For this family of seven—plus three pups— ML Interiors Group (mlinteriorsgroup.com) transformed a spec home into a functional, happy place that everyone can enjoy.
In order to bring more light into the room, the original kitchen was completely gutted—making it the biggest renovation of the entire home.
When it comes to design, tons of square footage doesn’t always equal functionality—something a big, rambunctious family discovered quickly when they bought a beautiful Mediterranean in Frisco’s Newman Village. “They purchased the home midconstruction from a custom builder, but when they were done some things still didn’t feel right,” shares Debbie Pratt of ML Interiors Group. “It wasn’t working for their lifestyle, and it didn’t feel like ‘them’ and their more modern style.”
That’s when they found ML Interiors Group on Instagram, the seemingly never-ending inspiration aggregator for the design-inclined. “We did a series of really personal interviews with the family in their home, learning about how they live and how to make the home work best for them,” says Pratt. Then, ML Interiors jumped in. The biggest renovation was the kitchen. “It was very dark, while the rest of the house was so light and cheerful.” The enormous space was completely gutted, including an uninspired pantry—“a no-no in Texas,” she laughs—that was removed to open up the entire room and bring in light from the patio, creating a pass-through window to an outdoor kitchen. The pantry is now a storage area and dedicated coffee bar for the husband’s beautiful top-of-the-line coffee maker. Column built-in refrigeration with rift-cut white-oak panel fronts are balanced by stylish pantry storage flanking the cooktop. Open shelving keeps the space feeling light and airy, while all-new professional appliances and a sizable, modern apron-front sink make cooking for a large family enjoyable. The bottom cabinets were painted a sleek black to ground the room, while pendants were completely removed to open it up, creating a decidedly modern feel.
ML Interiors weaved in black accents throughout the entryway and the study to create a cohesive feel.
The second-biggest project was an unused formal dining room and butler’s pantry that sat in the middle of the ground floor. “They needed a place for all five kids to study, play instruments and hang out with friends,” says Pratt. “We got rid of the butler’s pantry and enclosed the dining area, converting it into a library with interior windows for light to come through.” Built-ins were installed, sofas and floor cushions were added, and new six-paned glass windows let the parents peek in while allowing their teens to have privacy—and now they use the space every day!
The library lends itself to the contemporary yet warm aesthetic of the home.
To create a cohesive feel throughout the house, Pratt and her team added black accents in the entry, study, bedrooms and even the pool. Organic yet modern furnishings in performance fabrics brought a luxe feel without the fear of wear-and-tear. “All five kids provided input on how they wanted their bedrooms to reflect their interests and personalities, while Mom and Dad requested a soothing and relaxing palette for the master. Overall, a beautiful home where form and function meet, and style reigns supreme.”
ML designers’ light hues and dreamy finishing touches made this bedroom a breath of fresh air.
