Laurenhurst – European Beauty

“Happiness is like jam, you can’t spread even a little, without getting some on yourself”

• Anonymous

Laurenhurst – a European-style dream home brings you and your family charm, comfort, and space (2,991 sq. feet) for making years of memories.  This is a two-story, 4-bedroom, 4 full bath European beauty by Frank Snodgrass of Living Concepts Home Plans.

From the moment you see these plans and drawings, I know your mind is screaming “YES”, this is for me. I agree.  Let me show you around.

First, the outside is European, “Hello.” Classic European design staples include natural materials, shuttered windows, arches, tall, sloping rooflines, and a metal balcony.

Once inside the door, your foyer welcomes you and then like open arms, ushers you to the main floor of this gem.

Front of House

A study and full bath are to the left of the foyer.  The bathroom is accessible from both the foyer and the study.  If you have older or physically challenged individuals living with you, this is an ideal spot for a guest bedroom/suite.  As an office, a funky contemporary desk might suit you.  Putting a nice chair for working and another for taking a break and reading or sneaking a small nap will fit perfectly in the corner.

To the right of the foyer is a pocket door that leads to a small entry to the master bedroom. This is a nice-sized for a large wrought-iron bed and lush, soft bed linens.  Paint the walls a soft blue-grey or creamy, rich beige for a less sterile, but still ‘open’ palette for décor.

The master bath has a separate space for the toilet, a walk-in shower, a deep soaking tub and two separate vanities. Now, the walk-in closet is a sight to behold. There is so much space for shelves, double-hanging rods, built-in cabinets and a center island that you will want to go buy new clothes – have fun!

Dining Room & Family Room

Your holiday feasting, your ‘why not eat in here’, your “I’m here, but not intrusive’ dining room is waiting for you.  Make a turkey, make grilled cheese sammies, burgers or Friday night take-a-way pizza and eat here while playing Table Topics with family or just one of your favorite persons.  Dining rooms get a bad rap and you can change that…. it’s just a room asking you to eat in it, enjoy it and make great memories.

Now, the family room is a wide-open space for whatever mood you want.  Personally, I am a big fan of cozy – chic – cool – welcoming.  That includes a must-have fireplace and there is one here for you.  In European style, yours might be marble, it might be carved, humble with a solid but simple wood mantle or fancy with wrought iron ‘gate’ – which is entirely up to you.  I like soft, supportive, nappable but also sturdy and capable of ‘upscaling’ the fancy feeling sofa/couches with luxury throws or mixed materials.  I love the long wall in the family room and for me, that means really cool statement art, in a huge painting or two, or maybe a long wall of built-in shelves for many pieces.  If it’s your groove, layered, leveled floating shelves can really gain attention with all the possibilities they offer.

A breakfast area sits in a large nook behind the family room.  Me?  I’m putting a soft padded banquette here and a rectangular table.  A covered portico squares out this space where you can sit and reflect, watch the sun rise or set…….and just ‘be’.  Welcome.

Back of House – Kitchen & Bonus’

In the left back corner of the main floor is the kitchen and ‘bonus’ areas in the house.  For the person who loves to cook and bake, this kitchen is dreamy.  A U-shaped area of counterspace and cabinets will have you in a whirlwind of food-haven.  An island, centered, is where you can decorate your cookies, cakes, and cool your quick-breads and yeast rolls.  Slice, dice, chop, frost, drizzle, and eat are the right words for this kitchen. Get in here, get dirty, make messes, make memories, and enjoy good food with great people.

Between the kitchen and two-car garage is your bonus space.  You have a long closet area/wall area for storage, hooks, bench seating for kids stuff, your stuff, and more, as well as the large laundry/utility room with a sink and more storage areas. Get creative, give your favorite furry baby a safe hide-a-way, and put a soft bed under the counter space in the utility area.

Up You Go

On the main floor, the staircase to the second floor is nestled into the family room.  It is not intrusive; it just sits where it is best suited.  As you ascend to the second floor, a large, open loft greets you. Office?  Painting studio? Teen hangout?  This is yours to make and change as you want.  Be happy.

There are two-bedroom suites up here for your family and/or guests. Each has an identical bathroom with single-sink vanity, tub, and commode.  Each suite also has a walk-in closet and room for a queen bed, luxe linens for cozy sleeping.

Yes, there is expansive attic space in this house. A door from the loft area can lead to the depth of every corner of the second floor.  So it’s ok if you love holiday décor – there’s room.

This charming European Laurenhurst is waiting for you.  When you move in, invite me over.  I’m fun, will lead karaoke and make a killer appetizer and dessert.  Laurenhurst wants your family and friends.  Come and get it……