Home Feature: Frierson, LA

ELEGANT HOME INFUSED WITH WARM, TRADITIONAL ACADIAN CHARM WITH WARM, TRADITIONAL

Wanting to give their dream home a Wanting to give their dream home a traditional southern feel, a young couple in Frierson relied upon their past design experiences for inspiration. See how experiences for inspiration. See how John Michael and Amber Fleming paired French Acadian charm with traditional Southern influences—such as gentle hues, hardwood floors and reclaimed materials—all to create an elegant yet welcoming space for the whole family. welcoming space for the whole family.

Frierson, LA. John Michael Fleming has seen it all. Being a third-generation carpenter and owner of Mike Fleming Construction of Louisiana, he has garnered struction of Louisiana, he has garnered lots of inspiration for designing and build-lots of inspiration for designing and building a home. Over the years, he has been in-ing a home. Over the years, he has been involved with a wide range of projects, from volved with a wide range of projects, from the suburban, South Highland fixer up the suburban, South Highland fixer upper to the rural, East Texas ranch house estate. So when per to the rural, East Texas ranch house estate. So when

John Michael and his wife, Amber, decided to embark John Michael and his wife, Amber, decided to embark on the journey of building a new home for their blended on the journey of building a new home for their blended family, they knew exactly what to design for. Their aim? family, they knew exactly what to design for. Their aim?

To design a family home rooted in traditional, Southern To design a family home rooted in traditional, Southern

Louisiana architecture with modern conveniences that met the needs of their family and lifestyle.

Inspired by some of Louisiana’s finest residential archi-Inspired by some of Louisiana’s finest residential archi tects—Al Jones, Ben Patterson, and the late A. Hayes

Town—the Fleming’s considered the region’s rich architectural past, diverse culture, and all the finest design elements it had to offer. Reflecting colonial and Georgian influences, along with John Michael’s expertise in residential construction, the home needed to incorporate practicality—or as John Michael stated, “it needed a sense of proportion and symmetry.” Likewise, in the true spirit of A. Hayes Town, the Fleming’s also wanted the ability to use old salvaged materials to better add texture and create an “unsupervised interest” in their new home. Simply put, they wanted to create a sense of place. “The goal was for this to be our forever home,” says Amber. “Both John Michael and I understood how important it was to capture the authenticity of the style of home we wanted to design. We worked very hard to ensure we were getting exactly that essence and practicality.” John Michael admits the design of the home was rooted in many factors aside from its architectural history and design details. “We also wanted to incorporate our personal taste, the site, and the local surroundings of Desoto Parish. And even though Amber and I had a good understanding of architectural design, ultimately we saw the house as an opportunity to identify not only our needs, but the needs our entire family.” It was very important to both John Michael and Amber that each of the children have their own space and

sign elements it had to offer. home needed to incorpoSimply put, they wanted to

all have equal “ownership” of their new family home. The result is the ultimate place for Southern comfort and style that counterbalances all its rustic elements—wood beams, exposed reclaimed brick, fireplaces—with refined fixtures and beautiful finishes. Nothing is too particularly “We also wanted to incorporate our personal taste, the precious or formal. site, and the local surroundings of Desoto Parish. And even The home boasts five bedrooms and three-and-a-half bathrooms, covering a little over 3,850-square-feet of heated space, and is full of modern conveniences and vintage touches. There is a chef-style kitchen, an open family.” It was very important to both John Michael and living-dining area, a master suite with 18’ vaulted ceilAmber that each of the children have their own space and ings, and a second-level entertainment room.

all have equal “ownership” of their new family home. The result is the ultimate place for Southern comfort and style that counterbalances all its rustic elements—wood beams, exposed reclaimed brick, fireplaces—with refined fixtures and beautiful finishes. Nothing is too particularly precious or formal. The home boasts five bedrooms and three-and-a-half bathrooms, covering a little over 3,850-square-feet of heated space, and is full of modern conveniences and vintage touches. There is a chef-style kitchen, an open living-dining area, a master suite with 18’ vaulted ceilings, and a second-level entertainment room.

In addition to the graceful Southern front porch, there are two additional large, outdoor gathering spaces in the rear of the home—both offering panoramic views of the back yard and expansive wooded lot.

Dormers, porches, sloped roofs, exposed beams, reclaimed timber lintels and reclaimed brick—what’s not to love? Step inside to see what makes this Southern belle of a home really stand out.

ENTRY

Upon entering the front door, you are greeted by soft, white oak-hued flooring which extends throughout the main floor. To the right is the dining room (more on that space below). Straight ahead is the living room, which opens up to the backyard thtough its floor-to-ceiling windows. The layout, and all the details—from the color selection, exquisite light fixtures, hardware, and furnishings—offers a natural gathering spot for guests.

“Using many of the basic fundamentals I’ve learned through residential construction, the home really is about the way we, as a family, live,” confesses John Michael. “Each thoughtfully design space helps enrich our lives and experiences. While beautiful, the house is very much functional.”

DINING ROOM

Custom crown molding milled from antique heart pine beams, along with the library paneling add character to beams, along with the library paneling add character to the dining room’s striking black walls. “This room was inspired by an article I found in Architectural Digest,” claims Amber. “I had never seen deer heads look more beautiful and knew this was the perfect compromise with John Michael to display his mounts in the house.”

A vintage, gold colored French mirror flanked by of two of John Michael’s deer mounts helps create a beautiful vignette in the space—offering not only the right amount of balance, but providing a ‘pop’ of color that creates a stunning distraction. The dining table, in demure tones, comfortably caters to the special niche of the space.

KITCHEN

The chef’s kitchen is designed and equipped to satisfy the needs of the family. This sleek, space, with a central island, easily allows one to serve up snacks or drinks with ease, while carrying on a conversation with friends and family— whether they be in the living room or breakfast nook.

The marble countertop and backsplash, along with the farmhouse sink, adds a sense of history to the space, complementing the walls’ white hues. The Fleming’s were very particular in being able to use the same countertop material as the backsplash, for a seamless look. “The solid-surface backsplash creates a look that tile simply cannot,” says John Michael.

In unexpected harmony with the traditional feel of the space, the kitchen features modern, stainless-steel ap-

pliances. The showpiece being a sizable GE Monogram® range cleverly placed under a wall of windows. A discrete flush-mount vent hood provides the needed ventilation. White oak mixed with white painted cabinetry provides generous space for dinnerware and kitchen appliances. The mixing of the natural wood with white gives a warmer feel to the trendy all-white kitchen. Lighting is everything this kitchen—not only for being able to see what you’re cooking and eating, but to set the mood. The light pouring in from the windows is amazing in the morning. In the evening, you get to really appreciate how pretty the scones and pendants are,” says Amber. The under-cabinet lighting provides ample brightness for food preparations but also illuminates the marble backsplash.

under a wall of windows. A cabinetry provides gener ous space for dinnerware able to see what you’re cook ing and eating, but to set the ing in the morning. In the

LIVING ROOM

ly appreciate how pretty the scones and pendants are,” Both John Michael and Amber appreciate simple elegance. And no area reflects that notion better than the brightness for food preparations but also illuminates the living room—which is immediately adjacent, and open to, the kitchen and dining areas—creating one contigu-

Both John Michael and Amber appreciate simple ele to, the kitchen and dining areas—creating one contigu-

ous space. Its reclaimed heart pine beams help define the space in the 18’ vaulted ceiling, soft white, gallery finish walls allow for the beams and brick to sand out.

Avoiding the use of any interior walls, the living room’s openness helps connect the indoor spaces with the adjacent kitchen and dining room. Amber appreciates the openness which allows for ease of conversation and congregating, a treat when its just family or when entertaining. The abundance of light allows a continuous view of all things outdoors, whether you’re cuddled up on the couch or socializing with friends and family in the kitchen. “Among the living room’s many virtues,” adds Amber, “it “Among the living room’s many virtues,” adds Amber, “it instantly makes the home feel larger than it actually is. It instantly makes the home feel larger than it actually is. It is comfortable enough for a small number of people and is comfortable enough for a small number of people and big enough for large gatherings when we have friends big enough for large gatherings when we have friends over. It’s the best of both worlds.” over. It’s the best of both worlds.”

MASTER BEDROOM AND BATH

Understanding the need to delineate between private and public spaces, the master suite is nicely isolated from the rest of the house—inconspicuously tucked away off the rest of the house—inconspicuously tucked away off the living room. Downplaying the link between the rest of the house by keeping it isolated, the main design elements are the reading nook surrounded by its large, floor-toceiling windows—which brings in both natural light and views of the backyard. An 18’ cathedral ceiling, coupled by a fireplace with a custom-made antique cypress mantle, helps complement the space.

According to Amber, “there are so many beautiful elements in the master suite—the vaulted beamed ceiling, fireplace, and the nook with floor-to-ceiling windows— that the area can easily stand on its own without having to add too much. We were able to bring in simple, but thoughtfully designed, furnishings that allow the room to stand on its own.”

The master bath is a true work of art. Large porcelain

tiles align the shower, and a marble mosaic tile mat helps tiles align the shower, and a marble mosaic tile mat helps balance the arc of the beautifully shaped tub. A large unobscured window can be found behind the tub, complimented by a smaller window in the shower. This look completely transform the baths, a nod to the Fleming’s thoughtful creativity. “I wanted light,” Amber confessed. “John Michael gave me light.”

UTILITY / LAUNDRY / SHE-ROOM UTILITY / LAUNDRY / SHE-ROOM

Focusing on maximizing storage, the space within the laundry room is very organized and simplistic as possible to avoid clutter. As Amber can be incredibly efficient at keeping the house clean and tidy, this room doubles as at keeping the house clean and tidy, this room doubles as her ‘she-room.’ Located between the porte-cochere and the kitchen, it gets a dose of Amber’s personality with its sea salt cabinets and acrylic pulls. Surrounding a large window, a mural from the acrylic pulls. Surrounding a large window, a mural from the Rifle Paper Company adorns the back wall. “I spend a lot of time in this room,” admits Amber. “I wanted it to be fun of time in this room,” admits Amber. “I wanted it to be fun and bright; a place I wouldn’t mind being. And it is!”

COVERED TERRACE

Are there any memories sweeter than those of childhood suppers on a covered terrace, or swinging the night away suppers on a covered terrace, or swinging the night away on the perfectly-designed porch? Face it—Southerners pay for our mild winters with our sultry summers, and while modern air-conditioning may have made those spaces of the past unnecessary, the Fleming’s couldn’t imagine their home without this covered space. “During the quarantine, I think we all learned how important enjoyable outdoor spaces are. When you work from home, your outdoor space is your get away” adds Amber. The painted brick fireplace creates a focal point, adds a heat source, and visually links the space with several design elements from inside. The fireplace, with mounted flat-screen television above, is practical and stunning. The symmetry of the furniture arrangement sits easily and elegantly underneath the exposed, reclaimed beams of the terrace’s upper architecture. Granite countertops help frame the terrace. Small touches add visual interest to the smooth blend of colors and textures in this sophisticated, but comfortable, outdoor escape. The furniture and decor create just enough contrast to the hardness of the brick and sandstone pavers, furniture edges, and exposed beams. “Hopefully this winter,” Amber adds, “I will also create a

joyable outdoor spaces are. When you work from home, your outdoor space is your get away” adds Amber. The painted brick fireplace creates a focal point, adds a heat source, and visually links the space with several design elements from inside. The fireplace, with mounted flat-screen television above, is practical and stunning. The symmetry of the furniture arrangement sits easily and elegantly underneath the exposed, reclaimed beams of the terrace’s upper architecture. Granite countertops help frame the terrace. Small touches add visual interest to the smooth blend of colors and textures in this sophisticated, but comfortable, outdoor escape. The furniture and decor create just enough contrast to the hardness of the brick and sandstone pavers, furniture edges, and exposed beams.

WHAT’S NEXT?

The Flemings admit their home isn’t done. The lists continues to grow, but hopefully a few up-and-coming projects will materialize in the near future—a shop for John Michael (for all his toys), an in-ground pool, and more landscaping. “Creating a home takes time,” Amber admits. “There is no character if you simply go to the store and buy everything at once. It is a journey. And one to be enjoyed!” “Hopefully this winter,” Amber adds, “I will also create a more cozy porch space, off the living room and master bedroom. A farmhouse porch just begs for a deep swing, piled with pillows and a tiny place to plant my cup of coffee.” No matter what is envisioned—there’s no doubt it will easily complement the charm of everything else!