Former residents of California, the owners wanted a home that mirrored the style of the West Coast. They found it in a home in Allen, Texas. The patio combines textural elements, a monochromatic color palette and some bold color influences to create the sophisticated oasis of peaceful ambience the owners sought.
Sunlight streams through walls of windows lining the striking, contemporary home. Its tall ceilings allow natural light to permeate every corner. Defined by sleek, straight lines and soft colors, it is casual yet luxurious, a reflection of its owners’ taste.
New residents from California, the couple sought a home that mirrored the style of the West Coast. They found it in a spacious residence in Allen, Texas. “They are transplants from Orange County and kept looking for that California Zen kind of feel,” says Nicole Arnold, owner of Nicole Arnold Interiors.
A new build, the home offered the ambience they sought and a fresh canvas to fashion a calming interior. The residence provided timeless design and breathtaking views of a pristine pool and golf course beyond. “They wanted a design that embodied a coastal feel yet was sophisticated, with some Asian and organic influences,” says Arnold.
To achieve that climate, Arnold fashioned a soothing color palette. Refreshing hues throughout the home foster an atmosphere of serenity. “Our mission was to keep it timeless and reminiscent of their California roots. We interpreted that into a lot of monochromatic colors and texture,” Arnold says.
Wall-to-wall glass reveals expansive views of the pool and golf course from the family room. To take advantage of natural light, no draperies were added to the windows. A neutral approach married with textural elements is defined by a cozy double chaise sectional, bold rattan chair frames and a stack stone fireplace.
Soft taupe-grays and neutral fabrics take their cue from natural stone and wood flooring, as well as wood cabinetry. A double chaise sectional sits opposite a stack stone fireplace in the casual living area. Textural threads create visual interest and comfort.“We recommended a variety of textures in the family room. It spoke to the organic vibe and just feels cozy,” says Arnold. Roughhewn, silvered table lamps in the family room are a juxtaposition to a sleek, modern light fixture that hangs above. A metal coffee table adds to the casual atmosphere. “It’s metallic meets nature. Each piece was very carefully selected,” says Arnold.
Large-scale furnishings and pops of color are a striking addition to the formal living area. Fuchsia velvet chairs and metallic orange pillows are used as bold accents. “They brought a black lacquer grand piano with them from California, so I suggested we use a lot of color in that room to create visual balance,” Arnold says.
The double-story room, with its wall of windows, sits adjacent to an eye-catching mosaic stone entry wall and glass staircase. To maximize its impact, custom artwork was sought for a feature wall.
“We commissioned an 8-by-12-foot piece of art by Kimberly Loveland to represent a Los Angeles sunset on a beach,” says Arnold. “Additionally, the 6-and-a-half-foot-tall polished nickel floor lamps flank the art and ground the wall’s soaring height.”
Overall, a hint of glitz and glam is achieved throughout the residence with the judicious use of metallic decorative accents. Pillows reveal bright threads and lamps shine against upholstered fabrics.
An Asian influence reveals itself through contemporary elements in each room as well. An upholstered headboard in the master bedroom displays a fabric inscribed with a Far Eastern-inspired print. A shimmery bamboo-patterned area rug sits beneath the bed, and bedside lamps are the perfect nod to Asian geometry.
In the family room, a slope-arm rattan chair signals Asian culture. Clean-lined, wicker-wrapped chairs surround the breakfast table in the kitchen.
The Zen ambience is further apparent with several walls of windows that flood the home with indirect light.
“The first floor has a three-sided view of the pool. We specifically didn’t place any draperies in those spaces so we could maximize the view,” Arnold says.
An outdoor patio and kitchen continue the owners’ West Coast approach. Sling barstools, deep-seated
cushioned furniture and a cocktail ottoman offer a calming place to relax.
An outdoor patio and kitchen continue the owners’ West Coast approach. Sling barstools, deep-seated cushioned furniture and a cocktail ottoman offer a calming place to relax.
“We went in a California coastal direction onto the patio as well,” says Arnold. Textural elements, a monochromatic color palette and some bold color influences combine to create the sophisticated oasis of peaceful ambience the owners sought.
“We definitely achieved it in this home,”Arnold says. *
Nancy Baldwin is a Dallas-based freelance writer and editor. Contact her at
baldwinwriter@gmail.com.