From the street, it’s an impeccably designed English manor. Once inside, the best of that same storied architecture seamlessly meshes with modernism. This blend of styles was exactly the vibe three-decades-running Houston homebuilder Chris Sims, founder and CEO of Sims Luxury Builders, wanted to convey with the $5.2 million show-home in Houston’s coveted Tanglewood neighborhood. “Our goal was to uniquely combine classic and Old World with clean and modern in both the architectural design as well as the interior finishes,” Chris says. Their aesthetic inspiration is clearly evident in the 8,000-square-foot showcase home’s luxurious gourmet kitchen. It is an exercise in grey and white—and texture. To achieve their vision, the Sims turned to Cantoni. “We had a wonderful experience working with Cantoni several years ago on a client’s home, and were pleased to repeat that success on this project,” Chris says. Cantoni designer Amy McFall, who was tasked with designing the kitchen, promptly took to the home’s beauty. Situated on a half-acre corner lot with majestic oak trees, it boasts simplistic and elegant interiors that allow the detailed architecture to shine. The kitchen opens directly to the family room, which holds a brick wall, beamed ceilings, and a light-and-bright stone fireplace. The generous space overlooks the outdoor pool. With such a large area to work with, “we needed to give the kitchen its own, intimate feel,” Amy says. To that end, Amy integrated dark grey, high-gloss lacquer cabinetry from our Atelier Collection. by Aster Cucine with dark grey oak cabinetry, mixing finishes throughout to add depth and texture. Edginess came by way of custom, heavily veined Calacatta Viola marble on both the countertops and backsplash. The Sims team, meanwhile, insured the layout lent itself to minimalism. “With the inclusion of the scullery and butler’s pantry in the design, we were able to minimize the storage needed in the kitchen itself,” Chris says. “This allowed for the clean, minimalist cabinetry, giving us the creative freedom to go darker with the cabinet color and really make a bold statement in the home.” It was exactly the look they wanted—textural and interesting. “The juxtaposition of ultra-modern kitchen cabinetry and steel windows set against the textures of the wood floors, interior brick, and trim detailing throughout the downstairs provided a fresh take on blending classic and modern,” Chris says. “We’re thrilled with the result—it is showstopping.” They were equally thrilled with the design process. “Amy was incredibly responsive, helpful and knowledgeable,” Chris says. “It was a pleasure working with her and the entire Cantoni team.” Check out the kitchen featured in Modern Luxury Interiors Texas’ annual “Ode to Texas Real Estate” here.

Inspiration for a transitional master beige tile beige floor bathroom remodel in Boston with shaker cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink, a hinged shower door and white countertops

Sargent Photography
Inspiration for a coastal powder room remodel in Miami with white cabinets, blue walls, an undermount sink and white countertops

Mountain style two-story wood gable roof photo in Minneapolis

R Brandt Designs
Example of a trendy freestanding desk dark wood floor study room design in Dallas

Open shelves in kitchens make everyday kitchen items easy to access. The open shelves to the right of the sink even house a toaster and mixer that you actually want to see, along with cookbooks, glassware, and ceramics. Small hexagonal tile goes up the entire wall for an easy to clean surface. Lighting: https://cedarandmoss.com/collections/all-products/products/alto-rod-8 Two-toned faucet: Brizo Litze in Matte Black and Gold: https://www.brizo.com/kitchen/product/63043LF-BLGL Photo Credit: Rebecca McAlpin

Michael Gullon, Phoenix Photographic
Living room - traditional living room idea in Baltimore with beige walls

Anne Ruthman
Living room - mid-sized contemporary enclosed medium tone wood floor living room idea in New York with a music area, no tv and white walls

Balancing modern architectural elements with traditional Edwardian features was a key component of the complete renovation of this San Francisco residence. All new finishes were selected to brighten and enliven the spaces, and the home was filled with a mix of furnishings that convey a modern twist on traditional elements. The re-imagined layout of the home supports activities that range from a cozy family game night to al fresco entertaining. Architect: AT6 Architecture Builder: Citidev Photographer: Ken Gutmaker Photography

Mid-century modern kitchen in Medford, MA, with cherry cabinetry, a small workstation island, quartz countertops, and a custom tile backsplash in shades of blue. We reused the client's vintage blue glass light fixture. Project also includes a mudroom and powder room.

Watch a full bathroom tour here: https://youtu.be/iChTwgBnmEI Welcome to Coffey's Master Bathroom! Both Adam and Alicia Coffey had conveyed to the design team that they enjoyed East Coast flair with modern touches. Before renovations began they were still uncertain about how the designers at One Week Bath would manage to execute a redesign that reflected their individual tastes, but that still conveyed the luxurious and intimate appeal that so many homeowners strive for when remodeling their home. Much to their delight, One Week Bath exceeded their expectations.

Paul Warchol, Matthew Millman
Inspiration for a contemporary u-shaped staircase remodel in Other

Angie Seckinger
Inspiration for a timeless carpeted and gray floor bedroom remodel in DC Metro with gray walls

Balancing modern architectural elements with traditional Edwardian features was a key component of the complete renovation of this San Francisco residence. All new finishes were selected to brighten and enliven the spaces, and the home was filled with a mix of furnishings that convey a modern twist on traditional elements. The re-imagined layout of the home supports activities that range from a cozy family game night to al fresco entertaining. Architect: AT6 Architecture Builder: Citidev Photographer: Ken Gutmaker Photography

Balancing modern architectural elements with traditional Edwardian features was a key component of the complete renovation of this San Francisco residence. All new finishes were selected to brighten and enliven the spaces, and the home was filled with a mix of furnishings that convey a modern twist on traditional elements. The re-imagined layout of the home supports activities that range from a cozy family game night to al fresco entertaining. Architect: AT6 Architecture Builder: Citidev Photographer: Ken Gutmaker Photography

The bunk beds are a favorite of the children for weekend sleepovers. The frame and rails are made from antique barn beams. the top bed is a twin and the bottom beds are full size. Photo by: Daniel Contelmo Jr.

Designer: Paul McClean Project Type: New Single Family Residence Location: Laguna Beach, CA Project Type: New Single Family Residence Approximate size: 3,500 sf Completion date: 2014 Photographer: Jim Bartsch

Master bath featuring a long vanity and Quartzite countertops. The flooring of dark limestone was paired with the showers light grey marble to convey a more modern appearance via the higher contrasting shades.

1960s gray one-story concrete fiberboard house exterior photo in Houston with a hip roof and a metal roof