a stunning statement

BY jOYCE EISENBRAUN // MIKE SMITH PHOTOGRPAHY

it’s a showcase of the owners’ talents, an entertainer’s dream and a delightful retreat for this young family. Situated in the Osgood development on the south side of the metro area, Tyrone and Alesha Leslie’s latest creation is a lovely three-level home designed to meet the needs of a busy family.

Contemporary lines and woman-centric design elements for which Heritage Homes is famous, unique architectural details, capped with top-of-the-line technology and energy efficiency in every phase of construction, creates this showcase of innovation and exceptional comfort.

Heritage Homes on Beach Lane

Welcome

A n art deco leaded glass door with side lights welcomes guests to the home. A two-story foyer has petite lights―beauty spots―on the wall that accent the vertical perspective as well as create little pops of light. Handscraped warm gray hickory laminate on the flooring is used throughout the main level, complementing the soft gray walls and white casement trim and sevenpanel doors.

O n the right of the foyer is an office, set off with reeded glass French doors. Black walls have a fun accent in the aqua world map, complete with pins to mark where the family members have traveled. An area rug in black with a white floral spray is the anchor for the desk and chair.

T he foyer opens to the great room, stairs to the upper and lower levels and the kitchen and dining room on the left side.

Entertainer’s Kitchen

T he kitchen features white quartz on all the countertops, with black onyx stain on the poplar cabinets. Seating at the island is provided by white leather and stainless chairs, while white linen shades add tubes of light above. All the appliances, including the five-burner stove top are in stainless. Across from the island is a onebasin stainless sink, with a square faucet. The backsplash above has gloss and matte gray tiles, accented with white grout. Black decorator floating shelves on the wall hold dishes and glasses.

A short hallway from the kitchen leads to the walk-in butler’s pantry, coat and offseason storage and garage entry. Lights automatically come on as soon as you enter either the hall or pantry. Inside the pantry is great storage for appliances and oversize items, and also an extra prep area for entertaining. Coat and boot storage for the kids is easy with the built-in cubicles.

Living Style

T he dining room table is an elegant white lacquer with a taupe stripe in the middle. White high-back leather chairs with stainless legs offer seating for eight, overlooking the backyard. Four linen- shaded lights provide light to the table in addition to the bank of windows and door to the patio. Above, a custom coffered ceiling is inset in taupe.

O n the east side, set off from the dining area by another set of reeded glass French doors, is a cozy sunroom. Another patio door and large windows overlook the golf course in the backyard. Cream-tone chairs face a media wall with a large flat panel television taking center stage. Below and on each side are storage cabinets. However, one “storage” cabinet on the bottom also holds a bed for the family dog, so she can join in the family fun.

Black and white dominates the great room, starting with a 16-foot, custom-made black leather sectional couch inset with white leather head rests. Accents include geometric-designed pillows in black and white and a plush white shag area rug. The oversized coffee table is finished in matching black leather with an inset frosted glass serving tray, which can be lit from below. Two white stone pillars frame the media wall. On the left, a gas fireplace features crystal coals, while a large flat- panel television dominates the space. On the right, shelves hold family treasures. Above, another coffered ceiling has a taupe background with light gray accent panels. Recessed lighting and more beauty spots around the edge of the recessed section add to the ambience.

Going upstairs, the banisters have clear glass panels clipped into the onyxstained wood frames. On the landing, a tier of three horizontal windows add another beautiful architectural touch.

Family Space

The children got to pick the colors of their bedrooms. The first is luscious hot pink with one accent wall in a black and white zebra pattern. A round glass and stainless bedside table holds a purple fiberoptic lamp. Painted white cubbies are just right for books and favorite toys while the window seat overlooks the front yard. Yellow print window treatments add to the cheer.

The second bedroom is in a happy aqua, again with one black and white stripe accent wall. Matching storage cubbies and window seat are echoed from the first bedroom. Both rooms also have large closets and modern acrylic black and clear chandeliers.

The girls’ bathroom has two oval sinks set into the white quartz countertop with mirrors and a three-light bar above each. Tan and gray tile line the bath, including the separate area for toilet and bathing. Warm gray walls are accented with pink accessories.

Next door is the girl’s playroom. Set up as a miniature theater, it has grapecolored walls with a black and white tiled

“stage.” Accessories include directors’ chairs and even a vanity on the side with light bars on both sides for doing makeup. A doll house in the corner and a flat panel television offer added sources of entertainment.

The master bedroom is set off by glass French doors. Black walls are contrasted with white casements. A coffered ceiling has a warm aqua inset, while chrome rings outline the white linen chandelier. The king-size bed has a tufted white headboard with crystal buttons, topped with black and white geometric-patterned linens. Two black leather and stainless benches sit at the foot of the bed. Aqua candlesticks splash color on the white lacquer dresser.

A patio door leads out to the large balcony, overlooking a quiet golf course. Large windows complete the rest of the wall, and have black and white chevron window treatments. Yellow and aqua abstract paintings add a splash of fun to the dark walls.

Leading to the master bath is the hallway with his and hers walk-in closets. Heated tile floors along with a programmable rain shower ensure that mornings begin in comfort. His and hers sinks on either side of the bath have mirrors above that stretch up to the ceiling. Handy side cabinets, done in black, hold personal items.

Lower Level

Entertainment is the focus of the lower level with a six-seat theater just off the family room. Surround sound (which is available throughout the home), leather recliners, a well-stocked refrigerator and bar area, state of the art projection and a 125-inch screen means you’ll never miss a detail of the action.

In addition to the family room and theater, the lower level also features another bedroom and bath, giving guests great space to relax and enjoy.

A Statement

“We wanted the design to be family friendly,” Alesha and Tyrone said. “We wanted something that would fit our everyday activities, but express personalities; to make a statement that was also functional.”

“Tyrone loves the details,” Alesha confirmed, “like the architectural details, incorporating the new technology with the integrated sound, digital controls and all the energy efficiencies.”

The result? A stunning, functional home that beautifully expresses the personalities of the family members, while creating a statement of style and creativity. [AWM]

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