A Houston Spec Home Turns Into A Custom Sanctuary

When it came to their new home, Key and Jamie Sanford wanted a built-from-scratch feel with personalized surroundings.

To move the Houston spec house in that direction, they turned to designer Sarah Eilers who introduced custom millwork to bring them closer to their goal.

Kitchen cabinets tinted an unexpected shade of blue set the wheels in motion for the color scheme, which carries throughout the estate with items like the dining room drapes and bedroom nightstands in similar hues. In the living room, Eilers a wood-framed chair sporting a bold indigo-and-white pattern continues the aesthetic.

Among the statement pieces in the home is a delicate crystal chandelier suspended from the Venetian-plaster groin-vault ceiling in the dining room. A masculine French wood-carved version hangs from the coffered ceiling in the library, while a trio of iron-and-glass lanterns complements the geometry of the iron-and-wood switchback staircase to perfection.

“The goal was to have a cohesive mix of antique and contemporary lighting,” Eilers says.

To make the space really feel like theirs, the designer incorporated personal touches throughout the home. An art piece displaying an antique rolling pin collection belonging to Jamie’s grandmother hangs in the breakfast room, while fishing rods and baskets artfully dot Key’s study.

“I try to include elements that are meaningful to the homeowners whenever possible,” says Eilers.

Take a look at the home, above.