Annual Homes & Design Issue

French Classic Function

Feature Home

French classic trimmings meet family functionality in this elegant home built by OC Construction. Graceful whites dominate one space after another and keep the home cheerful and bright, while durable finishes are a savvy decision for a large family home. “This was really a very pleasant build,” says Don Oscai of OC Construction. “The homeowners knew their style and exactly what they wanted, so we didn’t spend a lot of time experimenting and were able to come in and focus on executing their vision.”

By Christina Cannon/ Photography by Creative Revolver

Builder: Don Oscai, OC Construction

Architect: Mandi Roberts, Roberts Architecture + Design, LLC

A Wonderland in White

When approaching the soft white brick home, the simple and refined taste of the homeowners is immediately apparent. A pair of dormer windows stays true to the French classic style, while two radius windows deliver an added dose of old-world charm. The shape is repeated in the arch-top double mahogany door that is bookended by two warm sconces that beckon visitors inside.

To learn more about OC Construction, contact 423.595.4168 or occonstruction@hotmail.com.

Carrying on further into the home, guests find themselves in the great room. Here, white oak floors run throughout the space and are topped with a luxurious cream sectional, while a matching swivel armchair provides another seating option just steps away. A round tufted ottoman rests in the middle of the room, and the Chantilly Lace walls stretch to the vaulted ceiling, providing this room with a sense of grandeur. Marble surrounds the vented fireplace, and a custom mantel is flanked by built-ins that allow for a pop of personality.

“We were just planning on putting crown molding and millwork in a few rooms, but once we had it installed, it added something special to the space, and we decided to carry it throughout the house.”

– Don Oscai, OC Construction

Furniture: Fowler Brothers Co.

Just off the great room is the master suite, which repeats the same whites, creams, and beiges found throughout the rest of the home. The simplicity of these rooms is accentuated by decorative details for an elevated style. “The home wasn’t this ornate in our original plan,” explains Oscai. “We were just planning on putting crown molding and millwork in a few rooms, but once we had it installed, it added something special to the space, and we decided to carry it throughout the house.” The bedroom, which boasts three separate sheens of the same paint color, leads to the master bathroom, which features beautiful porcelain tile with gray veining that doubles down with the marble countertops. A crystal chandelier hangs above a freestanding footless bathtub and is echoed in the appearance of the room’s pulls.

Adjacent to the great room is the home’s kitchen. Honed marble can again be found running along the counters and backsplash, while glass-front double-stack cabinets are interspersed with those in a traditional solid shaker style. Brass hardware, along with the plumbing and lighting fixtures, provides continuity with an Italian range. Four gray lattice-back barstools are nestled under the island’s overhang, which also provides access to additional storage. Nearby, a breakfast nook consists of a wooden table, several slat-back chairs, and a wall-to-wall bench that provides yet another discreet storage solution and the perfect backdrop for a family meal.

Kitchen countertops and fireplace surround: Stone Source, Inc.

Traveling down a hallway just off the kitchen takes visitors full circle and into the home’s stately foyer. White oak flooring caps the stair treads, which wind up to the second floor. A large brass chandelier adds warmth to the space and provides a modern touch to an otherwise classic design, while wainscoting travels up the walls to add visual interest. “Because of some of the codes we had to meet, the foyer was an area where we spent a lot of time. It took plenty of testing and trials to get it perfect. Cosmetically, it was a simple project, but meeting all of the structural parameters within the area we had was a challenge,” says Oscai. “All in all, it turned out phenomenally, and the work and craftsmanship that went into this space really set the tone for the rest of the house.”