An expansive living room, generous windows, a gorgeous old pine tree and a central outdoor space combine to create this stunning Dallas refuge for Scott and Melissa Powell’s family room.
The Powells, who own and run New Leaf Construction, bought the home for their business but immediately found it as the ideal spot to build their own house on. “I am very linked to the Lake Highlands area, because I grew up in this neighborhood,” says Scott. Melissa feels the same. “I’d like my kids to return and remember this house we have created as their childhood home,” she says.
in a Glance
Who lives here: Scott and Melissa Powell and their 3 children (ages 5, 3 and 1)
Size: 3,350 square feet; 5 bedrooms, 4 baths
Location: Lake Highlands neighborhood of Dallas
Sarah Greenman
A stately pine tree presides over the property, providing shade in the hot Texas summer. The new structure follows the architectural traces of the preexisting house. Scott is obviously aware of the way the facade can affect a neighborhood. “I did not want our home to look like new structure,” he says. “Wherever I am building, I attempt to honor the feel and style of the neighborhood.”
Sarah Greenman
An all-window rear wall gives a crystal clear view of the whole backyard. On most days the few doesn’t have to flip on the lights until dusk. “The most important thing for us was the windows,” says Melissa. “It’s good to work, relax or cook and keep your eye on the kids while they play at the lawn”
Wall paint: Worldly Gray, Sherwin-Williams; dining place: Z Gallerie
Sarah Greenman
The open-concept family room is the heart of the home. Vaulted ceilings create an airy atmosphere, grounded by the dark wood dining place and stairs. “Many men and women spend 90 percent of the waking hours at the family room. We wanted our great room to be welcoming, bright and easy to maintain,” says Scott.
Sarah Greenman
With three small children to think about, the couple established two islands — one at work height and one at table height. “This kitchen has been constructed to handle family life,” Melissa says. “The island reaches this height, where my boys can scale up to the table for breakfast or to work on a job. A bar with bar stools is really neutral.”
Cabinets and islands paint: Beautiful Gray, Sherwin-Williams
Sarah Greenman
Two big picture windows flank the cooking range and an elevated inset fireplace. Two complete walls of cabinetry and 2 islands create ample storage space. “I wanted lots of drawers. It’s so much easier to pull them out and determine what you need than to stoop before a low cabinet looking in the dark,” says Melissa.
Sarah Greenman
Gray cabinetry, white Ceasarstone granite countertops and a gorgeous tiled backsplash make for a sleek and contemporary kitchen design.
The couple set up a contemporary built-in clock above the kitchen sink. Another large clock sits above the television in the living room in the other end of the house.
Sarah Greenman
The Powells chose many different ferns, creeping ground covers and shade plants for the courtyard. These plants may survive beneath the expansive pine tree and survive the Texas heat. A bright grass-green door matches the foliage.
Sarah Greenman
A concrete picnic table doubles as a rill water feature with small pond outlets on both ends. Falling water can be heard from each communal space in the house, as well as from the master bedroom.
Sarah Greenman
The open foundation of a suspended metal stairs creates an unobstructed view of the entry from the family room. The sliver of glass at front door allows for lighting and also a glimpse at traffic approaching the house.
Sarah Greenman
The couple employed family and designer friend Samantha Wester to aid with the furniture design and interior paint colors.
A built-in entertainment and shelving system covers the far wall of the wonderful room. A subtle wood backdrop creates visual attention and warms up the contemporary structure.
Sofa: Z Gallerie
Sarah Greenman
Stained concrete floors flow throughout the house. In person, the floors have a watery sheen. All four elements appear to be represented in the house: earthy stone and woodwork, airy spaciousness, fireplaces in the living and kitchen room, and watery elements outside and in.
Sarah Greenman
Stunning light from clerestory and other windows and a view of the courtyard make the master bedroom a truly tranquil space. Framed black and white family photos float above the platform bed.
Wall paint: Modern Gray, Sherwin-Williams; wallpaper: Sherwin-Williams
Sarah Greenman
White cabinetry at the white and gray master bath emphasizes a stunning mosaic glass-tile backsplash. Dual undermounted sinks with Asian-style faucets create an uncluttered appearance and make for simple cleanup.
Countertops: Caesarstone
Sarah Greenman
Natural lighting by a well-placed skylight produces a morning shower an energizing experience. To save space and keep water included, the couple put their soaking tub within the shower. “Being in the business is a sword that is mythical,” says Scott. “There are so many cool things we have done successfully in different homes we wanted to attempt, like the tub in the shower. However, whenever construction is complete, you see other cool information and layouts and wish you’d thought of them for your own home.”
Sarah Greenman
Beautifully detailed glass tile and a crystal clear glass walk-in shower make the guest bath equally as lovely as the remainder of the home. Scott’s suggestion: “Sometimes the detailed tilework is really hard to keep clean. I suggest doing it at a space that gets less usage, like a guest bath.”
Sarah Greenman
An upstairs family room mirrors the kitchen below, with a hearth in its center. Sliding glass doors on both sides of the fireplace open to reveal a balcony overlooking the burbling waters of the courtyard.
Sarah Greenman
Bright colors, artwork and a play kitchen make this a fantastic room for creative play. Open shelves keep toys clean and readily accessible. Again, the flight of windows on the other side of the sofa allows for maximum sunlight and a view of the neighboring trees.
Wall paint: Intellectual Gray, Sherwin-Williams
Sarah Greenman
A very long hallway with built-in linen and shelving storage contributes to a bath and three bedrooms. Scott painted the gloomy artwork triptych on the right.
Sarah Greenman
Special attention was given to shade, open space for storage and play in the boys’ bedrooms. A vibrant dinosaur mural and matching bedding keep this bedroom bright and enjoyable. Hooks mounted near the door store grab-and-go items.
Wall paint: Worldly Gray, Sherwin-Williams
Sarah Greenman
A mounted wire above the dresser provides a place for a developing body of art.
Sarah Greenman
Racecars predominate in the next bedroom. A blue accent wall and a loft bed will easily transition as the couple’s son grows. The bottom bunk, a futon, is the ideal spot for reading and twisting down.
Main wall paint: Worldly Gray, Sherwin-Williams; accent wall paint: Jacaranda, Sherwin-Williams; shelves: Expedit, Ikea
Sarah Greenman
The White Rock Home Tour included the couple’s home last year. “We spent a lot of time getting all of the details just perfect. It was really gratifying to open our home to a group of individuals who actually noticed all the consideration and care invested in this home,” says Scott.
Sarah Greenman
The Powell family enjoys some downtime after a Saturday soccer match. Scott gives this advice for people who wish to build their own home: “Do not bypass any of the planning phases. You’ll save yourself effort and money if you have done your homework”
Have a creative and vibrant home?We’d love to see it.