Dining in Comfort
Ideal for entertaining or formal meals, Salado View's dining room combines Texan drama with elegant appointments. Grounded by pine flooring, the room soars to 14 feet tall. Notable among the furnishings is a handsome, hand-hewn mesquite dining table. Six high-back, hand-crafted chairs surround it. One wall is painted a rich green and acts as a welcoming backdrop for the rustic credenza. Large pottery vases rest on wooden stands in front of the Mission-style candelabras.

Hall With Backbone
A grand gallery acts as the central connector in this house. With its brick flooring, the hallway is an impressive progression of arches that link all of the major rooms.

Combine Fabrics And Textures on Furniture Instead of upholstering the dining chairs with all leather, we used a striped material on the backs for a custom look. The leather seats are durable, and using fabric on the backs saves on expense.

Wide-Open Living Room
Unlike more conventional living rooms, which often sit out of bounds from the daily flow, this one is sure to host frequent activity. A mirror image of the dining room, both in size and ceiling height, this comfortable spot has two large arched openings that fully connect it to the rest of the house. Pine floors, topped by a bright rug, and an arrangement of four chairs, cloaked in red-patterned and greenish-gold fabrics, create an area for conversation. Other accessories, such as glazed earthenware and framed photography, add decorative impact.

Mix Up Flooring Materials Add variety to your home by incorporating several types of flooring. Be sure to account for the different thicknesses of the materials where they meet. You want a smooth transition between the two, not an abrupt step.

Booklover's Haven
Lined by built-in bookcases, this handsome room serves as the library. Punctuated by Asian accessories and rust-colored pottery, the space provides a great place to read. Heightened by 12-foot ceilings, it is accessed by French doors opening off the gallery. Another set of doors opens to the pool area.

Brag-Worthy Bookcases These bookshelves are framed by a wire curtain rod and sheer panels, which work to give the plain built-ins some pizzazz and to soften their appearance. Adjustable shelves allow for different-size collectibles, while a rust-colored accent wall behind them helps to highlight their contents.