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In this expansive Argyle estate kitchen remodel, one island simply wasn't enough. We designed and built a stunning Double Island configuration to separate the "work zone" from the "entertainment zone." This project showcases the full power of The Design House's vertical integration—coordinating complex stone fabrication, custom cabinetry, and structural beam installation under one single contract.
The "One-Stop" Execution:
The Showpiece Island: The primary island features a massive slab of Fantasy Brown Stone with dramatic movement. Because we own Stonemeyer Granite, we handled the delicate vein-matching and fabrication in-house, ensuring the natural flow of the stone wasn't interrupted by poor seams.
The Prep Island: To balance the drama, the secondary island features a clean, durable Pure White Quartz, providing a bulletproof surface for food prep and serving.
Architectural Details: We installed exposed cedar beams to draw the eye upward to the vaulted ceilings, adding warmth to the modern black-and-white palette.
Flooring: Large-format porcelain tile in a soft gray connects the open-concept space, installed by our expert tile setters to ensure perfectly level grout lines across the massive span.
Materials Used:
Islands: Fantasy Brown (Main), Pure White Quartz (Secondary)
Cabinetry: Custom Shaker in "Sherwin Williams Snowbound" (Perimeter) and "Iron Ore" (Main Island)
Flooring: 24x48 Matte Porcelain Tile
If you need a luxury kitchen contractor in Argyle who can handle structural changes and complex stone work without the wait, contact The Design House today.

A rare and secluded paradise, the Woodvale Estate is a true modern masterpiece perfect to impress even the most discerning of clientele. At the pinnacle of luxury, this one-of-a-kind new construction features all the modern amenities that one could ever dream of. Situated on an expansive and lush over 35,000 square foot lot with truly unparalleled privacy, this modern estate boasts over 21,000 square feet of meticulously crafted and designer done living space. Behind the hedged, walled, and gated entry find a large motor court leading into the jaw-dropping entryway to this majestic modern marvel. Superlative features include chef's prep kitchen, home theater, professional gym, full spa, hair salon, elevator, temperature-controlled wine storage, 14 car garage that doubles as an event space, outdoor basketball court, and fabulous detached two-story guesthouse. The primary bedroom suite offers a perfectly picturesque escape complete with massive dual walk-in closets, dual spa-like baths, massive outdoor patio, romantic fireplace, and separate private balcony with hot tub. With a truly optimal layout for enjoying the best modern amenities and embracing the California lifestyle, the open floor plan provides spacious living, dining, and family rooms and open entertainer's kitchen with large chef's island, breakfast bar, state-of-the-art appliances, and motorized sliding glass doors for the ultimate enjoyment with ease, class, and sophistication. Enjoy every conceivable amenity and luxury afforded in this truly magnificent and awe-inspiring property that simply put, stands in a class all its own.

Gulf Building recently completed the “ New Orleans Chic” custom Estate in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The aptly named estate stays true to inspiration rooted from New Orleans, Louisiana. The stately entrance is fueled by the column’s, welcoming any guest to the future of custom estates that integrate modern features while keeping one foot in the past. The lamps hanging from the ceiling along the kitchen of the interior is a chic twist of the antique, tying in with the exposed brick overlaying the exterior. These staple fixtures of New Orleans style, transport you to an era bursting with life along the French founded streets. This two-story single-family residence includes five bedrooms, six and a half baths, and is approximately 8,210 square feet in size. The one of a kind three car garage fits his and her vehicles with ample room for a collector car as well. The kitchen is beautifully appointed with white and grey cabinets that are overlaid with white marble countertops which in turn are contrasted by the cool earth tones of the wood floors. The coffered ceilings, Armoire style refrigerator and a custom gunmetal hood lend sophistication to the kitchen. The high ceilings in the living room are accentuated by deep brown high beams that complement the cool tones of the living area. An antique wooden barn door tucked in the corner of the living room leads to a mancave with a bespoke bar and a lounge area, reminiscent of a speakeasy from another era. In a nod to the modern practicality that is desired by families with young kids, a massive laundry room also functions as a mudroom with locker style cubbies and a homework and crafts area for kids. The custom staircase leads to another vintage barn door on the 2nd floor that opens to reveal provides a wonderful family loft with another hidden gem: a secret attic playroom for kids! Rounding out the exterior, massive balconies with French patterned railing overlook a huge backyard with a custom pool and spa that is secluded from the hustle and bustle of the city.
All in all, this estate captures the perfect modern interpretation of New Orleans French traditional design. Welcome to New Orleans Chic of Fort Lauderdale, Florida!
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The Home
This beautiful home welcomes you with a charming, farmhouse façade, complete with white-washed stucco, wood beams, shutters and black accents.
Come inside to find a well-appointed kitchen which is not only gorgeous with antique white cabinets, hex tile backsplash and satin finish granite, but truly functional - showcasing a massive island with a little something extra special for our four-legged friends.
A stone fireplace and beamed ceilings can be found in the great room – a perfect spot for warm gatherings of family and friends.
The master suite features special attention to detail and custom trim work, a walk-out to a private patio, ambient lighting and a massive walk-in closet.
With an open and inviting layout, the main level features three bedrooms and a study for easy main level living, but it also has a bonus with an upper level dedicated to fun for adults and kids alike.
Surprises await you on your tour of this home - we invite you to come explore!
Hi-Point Home Builders is proud to introduce our newest floor plan, situated on a 35-acre lot, perfect for a down-home lifestyle with privacy, peace and quiet in Stagecoach Ranch.
The Builder
Award winning and lifetime Colorado Springs resident/owner of Hi-Point Home Builders, along with his team, has been dedicated to creating customized homes for each individual buyer. While focusing on the 3 E’s - Efficient, Economical and Energy-conscious, we are able to fulfill the dreams of those who are working with us. We are committed to providing high quality and environmentally friendly homes to our clients by designing innovative and highly creative custom home floor plans that our clients deserve. We offer flexibility within the home design for each client’s wants and needs while keeping budget in mind.
The Interior Design
This home begins with a classic farmhouse exterior – whitewashed stucco, board and batten siding, shutters and wood beams – as charming as it is beautiful. Once again, Dancing Horse Interiors showcases traditional design with contemporary touches throughout for a classic look that will stand the test of time.
Muted tones of blue, green and gray combined with cream and white, bring a refreshing and relaxing ambience to this home while black accents and lighting add a touch of sophistication. Loads of custom woodwork, including crisp white wainscot, bead board and beamed ceilings grace the interior, while the creative use of unexpected materials bring uniqueness and interest to the design. As always, for the little ones, there are surprises and fun spaces to explore! We invite you to spend some time exploring this beautifully executed home, proudly presented by Hi-Point Home Builders and Dancing Horse Interiors.

These wonderful clients returned to us for their newest home remodel adventure. Their newly purchased custom built 1970s modern ranch sits in one of the loveliest neighborhoods south of the city but the current conditions of the home were out-dated and not so lovely. Upon entering the front door through the court you were greeted abruptly by a very boring staircase and an excessive number of doors. Just to the left of the double door entry was a large slider and on your right once inside the home was a soldier line up of doors. This made for an uneasy and uninviting entry that guests would quickly forget and our clients would often avoid. We also had our hands full in the kitchen. The existing space included many elements that felt out of place in a modern ranch including a rustic mountain scene backsplash, cherry cabinets with raised panel and detailed profile, and an island so massive you couldn’t pass a drink across the stone. Our design sought to address the functional pain points of the home and transform the overall aesthetic into something that felt like home for our clients.
For the entry, we re-worked the front door configuration by switching from the double door to a large single door with side lights. The sliding door next to the main entry door was replaced with a large window to eliminate entry door confusion. In our re-work of the entry staircase, guesta are now greeted into the foyer which features the Coral Pendant by David Trubridge. Guests are drawn into the home by stunning views of the front range via the large floor-to-ceiling glass wall in the living room. To the left, the staircases leading down to the basement and up to the master bedroom received a massive aesthetic upgrade. The rebuilt 2nd-floor staircase has a center spine with wood rise and run appearing to float upwards towards the master suite. A slatted wall of wood separates the two staircases which brings more light into the basement stairwell. Black metal railings add a stunning contrast to the light wood.
Other fabulous upgrades to this home included new wide plank flooring throughout the home, which offers both modernity and warmth. The once too-large kitchen island was downsized to create a functional focal point that is still accessible and intimate. The old dark and heavy kitchen cabinetry was replaced with sleek white cabinets, brightening up the space and elevating the aesthetic of the entire room. The kitchen countertops are marble look quartz with dramatic veining that offers an artistic feature behind the range and across all horizontal surfaces in the kitchen. As a final touch, cascading island pendants were installed which emphasize the gorgeous ceiling vault and provide warm feature lighting over the central point of the kitchen.
This transformation reintroduces light and simplicity to this gorgeous home, and we are so happy that our clients can reap the benefits of this elegant and functional design for years to come.

STAIRWELL CHANDELIER
SAN MARCO TWO-TIER ROUND CHANDELIER 48"
Bronze
The World of RH
CURVED WHITE OAK STAIRS WITH WROUGHT IRON BALUSTERS. GLASS STAIRWELL
RUSTIC WHITE OAK FAUX BEAMS
This new 7,200 SF Custom Designed (Rustic/Elegant Farmhouse Ranch) Home was built on part of the foundation of the previous home which was a split level. Our architectural strategy required a continuous first floor (10ft) and the home remained aligned with the existing circle driveway. The rustic metal roof front entrance porch (gas lanterns) leads into a massive 2 story center hall (home of a large, centered gathering table) to a large centered outdoor back yard courtyard (kitchen to the right and sports bar to the left) which centers on the new swimming pool and wide outdoor stairs of the retaining wall required for the extensive stormwater management system. That establishes the center of the home stretching over 100 ft from the front step to the back yard stairs flanked by 2 fire features highlighting the pool. The locations of other rooms listed below are to the right and left of this centered home line. Kitchen, kitchen fireplace, pantry, and guest suite are to the right. Entrance to the finished basement theater room are to the right along with a bar to support events in the center hall. To the left of the center 2 story hall are the exercise room with sauna (with glass garage type door to the front porch), sport bar with theater and see through fireplace, game room, mudroom, laundry, 4 car conditioned garage, and pool changing rooms. From the centered 2 story hall to the right is the glass stairwell and curved stairs made of white oak and wrought iron. These beautiful stairs lead to the library balcony overlooking the massive center hall and large gathering dining table. From the right of the balcony are the primary suite with a private 2nd floor porch and a bedroom suite. From the left of the balcony are 2 more suites with a laundry room, kitchenette, and a large EZ Breeze, closed in porch that overlooks the pool and provides coverage over the pool patio next to the see through fireplace in the sports bar theater room.
The exterior is James Hardie fibercement and limestone veneer. Fascia and frieze boards are capped with heavy roof metal materials. The front porch roof is standing metal seam and columns and ceiling are rustic, reclaimed wood.

Featured on the Discovery Channel's Renovation Nation, this green solar home built on a narrow infill lot is passively heated, naturally cooled and solar powered. Unlike conventional homes built with wood or masonry, this home is built from the soil from the excavation on site. A machine uses very high pressure to compress the soil into a brick. The compressed earth bricks, wrapped with a continuous layer of foam insulation to retain heat, form a structurally sound massive exterior wall that is an integral part of the home’s passive heating and cooling system. In the winter, the sun coming through the south facing windows heats the house and warms the walls. At night, the massive walls radiate heat back into the home. Features of this house include 3000 gallons of rainwater collection, LED lighting, energy recovery ventilation, and non-toxic materials. The home is certified by EarthCraft Virginia green building program.

STAIRWELL CHANDELIER
SAN MARCO TWO-TIER ROUND CHANDELIER 48"
Bronze
The World of RH
CURVED WHITE OAK STAIRS WITH WROUGHT IRON BALUSTERS. GLASS STAIRWELL
RUSTIC WHITE OAK FAUX BEAMS
This new 7,200 SF Custom Designed (Rustic/Elegant Farmhouse Ranch) Home was built on part of the foundation of the previous home which was a split level. Our architectural strategy required a continuous first floor (10ft) and the home remained aligned with the existing circle driveway. The rustic metal roof front entrance porch (gas lanterns) leads into a massive 2 story center hall (home of a large, centered gathering table) to a large centered outdoor back yard courtyard (kitchen to the right and sports bar to the left) which centers on the new swimming pool and wide outdoor stairs of the retaining wall required for the extensive stormwater management system. That establishes the center of the home stretching over 100 ft from the front step to the back yard stairs flanked by 2 fire features highlighting the pool. The locations of other rooms listed below are to the right and left of this centered home line. Kitchen, kitchen fireplace, pantry, and guest suite are to the right. Entrance to the finished basement theater room are to the right along with a bar to support events in the center hall. To the left of the center 2 story hall are the exercise room with sauna (with glass garage type door to the front porch), sport bar with theater and see through fireplace, game room, mudroom, laundry, 4 car conditioned garage, and pool changing rooms. From the centered 2 story hall to the right is the glass stairwell and curved stairs made of white oak and wrought iron. These beautiful stairs lead to the library balcony overlooking the massive center hall and large gathering dining table. From the right of the balcony are the primary suite with a private 2nd floor porch and a bedroom suite. From the left of the balcony are 2 more suites with a laundry room, kitchenette, and a large EZ Breeze, closed in porch that overlooks the pool and provides coverage over the pool patio next to the see through fireplace in the sports bar theater room.
The exterior is James Hardie fibercement and limestone veneer. Fascia and frieze boards are capped with heavy roof metal materials. The front porch roof is standing metal seam and columns and ceiling are rustic, reclaimed wood.

Bathroom adjoining to the master bedroom with a boxed walk-in _ massive wooden sliding door _ abstract piece of art that is put in value by the charcoal dresser that is underneath _ paneling ceiling and wood beams _ oak flooring _ salle de bain attenant à la chambre des maîtres avec walk-in fermé _ porte coulissante massive en bois _ oeuvre d'art abstrait mise en valeur par le meuble anthracite sur lequel elle repose _ plafond de lambris et poutres de bois _ plancher de chêne
photo: Ulysse B. Lemerise Architectes: Dufour Ducharme architectes Design: Paule Bourbonnais de reference design

Open concept Kitchen and Dining Room with massive island to seat four
Eat-in kitchen - craftsman u-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in Calgary with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances and an island
Eat-in kitchen - craftsman u-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in Calgary with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances and an island

Built by Schumacher Homes, America's Largest Custom Home Builder, this stunning Olivia Modern Hill Country in Louisville, Kentucky, effortlessly balances classic architectural details with modern elements. Truly the heart of the home, the high-end kitchen incorporates the latest trends in custom residential design, showcasing a massive central kitchen island with seating on two sides and picturesque views from the kitchen sink looking out into the backyard. Boosting day-to-day efficiency, the layout features a highly innovative, oversized combined pantry and laundry room zone for seamless home organization. The main level is further elevated by stunning interior brick walls finished with a timeless German Schmear construction technique, mimicking the look of irregular stones and heavy mortar joints to add rich texture and classic design. Off the main living space, a custom flex room serves as a sophisticated lounge for casual conversation with family and friends, complete with premium built-in wine storage.
The thoughtful layout flows beautifully across both levels to accommodate a bustling family lifestyle. The primary owner's bath features dual vanities to ensure morning routines run smoothly, while the secondary upstairs bedrooms are anchored by a highly functional Jack-and-Jill bathroom layout. Overlooking the main floor is a massive second-story loft designed for ultimate versatility. This expansive upper bonus area doubles as a dedicated learning center and study hub, complete with a custom built-in desk that is perfectly tailored for homeschooling, remote work, or creative projects.

Craftsman for today’s living with open kitchen, dining room and great room for this home in the North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains. Working very closely with the homeowners for the optimal use of space and functionality, SDG also designed this home to impress with massive windows, clean architectural detailing and an enormous kitchen that checks all boxes of luxury living.

Gulf Building recently completed the “ New Orleans Chic” custom Estate in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The aptly named estate stays true to inspiration rooted from New Orleans, Louisiana. The stately entrance is fueled by the column’s, welcoming any guest to the future of custom estates that integrate modern features while keeping one foot in the past. The lamps hanging from the ceiling along the kitchen of the interior is a chic twist of the antique, tying in with the exposed brick overlaying the exterior. These staple fixtures of New Orleans style, transport you to an era bursting with life along the French founded streets. This two-story single-family residence includes five bedrooms, six and a half baths, and is approximately 8,210 square feet in size. The one of a kind three car garage fits his and her vehicles with ample room for a collector car as well. The kitchen is beautifully appointed with white and grey cabinets that are overlaid with white marble countertops which in turn are contrasted by the cool earth tones of the wood floors. The coffered ceilings, Armoire style refrigerator and a custom gunmetal hood lend sophistication to the kitchen. The high ceilings in the living room are accentuated by deep brown high beams that complement the cool tones of the living area. An antique wooden barn door tucked in the corner of the living room leads to a mancave with a bespoke bar and a lounge area, reminiscent of a speakeasy from another era. In a nod to the modern practicality that is desired by families with young kids, a massive laundry room also functions as a mudroom with locker style cubbies and a homework and crafts area for kids. The custom staircase leads to another vintage barn door on the 2nd floor that opens to reveal provides a wonderful family loft with another hidden gem: a secret attic playroom for kids! Rounding out the exterior, massive balconies with French patterned railing overlook a huge backyard with a custom pool and spa that is secluded from the hustle and bustle of the city.
All in all, this estate captures the perfect modern interpretation of New Orleans French traditional design. Welcome to New Orleans Chic of Fort Lauderdale, Florida!

Situated in rural east Templeton is the Santa Barbara style estate that is the Castillo Residence. It exemplifies the classic nature of old world Spain, sporting massive timber trusses, authentic terra cotta tile flooring and pristine white washed walls. The entry to the residence is suitably grand, with a sweeping stair case up to a landing that overlooks the antique wood front door. The house boasts lofty ceilings in the great room, and a two story library complete with spiral stair case. This house was not only designed to suit its human residents but also its canine residents, and they have their own room off of the 5-car garage at the lower level. The master suite occupies a full wing of the residence, at a mere 1,700 square feet, providing space for a master sitting room, bedroom, bathroom, and sprawling walk in closets with laundry facilities. There are a plethora of outdoor living spaces, including a full outdoor kitchen, reflecting pool water feature and massive covered porches overlooking the Templeton countryside.

The original grade here in front of the modular wall was more than 10' down! That's a LOT of compacted soil...
the entire area was somewhere in the range of 800+ tandem truckloads of fill dirt which is held back by 10' of interlocking concrete blocks (modular wall).
All of the drainage from this massive area extends to the far road near the Tee box, (the highest point) and emptying through a 4' diameter pipe. Rainfall runoff produces anything from a small creek to a small river.
The last form is in place marking the lowest point of the Privacy... notice the wire back silt fence (held fast by metal spikes deep into the soil) continues around the area which is over the modular wall. It continues around the entire perimeter of the project, per County/ State and Federal code regulations. If there's no barrier for silt control, the fines can be massive!

Focusing on having a bright white kitchen with entirely white cabinets, the MOSS designers created a seamless look to the cabinetry, including utilizing cabinet panels as the front for the refrigerator and freezer (a very trendy look these days) and using a section of corner cabinetry to house a baking center with appliances and supplies, plus adding a half wall of cabinetry with glass fronts to showcase the homeowners’ beautiful china. The massive center island, which houses two dishwashers, a sink, plenty of prep area, lots of seating options, and a great amount of storage, is home to a beautiful countertop of honed marble, matching the rest of the kitchen’s countertops. The piece de résistance in the kitchen, the island truly serves as the gathering spot for the homeowners. A final unique touch, in contrast to the all-white kitchen and countertops, is the stunning navy blue stove, which matches the china on display as well as the curtains on the tall windows. Add in all new new light fixtures, recessed lighting, and, along with plenty of natural light, the stunning new kitchen is a “wow”!

CURVED WHITE OAK STAIRS WITH WROUGHT IRON BALUSTERS. GLASS STAIRWELL
This new 7,200 SF Custom Designed (Rustic/Elegant Farmhouse Ranch) Home was built on part of the foundation of the previous home which was a split level. Our architectural strategy required a continuous first floor (10ft) and the home remained aligned with the existing circle driveway. The rustic metal roof front entrance porch (gas lanterns) leads into a massive 2 story center hall (home of a large, centered gathering table) to a large centered outdoor back yard courtyard (kitchen to the right and sports bar to the left) which centers on the new swimming pool and wide outdoor stairs of the retaining wall required for the extensive stormwater management system. That establishes the center of the home stretching over 100 ft from the front step to the back yard stairs flanked by 2 fire features highlighting the pool. The locations of other rooms listed below are to the right and left of this centered home line. Kitchen, kitchen fireplace, pantry, and guest suite are to the right. Entrance to the finished basement theater room are to the right along with a bar to support events in the center hall. To the left of the center 2 story hall are the exercise room with sauna (with glass garage type door to the front porch), sport bar with theater and see through fireplace, game room, mudroom, laundry, 4 car conditioned garage, and pool changing rooms. From the centered 2 story hall to the right is the glass stairwell and curved stairs made of white oak and wrought iron. These beautiful stairs lead to the library balcony overlooking the massive center hall and large gathering dining table. From the right of the balcony are the primary suite with a private 2nd floor porch and a bedroom suite. From the left of the balcony are 2 more suites with a laundry room, kitchenette, and a large EZ Breeze, closed in porch that overlooks the pool and provides coverage over the pool patio next to the see through fireplace in the sports bar theater room.
The exterior is James Hardie fibercement and limestone veneer. Fascia and frieze boards are capped with heavy roof metal materials. The front porch roof is standing metal seam and columns and ceiling are rustic, reclaimed wood.

Craftsman for today’s living with open kitchen, dining room and great room for this home in the North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains. Working very closely with the homeowners for the optimal use of space and functionality, SDG also designed this home to impress with massive windows, clean architectural detailing and an enormous kitchen that checks all boxes of luxury living.

PRIMARY COLORS The Noakeses are not afraid of color, which found an outlet in the brilliant red, orange and blue of the Tufenkian Borealis Pacific Fire rug anchoring the living room. On the following spread, the homeowners’ art hangs on a dining room wall and is the soulmate to the living room rug’s deeply saturated colors as well as to the bright oranges in the wool and silk rug under the dining table.
Glamour is a driving force in the house, but it never overwhelms. As a backdrop in the dining room, golden Lori Weitzner wallpaper lines the display shelf where Perry and Suzy Noakes display treasures from their travels.
In the kitchen, a grouping of seeded blown glass cylinder pendants illuminates Bright Group stools and a generously proportioned island that’s big enough to seat eight guests.
The entry’s bright-red lacquered console is a place for the homeowners’ Buddha collection to get attention.
Pieces from Laura Britt’s sustainable furniture line Vervano populate the bedroom, including the Noakeses use for media storage.
Pieces from Laura Britt’s sustainable furniture line Vervano populate the bedroom, including the chair underneath the windows
The gray theme continues in the master bath, where vein-cut travertine slabs on the floor set off the sculptural flair of the bathtub.
“Homes didn’t mean anything to us,” says Perry Noakes, “except as a place to put our keys and get ready for the next journey.” The retired high-tech company executive and his wife, Suzy, are avid globe-trotters. The couple had also lived in Asia for 15 years as part of Perry’s work. Finding a place to live was a well-rehearsed exercise that figured into their system for settling in to a foreign country. But all that changed when Perry and Suzy decided to downsize to a new house in Austin. A friend told them about a spec house under construction, the project of a dream team of Austin-based design professionals that included builder Keith Husbands, architect Bob Wetmore of Cornerstone Architects, and interior designer Laura Britt and her staff. “We went to see it,” says Perry, “and loved it.” The couple quickly bought the framed-out 5,800-square-foot building.
The fact that the two-story dwelling was near a golf course was a bonus for the two golfers, but the low-slung four-bedroom, four-bath house also backs up onto a nature preserve. “The land offered us great opportunity to nestle the house into the topography, giving us both privacy and stunning views,” says Wetmore, who had to negotiate his design for the native stone, stucco and metal house to fit onto the steeply sloping and oddly elongated lot. The Hill Country contemporary house stretches out just below the rim of the slope, comfortably settled into the topography courtesy of terraced landscaping that defines the front approach to the house. “We turned a negative into a positive,” says Wetmore about the difficult site. The rough-and-ready landscape accounts for the building’s quiet dynamics, which Wetmore chronicled with the roofline, a series of horizontal areas that correspond to transitional spaces inside, interrupted by a clerestory that caps the entry and living room.
The process of taking a house from the framing stage to completion was a new experience for the couple. “We had never participated in the building process,” says Suzy. They threw themselves into it as if it were just another one of their adventures. “I think of it as my first project after I retired,” says Perry.
The budding design enthusiast so endeared himself to Britt that she and her staff awarded him with a beret to wear to design meetings, in honor of his artistic verve. “We were able to redesign a lot of the house since we came into the process so early,” says Suzy. “The house started as a spec house,” says Britt, “but it quickly became a custom home with the Noakeses’ involvement.”
Britt started the process by helping the couple select materials and lighting, opting for an earthy glamour that became the touchstone of the house. For pure wow factor, the living room’s stone and steel fireplace—sliced horizontally by three massive wood beams—is a tour de force of drama. In the kitchen, an oversize island (big enough to seat eight) is topped with a slab of dramatically veined marble; the countertops are a quieter quartzite. In the master bath, bold vein-cut travertine pavers on the floor are a counterpoint to the linear-cut mosaic tiles that back the vanity and reach all the way to the skylit ceiling. The pièce de résistance is the shimmering white pebble wall behind the free-standing tub that creates the effect of water frozen in free fall.
Britt used contrast as a backdrop to all the drama, opting for a forged metal chandelier in the shape of a lotus leaf in the entry—a worthy match to the darkened-steel front door. She designed a dining room table (through Vervano, her furniture design company) topped with patinaed steel; overhead, a massive steel-framed drum pendant with mica panels casts a delicate glow over the room. The designer was careful to leave wall space for the homeowners’ art collection, as well as to add space wherever possible. The dining room’s asymmetrical built-in is a place to display Buddhas and other pieces the couple has collected in their travels.
“We wanted this house to be about us and who we are,” says Suzy. That’s understandable since, after 16 previous homes that were really just places to live, the freedom of expression is obviously a thrill. Maybe even too much of a thrill—although this house is the couple’s dream home, they were completely enthralled with the design process. Could house No. 17 be the best and last? Maybe not. But if there is another house in the Noakeses’ future, one thing is certain, says Perry: “We won’t make a move without consulting Laura first.”
https://modernluxury.com/interiors-texas/story/smooth-move

Gulf Building recently completed the “ New Orleans Chic” custom Estate in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The aptly named estate stays true to inspiration rooted from New Orleans, Louisiana. The stately entrance is fueled by the column’s, welcoming any guest to the future of custom estates that integrate modern features while keeping one foot in the past. The lamps hanging from the ceiling along the kitchen of the interior is a chic twist of the antique, tying in with the exposed brick overlaying the exterior. These staple fixtures of New Orleans style, transport you to an era bursting with life along the French founded streets. This two-story single-family residence includes five bedrooms, six and a half baths, and is approximately 8,210 square feet in size. The one of a kind three car garage fits his and her vehicles with ample room for a collector car as well. The kitchen is beautifully appointed with white and grey cabinets that are overlaid with white marble countertops which in turn are contrasted by the cool earth tones of the wood floors. The coffered ceilings, Armoire style refrigerator and a custom gunmetal hood lend sophistication to the kitchen. The high ceilings in the living room are accentuated by deep brown high beams that complement the cool tones of the living area. An antique wooden barn door tucked in the corner of the living room leads to a mancave with a bespoke bar and a lounge area, reminiscent of a speakeasy from another era. In a nod to the modern practicality that is desired by families with young kids, a massive laundry room also functions as a mudroom with locker style cubbies and a homework and crafts area for kids. The custom staircase leads to another vintage barn door on the 2nd floor that opens to reveal provides a wonderful family loft with another hidden gem: a secret attic playroom for kids! Rounding out the exterior, massive balconies with French patterned railing overlook a huge backyard with a custom pool and spa that is secluded from the hustle and bustle of the city.
All in all, this estate captures the perfect modern interpretation of New Orleans French traditional design. Welcome to New Orleans Chic of Fort Lauderdale, Florida!
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