Casual living--with plenty of room for entertaining--defines Salado View. Primarily one level of spacious, open interiors, the house is flexible enough to accommodate a family's many life stages. There's even a separate suite for guests. Complementing the home's amenities is the setting--the Hill Country of Helotes, Texas. Located in The Estates of Iron Horse Canyon development, Salado View commands a striking panoramic vista of downtown San Antonio.
Place To Recharge With these impressive natural credentials, the Idea House's design team wanted to build a dwelling that would respond to the area's beauty and meet the needs of those who would live in it. "Our predominant goal was to create a home that worked in the Texas Hill Country, blending rustic design with modern elements," says residential designer Greg Setzer. He placed main rooms in direct proximity to the wonderful views.
Smart Room-Arranging Tips
For larger spaces such as this family room, combine two of the same pieces of furniture or accessories for greater impact. This arrangement also reinforces the symmetry of the room. For example, two identical coffee tables were pushed together to create one large surface.
If you can't find a rug that will fit a large room, don't sweat it. To solve this dilemma, bind two matching rugs together to make a generous-size one that fits the space.
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Tall Texas Welcome Marked by an exterior central tower and a stone-covered portico, the entrance to Salado View heightens the anticipation of what awaits. As you pass through double 8-foot-tall mahogany doors with decorative ironwork, the brick flooring continues inside. Interior designers David Collum, Mary Collum, and Stephanie Latham mixed bricks in hues of tan, gray, and red to achieve a pleasing pattern on the floor.
Sleek and Unique Kitchen Separated from the family room by an angled bar, the kitchen exudes a polished look while maintaining a sense of warmth. Pine floors add richness. The cabinetry displays a smooth walnut finish. Granite countertops inject more luster. To make meal prep easier, the center island features a vegetable sink.
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Office/Butler's Pantry
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Household Headquarters
With children come homework, computer research, and art projects that often fill the typical school year. So instead of relying on the breakfast table as a workspace, why not devote a separate area to these activities? Our Texas Idea House features just such a space, located between the kitchen and mudroom. Referred to as the office, this room not only serves as the central craft and study area, but it also houses a much-needed butler's pantry. Cabinets, some with glass fronts, match those found in the kitchen. The butler's pantry comes in handy as a staging area for formal meals.
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Perfect for Family Meals Tucked off the kitchen and family room, the sun-filled breakfast room looks out onto the outdoor fireplace. An arched opening lined with manufactured stone signals the entrance to this cozy spot. The built-in hutch, which displays colorful dishes, mirrors the finish on the kitchen cabinets. Two iron plate racks frame the hutch's niche.
New Application for Stone
Referencing the exterior, manufactured stone lines the opening above the range and beneath the bar. Tumbled marble tiles form the range's backsplash. This wall is also highlighted by smaller accent tiles and two metal tiles with a rooster motif.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Soothing Bedroom Placed next to a vestibule at the end of the gallery, Salado View's master suite offers a private retreat. A set of doors opens to reveal a calming bedroom graced by a gently curved window bay. On one wall, designer Stephanie Latham added a subtle glaze and a hand-painted leaf pattern at eye level. This detail delicately frames the ornate headboard. The ceiling's scalloped-edged tray crowns this pleasing scene.
Majestic Bath One look at this fantastic bath, and you can tell that you're in a special place. From the planked-and-beamed vaulted ceiling to the tile flooring to the terra-cotta walls, this knockout space was designed for pampering. Located in the center, an elevated tub, surrounded by marble and accessible from three sides, provides ample room for a leisurely soak after a tiring day. Beyond the sheet of glass at one end of the tub is a tiled, ultra-roomy shower, complete with dual faucet controls and multiple showerheads. The shower can be entered from either side of the bathtub. Clerestory windows above bring in natural light.
True Oasis The landscaping of Salado View pays tribute to the property's natural surroundings. "We chose a very low-maintenance, xeriscape approach," states builder Peter Marshall. Such plantings are drought tolerant and require very little water.
Homes in arid climates benefit from strategically placed water features, which, through evaporation and replenishment, act as natural cooling agents. Here, an infinite-edge swimming pool accomplishes this. Defined by a cream-colored cut-stone coping, the pool also sports an elevated hot tub with an infinite edge.
Coffee Bar
The master bath is outfitted with a programmable coffeemaker for those mornings when breakfast on the go is required. With a beveled mirror backsplash and granite countertop, this space could also display special perfumes or trinkets.
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Seven-Board Bench This simple-to-build bench serves as a table between two chairs that sit by the outdoor fireplace. However, the compact design of the bench isn't limited to exterior use. It can function in a similar capacity in a family room or other casual space.
Detailed plans and step-by-step instructions for the Seven-Board Bench Project are available for $4. To order send a self-addressed, stamped (with two first-class, letter-rate stamps), business-size envelope to Seven-Board Bench Project, Southern Living Projects, P.O. Box 523, Birmingham, AL 35201. Please enclose a check for $4 payable to Southern Living Projects. Allow six to eight weeks for delivery.
New Twist on a Headboard
In the girl's room, an old iron gate flanked by wooden posts--painted to look aged and topped with small gazing balls--creates a unique headboard. Repurposing items such as this garden gate not only adds an unexpected touch to a room but also makes use of old finds.
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Room for Everyone While this Idea House celebrates an active lifestyle, it also allows privacy and the freedom to do one's own thing. Case in point: A bedroom designed just for guests or a relative, such as an elderly parent or a grown child returning home from college who might require an extended stay.
Complete with its own garage, bath, and entrance, this bedroom enables its occupant to come and go as he or she pleases. To create a feeling of separation, a koi pond was placed between the private entrance and the driveway. The room, enhanced by a vaulted ceiling, contains a twin-size bed and comfortable armchair.
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Girl's Bath
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Double Up on Vanities
Each of the children's rooms has its own sink that features a star-shaped tile motif on the backsplash. Having separate vanities reduces conflict over the bath. Beyond the vanities lies a shared space that is outfitted with a walk-in shower, a large linen cabinet, and a water closet. This area services both bedrooms efficiently.
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Guestroom
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Open to the Outdoors
Adding a separate entrance to a bedroom is a great way to give guests privacy. In Salado View's guest suite, handsome French doors open onto a small terrace that's partially enclosed by short garden walls--perfect for reading or taking in some fresh air.
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Martex by WestPoint Stevens No bedroom is complete without comfortable, durable linens. That's why we selected Martex sheets for our Texas Idea House. Martex Seduction sheets become softer with each washing. Natural Stretch Sheets were developed to address consumer complaints about ill-fitting bedding. For more information call 1-800-458-3000, or visit www.martex.com.
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GMC When traveling Lone Star State highways--or any terrain, for that matter--you deserve a comfortable and dependable ride. Following the Envoy and Envoy XL, GMC has gone one step further with the Envoy XUV. With its dual-function tailgate, all-weather cargo area, and power-sliding rear roof, the Envoy XUV has gained a strong reputation. To learn more about Envoy XUV, call 1-888-ENVOY-4U, or visit www.gmc.com/envoyxuv.
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Pella Windows and doors Pella manufactures quality windows and doors that offer something for every budget. Be it the Architect Series®, Designer Series®, or Proline®, Pella has a window or door to complement any style. For more information call 1-888-84-PELLA, or visit www.pella.com.
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Authentic Pine Floors The Hand-Scraped Rustique Collection of engineered heart-pine flooring by Authentic Pine Floors gives many rooms in Salado View a luxurious appearance. Known for their tireless pursuit of quality, Authentic Pine Floors obtains its coastal heart pine from managed forests across the South. To learn more call 1-800-283-6038, or visit www.authenticpinefloors.com.
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Kwikset For almost 60 years, Kwikset has manufactured quality home security products. From handsets to levers, knobs to deadbolts, Kwikset offers a wide range of styles while providing uncompromising quality, performance, and security innovations. For more information call 1-800-327-LOCK, or visit www.kwikset.com.
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Rust-Oleum Breathe new life into old or dull pieces of furniture, metalwork, or even accessories by choosing one of Rust-Oleum's many paint and finish products. More than just spray paint, Rust-Oleum offers a series of easy-to-use products designed to produce decorative looks, from a distressed finish to alternating stripes. For more information call 1-800-323-3584, or visit www.rustoleum.com or www.paintideas.com.
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Metal Roofing Alliance Organized in 1998, the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) informs homeowners about the practicality, beauty, and durability of a metal roof, which has been shown to significantly outlast other kinds of roofing. Consumers can turn to the MRA for information on choosing and installing metal shakes, shingles, tile, and vertical panels. For more information visit www.metalroofing.com.
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KEY CONTRIBUTORS
Residential Design New Home Solutions, San Antonio Greg Setzer Builder Broadway 5 Homes, San Antonio Peter Marshall
Development Iron Horse Canyon, San Antonio Gilbert Ellis Richard Masling
Interiors David Collum Interiors, Boerne, Texas David Collum Mary Collum Stephanie Latham
Landscape Design Greens and Blooms, San Antonio Bob Jones Charity Respite Care of San Antonio Bert Pfiester
National Sponsors Authentic Pine Floors Boral Stone GMC Kwikset Lennox Martex by WestPoint Stevens Metal Roofing Alliance Pella Windows and Doors Rust-Oleum
SPECIAL THANKS
Interiors and Furnishings Accessories: Storehouse, Inc. (San Antonio) Art: J. Hester Studio/Gallery (Boerne, Texas) Art: Studio Avo (www.studioavo.com) Black-and-white Photography: Lesa DeArman (Birmingham) Cabinet and door hardware: Allen & Allen Hardware (San Antonio) Children's art: Oopsy Daisy (www.oopsydaisy.com) Children's bedding: Javis Davis (www.javisdavis.com) Dining room table and chairs: Wilson Clements (Comfort, Texas) Dining room table pottery: Daphne Reynolds (Boerne) Dishes and accessories: Southern Living At HOME (www.southernlivingathome.com) Drapery hardware: Seabrook Accessories for Windows (Memphis) Faux finishes: Stephanie Latham (Boerne) Furniture: Storehouse, Inc. (San Antonio) Furniture and accessories: HEYDAY (Boerne) Granite slabs: Young Stone (San Antonio) Kitchen accessories: Sunset Ridge Home & Hardware (San Antonio) Lighting: Stevens Lighting (San Antonio) Mattresses: Mattress Firm (San Antonio) Outdoor furniture: Frontgate catalog (www.frontgate.com) Painted furniture: David Marsh (Boerne) Rugs: Storehouse, Inc. (San Antonio) Scrapbook accessories: Scrapbook Heaven (San Antonio) Tile: Design Materials, Inc. (San Antonio) Window treatment panels: Storehouse, Inc. (San Antonio)
Building and Exterior Products Appliances: Freed Appliances (San Antonio) Audiovisuals and audiovisual consulting: Bjorn's (San Antonio) Bath cabinet installation: CFTI (San Antonio) Brick and stone: Brick Selections (San Antonio) Building supplies: Stock Building Supply (San Antonio) Cabinets: Euro Design (San Antonio) Cabinet hardware: Builder Interiors (San Antonio) Cabinet installation: Euro Design (San Antonio) Carpet: Shelly Flooring (San Antonio) Central vacuum: Homewerks (San Antonio) Cleaning services: K&M Cleaning (San Antonio) Concrete: Leonard Doss (San Antonio) Countertops: Sella Bella Designs (San Antonio) Electrical labor: Bexar Electric (San Antonio) Engineering consultants: G. E. Reaves Engineering (San Antonio) Front door: Front Door Company (San Antonio) Garage doors: Parrish and Company (San Antonio) Glass: Pro Glass (San Antonio) Granite: Pinecrest (San Antonio) Gypsum drywall: Mission (San Antonio) HVAC: AccoAir (San Antonio) Insulation: 31W (San Antonio) Koi and plants: Jungle Labs (San Antonio) Masonry fireplace: Parrish and Company (San Antonio) Metal roof: Custom Bilt Metals (South El Monte, California) Painting: Fernando's Painting (San Antonio) Plumbing: Stafford Plumbing (San Antonio) Plumbing fixtures: Ferguson (San Antonio) Pool and spa: Keith Zars Pools (San Antonio) Roof: Fry Roofing (San Antonio) Security system: Intruder Alert (San Antonio) Shower doors and mirrors: Pro Glass (San Antonio) Surveying: West Star Surveyors (San Antonio) Tile: Lloyd Molina (San Antonio) Tile supplier: Design Materials (San Antonio) Water features: Plants and Ponds (San Antonio) Wood flooring: Hammond Wood Floors (San Antonio) Wood flooring installation: Marty Smith (San Antonio)
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