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To be closer to family, this well-traveled couple purchased a modest home on a wooded lot in southwest Austin. They spent the first year clearing and creating a backyard oasis with a screened in porch, waterfall pool and deck-side game room. While life outside was invigorating, the inside was cramped and bland. The Queen Bee wanted to come home to something 'fun'!

The living area was tiny even for the two of them (and the pooch)! When the family is over, 4 kids and 3 grandkids, there was little room for them. To add space, we enclosed the existing front porch and allocated that space for the entry and game table used endlessly for coloring, cards and Jenga. The original position of the front door forced furniture to one side of the living room to create a walkway to enter the house. The new layout enables use of the whole living area. Their favorite recliners were refurbished with new styling and a snappy floral fabric. A sectional now supplies plenty of seating on family night.

In the kitchen, we eliminated a post that previously created a see-through and installed a peninsula that seats six. To further open the space, we replaced some upper cabinets with a 7' wide window, adding natural light to the kitchen and extending the view to the backyard oasis! To recapture storage space, we designed a floor-to-ceiling pantry with a pull out desk that houses the printer and other gadgets.

New walnut cabinets were custom designed to maximize function. The Venus Quartzite peninsula is complimented by a sparkly Caesarstone countertop and dressed up with a linear Nuevo chandelier. A 12x36 wavy Porcelanosa tile is accented with round coppery tiles adding energy to the kitchen.

Both baths were updated, but the master went minimalist with a curb-less walk in shower surfaced in edgy brushed aluminum tile and a floor that slopes to a linear drain. By eliminating shower walls, this bathroom has a spacious feeling even for its small size.

Throughout the house, spring greens, passionate purples and invigorating blues give this home a youthful spirit that reflects the owners perfectly.