5 minute read
Belle Maision
THIS GRAC IOUS HOME
Story: Liesel Schmidt // Designer: Erin Schaumburg Photos: Eugenia Lubrano-Gangi of NOLA RE Marketing
The word “sprawling” is somewhat of an understatement when it comes to the home that Matt and Michelle Bowers share, a masterpiece of transitional architecture boasting 8500 square feet of living spaces and 3500 square footage of garage and porch space. Comprising twenty-one rooms in total, there is no shortage of room for the Bowers and their two teenaged boys, including five bedrooms and five and a half baths in the home’s two levels—plus a carriage house.
Surrounded by an immaculately manicured and beautifully landscaped property, the home claims the perfect setting, offering a storybook feel of enchantment and charm. With its white painted brick exterior, multitudinous windows, and tin roof with exposed oak beam bracketing, the expansive home paints a magnificent picture of design. The interior is, naturally, every bit as impressive, with high, vaulted ceilings offset with dark-stained oak detailing that brings a cohesion to the home, echoing the oak flooring that runs throughout.
As minimalistic as it is in décor, it is this architectural detail that gives this home its remarkableness. A beautifully orchestrated collaboration of well-known Floridian architect, Geoff Chick of Geoff Chick & Associates, builder, Harrison Construction and interior designer, Erin Schaumburg, there’s an incredible openness to the home, a blend of wood and metal and stone that is chic and modern without being cold. Quite the contrary, as the natural elements bring a warmth to the spaces that is intensified by so much natural light and the many unique light fixtures thoughtfully placed throughout its many rooms.
“Our home is very quiet and has a peaceful and relaxing vibe,” observes Michelle, a real estate agent with Rutter Realty. Matt, meanwhile, owns several car dealerships in addition to being a real estate developer. “We chose the location because it’s close to schools and convenient to all of Matt’s dealerships.”
The location is undeniably ideal for this massive home, allowing for the main structure as well as the carriage house and a pool nestled between the two, a glittering oasis just off a covered porch that is perfectly designed for entertaining. Naturally, with its various seating areas and outdoor fireplace, the back patio and screened porch are among the Bowers’ favorite places to spend time.
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The “dirty kitchen” is another well-loved and oft-used space of the home, boasting dark grey custom cabinetry, marble countertops and a Wolf gas range, all nestled into a galley space that feels incredibly open due to a bank of windows that spill light into the room. Open shelving is set into the back wall, offset against counter-to-ceiling marble tile backsplash.
The main kitchen is, naturally, even more of a showpiece, with a massive center island that stretches the length of the vast space, boasting dark wooden cabinetry that contrasts beautifully against the white perimeter cabinets. White marble countertops connect the two, and a backsplash of square white tiles adds texture to the design, with a brushed brass and stainless-steel finish on the hood vent that introduces a little bit of glamour, along with pendant lamps suspended above the island.
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Naturally, the master suite is worthy of an architectural and interior design spread in a glossy editorial, with bespoke wallpaper on a feature wall behind the bed, a massive four-poster affair that draws the eye upward to soaring ceilings that peak to exposed wooden beams. Floor to ceiling windows give the room light on two sides, and the ensuite bath is a lavish study in marble featuring a freestanding tub, walk-in shower, and his and hers vanities at opposite sides of the room. Off the bath is a massive closet space and a tiny kitchenette space with all the necessary accoutrements for morning coffee or a midnight snack. “Our master bedroom is comfy and cozy, and it’s the perfect space to relax and escape the stresses of the day,” says Michelle.
In this, their storybook home set in their dream location, the Bowers have created the perfect place to raise a family and make memories that will fill its rooms and paint its walls. Beyond any design, that is the beauty of this place that they call home.
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