scott and Melissa Powell's family.
The Powells, who own and operate New Leaf Construction, bought the property for their business but quickly saw it as the perfect spot to build their own house on. "I'm very connected to the Lake Highlands area, because I grew up in this neighborhood," says Scott. Melissa feels the same. "I want my kids to someday look back and remember this house we've created as their childhood home," she says.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Scott and Melissa Powell and their 3 children (ages 5, 3 and 1)
Size: 3,350 square feet; 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms
Location: Lake Highlands neighborhood of Dallas
The Powells, who own and operate New Leaf Construction, bought the property for their business but quickly saw it as the perfect spot to build their own house on. "I'm very connected to the Lake Highlands area, because I grew up in this neighborhood," says Scott. Melissa feels the same. "I want my kids to someday look back and remember this house we've created as their childhood home," she says.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Scott and Melissa Powell and their 3 children (ages 5, 3 and 1)
Size: 3,350 square feet; 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms
Location: Lake Highlands neighborhood of Dallas
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by Sarah Greenman
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| A stately oak tree presides over the property, providing shade in the hot Texas summer. The new construction follows the architectural lines of the preexisting house. Scott is always aware of how a facade can impact a neighborhood. "I didn't want our home to look like new construction," he says. "Wherever I'm building, I try to honor the style and feel of the neighborhood." |
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by Sarah Greenman
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| An all-window back wall provides a clear view of the entire backyard. On most days the couple doesn't need to turn on the lights until dusk. "The most important thing for us was the windows," says Melissa. "It's great to work, relax or cook and keep an eye on the kids while they play in the yard." Wall paint: Worldly Gray, Sherwin-Williams; dining set: Z Gallerie |
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by Sarah Greenman
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| The open-concept family room is the heart of the home. Vaulted ceilings create an airy atmosphere, grounded by the dark wood dining set and staircase. "Most people spend 90 percent of their waking hours in the family room. We wanted our great room to be welcoming, bright and easy to be in," says Scott. |
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by Sarah Greenman
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| With three small children to consider, the couple created two islands — one at work height and one at table height. "This kitchen was built to handle family life," Melissa says. "The island is at this height, where my boys can climb up to the table for breakfast or to work on a project. A bar with bar stools is so impersonal." Cabinets and islands paint: Amazing Gray, Sherwin-Williams |
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by Sarah Greenman
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| Two large picture windows flank the cooking range and an elevated inset fireplace. Two full walls of cabinetry and two islands create ample storage space. "I wanted lots of drawers. It's so much easier to pull them out and see what you need than to stoop in front of a low cabinet searching in the dark," says Melissa. |
by Sarah Greenman
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Gray cabinetry, white Ceasarstone quartz countertops and a beautiful tiled backsplash make for a sleek and modern kitchen design.
The couple installed a modern built-in clock above the kitchen sink. Another large clock sits above the television in the living room at the opposite end of the house.
The couple installed a modern built-in clock above the kitchen sink. Another large clock sits above the television in the living room at the opposite end of the house.
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by Sarah Greenman
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| The Powells chose a variety of ferns, creeping ground covers and shade plants for the courtyard. These plants can survive under the expansive oak tree and endure the Texas heat. A bright grass-green door matches the foliage. |
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by Sarah Greenman
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| A concrete picnic table doubles as a rill water feature with small pond outlets on both ends. Falling water can be heard from every communal space in the house, as well as from the master bedroom. |
by Sarah Greenman
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The open base of a suspended metal staircase creates an unobstructed view of the entry from the family room. The sliver of glass in the front door allows for light and a peek at visitors approaching the house.
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by Sarah Greenman
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| The couple employed designer and family friend Samantha Wester to help with the furniture layout and interior paint colors. A built-in entertainment and shelving system covers the far wall of the great room. A subtle wood background creates visual interest and warms up the modern architecture. Sofa: Z Gallerie |
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| Stained concrete floors flow throughout the house. In person, the floors have a watery sheen. All four elements seem to be represented in the house: earthy stone and woodwork, airy spaciousness, fireplaces in the kitchen and living room, and watery elements outside and in. |
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| Beautiful light from clerestory and other windows and a view of the courtyard make the master bedroom a truly serene space. Framed black and white family photos float above the platform bed. Wall paint: Modern Gray, Sherwin-Williams; wallpaper: Sherwin-Williams |
by Sarah Greenman
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White cabinetry in the gray and white master bath emphasizes a stunning mosaic glass-tile backsplash. Double undermounted sinks with Asian-style faucets create an uncluttered look and make for easy cleanup.
Countertops: Caesarstone
Countertops: Caesarstone
by Sarah Greenman
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Natural light from a well-placed skylight makes a morning shower an energizing experience. To save space and keep water contained, the couple placed their soaking tub inside the shower. "Being in the business is a double-edged sword," says Scott. "There are so many cool things we've done successfully in other homes that we wanted to try, like the tub in the shower. But as soon as construction is complete, you see other cool details and layouts and wish you'd thought of them for your own home."
by Sarah Greenman
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Beautifully detailed glass tile and a clear glass walk-in shower make the guest bath just as lovely as the rest of the home. Scott's tip: "Sometimes the detailed tilework is hard to keep clean. I recommend doing it in a space that gets less use, like a guest bath."
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| An upstairs family room mirrors the kitchen below, with a hearth at its center. Sliding glass doors on both sides of the fireplace open to reveal a balcony overlooking the burbling waters of the courtyard. |
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by Sarah Greenman
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| Bright colors, art and a play kitchen make this a great room for creative play. Open shelves keep toys tidy and easily accessible. Again, the flight of windows behind the sofa allows for maximum sunlight and a view of the neighboring trees. Wall paint: Intellectual Gray, Sherwin-Williams |
by Sarah Greenman
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A long hallway with built-in shelving and linen storage leads to a bathroom and three bedrooms. Scott painted the blue art triptych on the right.
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by Sarah Greenman
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| Special attention was given to color, open space for play and storage in the boys' bedrooms. A colorful dinosaur mural and matching bedding keep this bedroom bright and fun. Hooks mounted near the door store grab-and-go items. Wall paint: Worldly Gray, Sherwin-Williams |
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by Sarah Greenman
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| A mounted wire above the dresser provides a place for a growing body of artwork. |
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Racecars reign in the next bedroom. A blue accent wall and a loft bed will easily transition as the couple's son grows. The bottom bunk, a futon, is a perfect spot for reading and winding down.
Main wall paint: Worldly Gray, Sherwin-Williams; accent wall paint: Jacaranda, Sherwin-Williams; shelves: Expedit, Ikea
Main wall paint: Worldly Gray, Sherwin-Williams; accent wall paint: Jacaranda, Sherwin-Williams; shelves: Expedit, Ikea
by Sarah Greenman
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The White Rock Home Tour included the couple's home last year. "We spent a lot of time getting all the details just right. It was really gratifying to open our home to a group of people who really noticed all the thought and care invested in this home," says Scott.
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by Sarah Greenman
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| The Powell family enjoys some downtime after a Saturday soccer match. Scott gives this advice for those who wish to build their own home: "Do not skip any of the planning stages. You'll save money and time if you've done your homework." Houzz call: Have a creative and colorful home? We'd love to see it. |
Ideabook published on Oct. 5, 2012.
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The concrete bar area with the water coming through the middle is so unique. Isn't it amazing how concrete can transform the outdoor spaces of these homes?
Just loved it.
Not to be a Negative Nelly as I am sure that the photo of the baby on the table was snapped safely, but as the director of a child care center and former parent educator I would urge anyone who owns a similar child seat to read the following article: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-57493536-10391704/bumbo-baby-seats-recalled-again-over-risk-of-falling-skull-fractures/
Again, I'm sure the photo was taken with safety measures in place, I just wouldn't want anyone glancing at it to think such seats are safe to use on raised surfaces.