From House To Home

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While Earl and Ann Frawner’s home was built on a grand scale and holds some amazing Alaskan art, it is far from stuffy. Rather, the welcome guests receive is similar to the comfort and warmth of a hot pot of soup or freshly baked cookies on a cold winter day, says their designer Terri Hosken, ASID and owner of Beyond the Box Design.

“We like cozy,” says Ann. But she says the home felt cavernous when they toured it after the intended homeowner didn’t close. Still, they loved the views and the interior’s potential.

Appropriately sized furniture and layers of texture were necessary to soften and warm the interior. “Earl was instrumental. He was good about focusing on the things we needed and in the right size,” says Ann. “He wanted to get it done quickly so we could enjoy it with our family and friends. We know life is fleeting.”

They chose large chairs and sectionals in earth tones from local and California showrooms. Rugs continue the natural palette with accents of reds and greens. They work well with the light brown walls, crisp antique-white trim, and travertine flooring, which keep the interior light, bright, and cheery.

“This space could be very formal and cold, but by incorporating smaller furniture groupings, tactile fabrics, rugs, and warm colors, it becomes inviting, personal, and intimate,” says Hosken.

All the furniture groupings were arranged to best enjoy the views of Cook Inlet, downtown Anchorage, and Mount McKinley. Window walls span the back and both sides of the home.

The arched window wall in the living room presents a more formal environment. The overall theme is still relaxed, with the upholstered bench table, oversized couch, and handmade chairs.

The gathering room provides ample seating with its rich chocolate leather sectional. Positioned immediately off the kitchen, it’s regularly used for informal entertaining.

The kitchen fit the Frawners’ style of casual elegance and old-world charm. Hosken, who is also a certified master kitchen and bath designer, is responsible.

She used crisp antique white and rich cherry cabinets and display hutches. The island and breakfast bar are built-in, but corbels, wooden legs, and bookcase ends give them the appearance of freestanding furniture.

Earl and Ann enjoy cooking for themselves and dinner guests. A butler’s pantry and large kitchen island make entertaining—of any scale—easy.

The hood resembles a raised hearth. Its Typhoon Bordeaux granite backsplash matches the countertop. The hood mantel provides a place for displaying colorful keepsakes. Schonbek crystal pendant lights follow the island’s contours. “They refract the light so beautifully and create great shadows,” says Hosken.

Another larger crystal light hangs over the informal eating area’s cherry pedestal table. The floor rug defines the space and adds color. Their formal dining room is used when the number of guests exceeds eight, says Ann.

The master suite is also located on the main level. Light browns and creams bathe the room in tranquility. “The late-evening sun really warms things up,” says Ann, referring to the way the light seems to change the interior color scheme.

Creamy marble and soft travertine combine with antique white cabinets for a refreshingly clean-feeling master bath. Louis Blue granite countertops splash greens, blues, grays, caramels, and a hint of gold.

“Our upstairs is really a great one-bedroom house,” says Ann. “Everything we do daily is upstairs. Downstairs is our game room, guest bedrooms, and theater room.”

She says the guys play cards while children of all ages enjoy the pool table, video arcade games, and movies.

“We have had a triple-header,” she says. Her niece has even had slumber parties with friends there to share the fun.

“It sounds so cliche, but their home was intended to be this grand, elegant space but have the inviting informality of a pair of well-used jeans,” says Hosken.