Real Estate Remodel

Once upon a time in 1979, a quaint farmhouse was built in the northern reaches outside of the Dallas metropolitan area in Frisco Texas. It was in a pastoral, semi-rural community known as Stonebriar Creek Estates. Houses and farms dotted the wide open fields along with a few majestic Live Oak trees. Many of Dallas's movers and shakers settled there, away from the bustle of the city. Residents were likely to keep horses, chickens and to plant huge gardens on their substantial plots of land. Now, 31 years later, Stonebriar Creek Estates is a close-in community filled with trees, the plots are smaller, though still at least 2 acre each, and newer “mini mansions” neighbor the small farmhouses. Many of those old houses have been remolded into larger, more modern suburban homes sometimes with the original character intact and sometimes not. The house in our story is one of the latter. Even with the most extensive remodels, there is usually some inherited, recognizable element; a facade, shape, window or some such detail that reminds one of what was there before. But we dare anyone, except perhaps a bird that might notice a similar footprint from high above, to spot any similarities between the original Stonebriar Creek Estates house and it's remodeled successor. The ugly duckling from the 1970's has become a swan. A structure that could have easily been dismissed as a shack years ago, has become a sprawling contemporary Old world Tuscan home of stone where the sight of it often stops passing traffic. We were hired on just after the wrecking ball took out part of the original house and new framework towered over the partial existing structure. The house went from 3000 square feet to just over 12,000 square feet. Our clients favored an “Old World” relaxed Tuscan style so the plans began. Passion and desire is what comes to mind when I think of the Tuscan style home while creating a wonderful environment for celebrations with family and friends. Isn't that what the Italians are well known for family, feasts and celebrations? The key to Tuscan style decorating is remembering that Italian decor is inspired by the unique elements of nature. Wrought iron, the appearance of crumbling stone walls, rustic farmhouse decor, stone flooring, heavy distressed wood beams and furniture all come together giving a taste of Italy. Tuscan design provides a space with a warm, peaceful feeling. This is achieved by using warm colors such as reds, yellows, golds, browns and greens; earth tones. In today's homes, Tuscan decor is desirable because it is simple, yet gives off a comfortable and inviting feeling. It also provides the ability to show off pieces that have been loved in your family for many years. Our participation in design for this project included assisting our clients in stone selections, tile design, texture, paint colors and iron design. Our work in manufacturing included designing and building doors, hand wrought iron chandeliers, designing and making cabinetry hardware as well as scrolled iron window screens. In the main family gathering area we built and installed a custom cabinetry piece out of our Strong Tower Collection as a fireplace surround that houses a flat screen above. The front entry doors are another creation that came from the doors off a grand armoire that we manufacture. Our work in custom finishing can be seen on the kitchen island and the built in vanities in the bathrooms. Our clients also had us build, distress and finish several counter tops for the kitchen island and for the curved bar top in the game room kitchen. After 12 months, the finished home was featured as the 2010 TLC Home of Distinction. However, the greater honor is that our clients are very happy in their new home. It has been a wonderful experience working with Chip and Nikki. I want to thank them for the opportunity and new friendship. Blessings, Nelson J. Nelson