Home builder Ellen Grasso’s customers, a household in University Park, Texas, desired a new take on traditional design without getting too much into eclectic, modern or contemporary design. So during the design and construction process, Grasso aimed to create a balanced, wide-open space while coordinating the home in a conservative, traditional manner. The result is a house with rooms in expected places that have fresh and innovative details and decor.
“It is no surprise that the house is a magnet for entertaining and friends,” says Grasso, adding that a few charitable events have been held at the home, reflecting the family’s desire to give back to the neighborhood.
at a Glance
Who lives here: Two and their 3 girls of varying ages
Location: University Park, Texas
Size: 7,500 square feet
Designer’s “aha!” Second: Learning that the “new take on conventional” style really had a title: “new conventional.”
LLC & Sons, Ellen Grasso
Floating shelves above and on both sides of the fireplace give the family room a fresh, crisp feel; the strong horizontal lines of these shelves are repeated in the darkened ceiling beams. “My customers didn’t need the rustic appearance of old beams and really adore the crisp appearance of these mahogany beams,” says Grasso.
Turquoise cries and earth-tone glassware add splashes of colour to the otherwise neutral colour. Natural light floods the space through two lofty windows and wood panel doors.
LLC & Sons, Ellen Grasso
Curves dominate the dining area. The backs of the table, rust-tone orb chandelier, archway and tufted seats all bend and bend; even the manifestation of the staircase at the oversize mirror adds to the curves.
Chandelier: Regular Dauphin Small Orb Chandelier in rust, Currey & Company
Ellen Grasso & Sons, LLC
Grasso says that the outside of the house hides the new conventional interior, so there is an element of surprise upon entrance and exploration of each room. The customers wanted their house to “fit comfortably” into the standard neighborhood.
Ellen Grasso & Sons, LLC
The kitchen is anything but plain Jane. The space receives plenty of light, and the modular, stainless steel appliances echo the metallic sheen of the kitchen island pendant lighting.
Range hood: Imperial; countertop: Alaskan white granite
Ellen Grasso & Sons, LLC
This craft and study room is beloved from the customers’ three girls. Grasso says, “My customer was the person who drew the craft table in the center,” adding that the girls love that their craft supplies are all within arm’s reach. The space will transition nicely into a hangout and media room when the kids are older.
Four-person desk: habit; tabletop: granite
Ellen Grasso & Sons, LLC
Everything about this room speaks the language of a trendy adolescent; nothing in the space feels childish. Among the most essential decor bits is the oversize mirror; Grasso says that “every adolescent needs a full-length mirror”
Ellen Grasso & Sons, LLC
Perhaps the latest space of the 3 girls’ rooms, the center daughter’s bedroom has cool green and smoky colors that reflect her personality.
LLC & Sons, Ellen Grasso
“Kudos head out to Delaney Warren, the interior designer,” says Grasso. Taupe and pink create a sweet colour pair in this area, which belongs to the youngest daughter.
Ellen Grasso & Sons, LLC
The laundry area has plenty of cabinets and is swathed in colors of crisp, glistening white and buttery yellow.
Ellen Grasso & Sons, LLC
The linen ceiling, velvety tufted headboard, lush curtains and gold motif of the lavish new conventional master bedroom create a relaxing space for the customers. Hidden LED lighting can be dimmed to a gentle glow, including a relaxing and romantic touch.
5 Ingredients to a Romantic Bedroom
Ellen Grasso & Sons, LLC
The press room is the husband’s favorite area. It is equipped with a complete bar, a microwave, a dishwasher and state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment, and has an insulated ceiling that blocks out noise.
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So Your Style Is: Transitional