A Home Primed for Heartfelt Hosting

After entering the stately home that effortlessly combines both stacked stone and red brick, guests find themselves in the foyer. A staircase to the right winds to the home’s second story, while the formal dining room is open to the left. Here, a wooden farmhouse dining table rests in the center of the room, and eight studded Parsons chairs with a faint chevron pattern are tucked underneath. At the heads, two patterned armchairs pull in the Smoky Blue color of the walls, which provides a stark contrast against the vibrancy of the white raised-panel wainscoting. 

“I’m really grateful that we were able to find a home that fit our personal style,” explains Erin. “It felt modern and new enough to not feel dated, but it also had enough traditional elements. I was able to just come in with a few fresh coats of paint and new furniture and make it our own.”

Moving further into the home, visitors will find themselves in the Owens’ kitchen, which is one of Erin’s favorite rooms in the entire house. “We’re very fortunate to have this home, and part of what comes with that is opening it up to others. We have now become home base for Thanksgiving, and it’s been fun to be able to host our family,” says Erin. “I remember last year, there were three of us ladies all working on something different on the stove. The range is big enough that we could do that, and it was very much a perfect little Thanksgiving moment.”

But it’s not just sweet holiday memories that fill this space. Most nights of the week, the Owens’ daughters can be found nestled up to the concrete island working on homework while Erin cooks dinner.

“I really want our home to be pretty but also casual and cozy,” explains Erin. And that couldn’t be more evident than in the adjacent living space.

“I really want our home to be pretty but also casual and cozy.”  – Erin Owen

Open to the kitchen is a keeping room where the Owens frequently gather in the evenings or on weekends. A cream-colored fabric sectional with blue-gray stripes boasts plenty of seating and is arranged in front of a striking floor-to-ceiling fireplace. Comprised of the same stacked stone used on the home’s exterior, the fireplace pulls in a cool color that complements the blues and grays used throughout the rest of the home. A flat-screen TV rests upon the mantel and is bookended by two potted hedges. 

“We spend a lot of time in this space,” explains Erin. “On the weekends you might find us snuggling up to watch a movie or catching a football game. We also like to use the wood-burning fireplace a lot in the fall and winter months, and it really helps this room feel even more relaxing and cozy.”

Traveling across the home to the other side of the main floor takes guests past the formal living room. This area is primed for conversation and will often be the space where the Owens will end a night of entertaining friends or family or host the occasional Bible study group. A deep blue quatrefoil area rug lays the foundation for another cream-colored sofa, and a set of tufted patterned armchairs and a circular tufted ottoman round out the arrangement. 

A gas fireplace creates an inviting atmosphere and is bookended by custom built-ins that display personal touches and family mementos. The entire room is cloaked in a Steely Gray that is only interrupted by a bouquet of pink roses off to one side. 

Following the home’s rich hardwoods down the hall will take visitors to the master suite where a queen-size bed is positioned along the back wall. A tufted Chesterfield headboard and double tray ceiling contribute to a sense of grandeur, and two patterned wingback armchairs are situated in front of a large window outfitted with plantation shutters. While it may be similar to other selections in the home, this room’s Storm Cloud hue adds yet another color to the curated lineup. 

Recessed lighting emerges from the various tiers of the tray ceiling, while a ceiling fan light and two matching tabletop lamps with round bases and shades provide an elevated warmth. 

“Most of the time, we’ll put the girls to bed and then tuck away in here for the night,” explains Erin. “For that reason, we wanted a master that was a little more spacious, and we also wanted to have direct access to the outdoors.”

From the keeping room off of the kitchen – or from the master bedroom, for that matter – guests can gain access to the covered porch overlooking the back yard. With acres of woods perfect for fall campfires and a pool complete with an outdoor living and dining space, this area of the Owens’ home can be the perfect spot to unwind and relax or turn up the fun with family and friends. 

“I truly believe God opened the door for us to move here,” explains Erin. “So we’ve got to use this place instead of just keeping it to ourselves. Even though it’s our home, we want people to come visit, feel at ease, and have a good time without having to worry about a thing.”