Introducing our 2017 Inspiration Home

Where once a swimming pool filled this courtyard, now a lovely garden designed by Fiore Garden Design greets visitors and family alike. Raised, stone-edged beds encourage both husband and wife to fulfill their gardening interests. The central fountain was a Christmas present from the wife’s sons.

To tackle the homeowners’ dilemma of the unwanted swimming pool, Dungan envisioned a courtyard rose garden to fill the space. This decision established a tranquil, inviting approach to the front door while strengthening the reference to the English Cottage aesthetic. “At the time, I had no idea that the homeowners were avid gardeners and admirers of roses,” the architect says. “It was true serendipity that led me in this direction.” A stone landscape wall that includes an iron gate once owned by the husband’s grandmother further defines the space.

Inside, the vaulted great room, which resulted from a complete teardown of the former space, offers an open expanse with large, exposed beams that convey a measured degree of grandness with relaxed comfort. “The feeling you get here is quite like being in an English chapel,” notes Dungan. “Because the great room alone is almost 1,000 square feet, we created smaller spaces adjacent to it so that the owners can retreat to cozier, more intimate areas.” Richly stained hardwood floors from River Bottom Flooring flow throughout the house and help tie everything together.

A mahogany mantel accentuates the great room’s vaulted ceiling while visually anchoring the room. Two navy blue sofas from Lee Industries are positioned to establish smaller, more intimate seating areas for entertaining. “While a small group can gather around the fireplace and chat, others can sit and enjoy the views of the back terrace and valley beyond,” the homeowner says. The room’s tall, wainscot paneling complements the well-coordinated décor.

Large banks of Marvin windows with views onto the front garden and back terrace figure significantly in visually uniting the great room with the outdoors. “I’m all about designing spaces where the windows successfully frame the views beyond,” says Dungan. “Here, I ensured that both the courtyard rose garden and vistas of the distant mountains were brought inside, making the great room literally seem see-through.

Directly across from the imposing mantel, a large, stone-lined opening topped with a reclaimed header beam from an 1860s factory in Mississippi connects the great room to the kitchen. Highlighted by walls lined in tongue-and-groove planks, this cooking space intentionally contains very little upper cabinetry. “I didn’t want the space to look cluttered,” the homeowner explains. “For a traditional touch, I chose to place two seeded-glass-paned cabinets—one on either side of the pantry entrance—to display my favorite blue-and-white china.” The addition of stainless-steel Viking appliances, along with Amerock pulls and hardware, creates a pleasing mix of sleekness and warmth.

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