From House To Home

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Creating a warm and comfortable home environment for an on-the-go Huntley family has been an ongoing endeavor for interior designer Barbara Potter, owner of the Decorator Nook and Downtown Emporium. But the best designs are those that fit the needs of the family, and elements of those designs change as the family changes.

The home was built on a picturesque golf course just over a dozen years ago when the family’s youngest son was born. The constants across the years have been the homeowners’ desire to enjoy the golf course’s beautiful views and to utilize the space so the family stays connected.

Oversized windows with minimal window treatments frame tranquil scenes of their large lot, the golf course, and a pond and fountain. Over the years, the lot has served as a baseball field, driving range, and football field for the children and their friends.

Creating a place where friends and family regularly gather has been one of their goals. To do this, they have chosen a tranquil palette of fern green, creams, tans, taupes, and other browns. It’s also a nice complement to the scenic views.

The open kitchen, informal dining area, and family room have been instrumental in keeping the family connected. When the boys were younger, the space functioned as their play area. The kitchen’s close proximity meant Mom was present while preparing meals.

Bright white cabinets and deep green-black granite give the kitchen clean lines and sharp contrast. It’s a nice work environment, and it remains a fun gathering place. The center island is parallel to the breakfast bar, which is perfect for quick snacks, homework, or spontaneous conversation. The wooden seats and backs of the bar chairs incorporate more natural materials. Set in wrought iron with an antique-nickel finish, they add comfortable elegance.

A soft rug defines the informal eating area between the kitchen and family room. The windows and fern-green wall color make it seem like an outdoor cafe.

The family room is best described as comfortable and inviting. The cathedral ceiling and skylights continue a feeling of spaciousness. The wood-burning fireplace is a family favorite. Dad lights it nearly nightly, fall to spring.

Since they have worked hard to make theirs the home that people enjoy visiting, their dining room is especially busy during the holidays. The homeowner likes to add special touches as a way to make guests’ experiences more memorable. The black-lacquered finish contrasts the table settings and decorations.

The master bedroom’s shades of lavender, blue, and cream create an ethereal repose. Minimal furniture within the large space reduces clutter and fosters peacefulness. An oversized chair offers a place to simply enjoy the indoor and outdoor surroundings.

Light and airy, the peaceful retreat extends into the master bath. Simple window treatments provide a finishing touch without inhibiting the view. Crisp whites merge with creams and golds for a resort-like atmosphere. The black-and-gold, granite-like porcelain floor tiles are a strong base. They literally allow the tub, cabinetry, and walls to shine.

All of the walls in the master suite were faux painted in creams and tans. The resulting texture gives the walls depth and adds interest.

The lower level has recently been renovated to better serve this sports-oriented family. Ping-pong, pool, darts, and a large-screen TV draw the teens and their friends.

Comfortable entertaining hinges on making things convenient so everyone enjoys the experience. The lower-level kitchen feels like a sports grill and features several appliances. An oven and microwave within the space allow the kids to prepare pizzas and other snacks. The dishwasher makes cleanup easy, and the full-size refrigerator is always stocked with sodas for a variety of tastes.

“The homeowners are warm, comfortable people to be around,” says Potter. “They spend all of their time with their boys and their boys’ friends.

“It makes sense that their home reflects that lifestyle and conveys that kind of warm invitation.”