Project Reveal: Blank Slate, Big Style

When you buy a brand-new home, everything is technically done—but sometimes, it still feels like nothing’s yours. That was the case with this Frisco, TX house: beautiful on paper, but builder-basic in reality.

Our clients were ready to change that. Their goal? A warm, welcoming, personality-filled home that felt calm, clean, and elevated—but still practical enough for life with two toddlers.

They’d originally planned to work with the builder’s designer to finish out the home, but when that plan fell through late in the process, they found us (and we're so glad they did). We hit the ground running.

The construction was nearly finished, and they wanted the house fully furnished ASAP. No pressure!

THE BEFORE

New construction, 5,800 square feet, and sweeping views of the PGA golf course.

But the inside? Stark white walls, uninspired lighting (seriously, builder lighting is the actual worst), and nothing that reflected their family or their style. It had good bones, but it was lacking a soul.

THE PLAN

This project didn’t call for sledgehammers or floor plan overhauls, just strategic, high-impact updates to bring personality and cohesion to every room, like...

• Creating a luxe, layered home with tonal neutrals accented with strategic bold pops of rich, natural colors

• Adding architectural interest with custom wall paneling in several rooms

• Upgrading all of the builder lighting (never use the builder's lighting - more on that here)

• Painting key spaces to add depth and contrast

• Furnishing the entire home, top to bottom, with a mix of high and low pieces. We splurged where it counts, and layered in smart swaps in others.

• Designing around real life: two kids, a huge lovable dog, frequent guests, and a no-clutter, everything-has-a-purpose approach

• Plus, a showstopper in the Powder Bath (you'll see)

THE AFTER

Let's start at the Entryway.

A sweet entry table moment greets you at the front door.

Up the stairs, new paneling and lighting gives visual interest to what would otherwise be a big blank white wall.

Family photos. It can be tricky to display them in a way that doesn't scream "CVS had a deal on giant canvases of my baby's head." Our favorite elevated way to do this - matching frames, large mats, and bonus points for an art light.

Bridging the Entryway and the Living Room, this oversized mirror and tailored bench provide a great spots for guest to kick off their shoes and relax.

Let's head into the Living Room.

This sweet cabinet displays treasured items (like the Family Bible), pretty items (give us all the textural vases), and has drawers for hiding the essentials that are less pretty (remotes, decks of cards, kids toys, and any manner of Living Room randomness).

Another entertaining bonus - a Wine Room just off the Living Room and Kitchen.

Speaking of the kitchen, let's go have a peek.

The bones of this space were great. After-build additions included the plaster vent hood (to mimic the fireplace, which is directly opposite), upgraded lighting, and kid friendly yet totally still stylish and comfortable counterstools.

Nearby, the Dining Room that's the perfect blend of tailored and casual. Pretty enough for entertaining, cozy enough for family dinners (and, let's be honest, so many cheerios).

Another curated family gallery wall with a strategic mix of frames fills this large wall with meaningful memories.

Just beyond is the real reason our clients picked this lot: the outdoor spaces.

The views from this backyard are amazing. Did we remember to photograph them? Nope. But will you see them on Instagram? For sure.

Seating for 6 on the patio, facing the sweeping golf course views (you'll have to trust me) to watch the kiddos play. There's a carbon copy of this above in an upstairs balcony, but more on that shortly.

This connects directly to the Dining and Kitchen, plus the large windows to the left are actually doors that fully open to create an incredible indoor-outdoor living situation.

Back inside, we'll peek at the Home Office.

Zoom-backdrop level Elite for this work from home boss. The marble desk is such a beautiful alternative to wood, and the chair is cozy enough for long stretches of work.

The new arched cabinets are the focal point of the room, with oak interior to showcase thoughtful objects. The cabinets hide those useful but less visually appealing items that are essential for an office, but that nobody actually wants to see.

Across the hall, this stunner of a fluted marble sink in the Powder Bath. Photos don't do her justice. You HAVE to check this out in video format on Instagram. She's a beaut. We custom designed the base to showcase all her best features.

Down the hall, the Master Suite.

We wanted this to feel like a boutique hotel, and I think we nailed it. Thoughtful materials, textures, and layers.

Onto the Guest Suite. The wall paneling and wall color are new additions, creating a space that any guest would be thrilled to enjoy.

Rounding out the downstairs is the Media Room. This dark, cozy space is exactly what you want for Family Movie Night.

Burl sofa tables and brass touch lamps highlight the array of snack offerings we imagine here!

Let's head upstairs to the Playroom.

Cozy, inviting, clean, and flexible. Our goal for kids' spaces is always to design something that will grow with them and not become obsolete in just a couple of years. The modular sofa and ottoman will serve these littles over time, and a reading chaise lounge is perfect for any age (trust me, I 10 out of 10 would read here).

We added wall paneling for durability and detail, and to disguise a ridiculous hobbit-sized attic access door (bet you can't spot it!). The lighting, rich colors, and textures are sophisticated without being too adult.

I don't know what the question was, but burl wood is always my answer.

This space connects to a more Adult Lounge area. We outfitted it with a table and comfy chairs for game nights, whiskey tastings, and general merriment for the parents while the kid's play around the corner.

Just off the Lounge, the best room in the house, which is actually outside.

The upstairs balcony offers sweeping views of the Golf Course and greenery, and is the absolute best place to enjoy a glass of wine and unwind.

Or watch the game.

Let's wrap things up with the kiddos.

Kid's rooms are always fun spaces for us to design, because we can let our hair down a little bit and be playful.

In their Son's Room, green wall paneling are so much fun now, and easily transition as he grows and interests evolve. 

A similar story in their Daughter's Room, where we chose a soft more grown up pink (as opposed to a Barbie-level hue) for longevity.

And there we have it.

This wasn’t about undoing a builder’s work. The bones were great.

It was about layering in our clients' story.

We took a blank slate and layered in meaning, function, and (highly durable and curated) style.

And the best part? Seeing how much the family loves it.

But what really got us? The Christmas morning text and photo of them enjoying their space that said, “Thanks for making our house feel like a home for the fam. Everyone loves it!” 

Still gives us goosebumps. This is why we do what we do. Creating the spaces that will be the backdrop for these families memories is such a gift.