Exquisite Interiors

TIMELESS. ELEGANT. INVITING.

by SUZY TURNER photos by DR. ROBIN ROGERS

s is indicative of the transitional style, Jenna and Keith Burkman’s beautiful two-story, 5-bedroom, 41/2-bath home celebrates a blend of natural light and warmth with a twist of French country flair and a touch of modern simplicity. Through soothing hues, simple shapes, and soft patterns, a comfortable ambiance and relaxed feel is embraced throughout the home, creating a timeless aesthetic.

Custom built 20 years ago for its original owners in a very traditional style with brick, pillars and intricate crown moldings, the Burkmans recently partnered with Jason Eppinette Construction to completely remodel the kitchen, dining room, breakfast area, and sunroom. “We absolutely love it! They did an impeccable job,” Jenna remarks.

Once the Burkmans decided to update the home, decorating in more of a transitional style appealed to them most, allowing them to complement the traditional lines of the home and bring in a more modern flair. While many

Atransitional elements abound throughout the home, the French-country feel is conveyed through the incorporation of all things nature into their furniture and accessories choices. With the help of designer Karen Watzka at the Ethan Allen Design Center in Frisco as well as locals Susan Slimer and Lauren Callaway, Jenna and Keith have been able to personalize their space by adding a fun statue here or a unique piece of art there. When stepping inside the foyer, guests immediately feel welcome. A functional grandfather clock sits to the left of the entryway, serving as a time piece as well as a visually pleasing addition to the décor. An oil painting by Jenna’s father, John Dempsey, a retired teacher and artist, draws the eye upward and features Jenna’s mother holding her when she was around 9 months old. A beautiful abstract sculpture, also by Jenna’s father, sits in the window ledge in the dining room.

Large windows and a floor-to-ceiling fireplace take center stage in the open living area. In keeping with the transitional/French-country styles, the original red brick fireplace was white-washed by Gary Williams Custom Painting. Bookcases surround the fireplace, the perfect place to display family mementoes. The navy rug, along with coordinating throw pillows and oversized wingbacks, acts as a splash of color.

Functionality is key in the updated kitchen. Handles in pewter and brass accentuate the numerous cabinets, while the islands are focal points, adding in tones of blue and gray to the otherwise neutral palette. Stunning glass pendant lights from Logan Electric make a design statement while white, gray and gold quartz countertops by Red River Design Center provide durability for years to come. Light wood-tone flooring by Creative Flooring exudes versatility while adding color. In one corner of the kitchen sits a well-stocked coffee bar and is used by the homeowners and guests during their morning routine. “Our favorite thing about our home is the amount of character it possesses and the quality of craftsmanship we find in the original cabinetry and mouldings along with the new cabinetry we added,” Jenna says. “We love our newly remodeled kitchen with its custom cabinetry by Ronnie and Derrick Jones and the doors by Four States Cabinets and Doors.”

The carpeted master bedroom mixes textures and materials to provoke a classic feel. A sitting area and gas fireplace provide serenity and coziness, as well as updated sophistication. A bay window provides the perfect view of the outside area, while a walk-out single door keeps the Burkmans just steps from enjoying an afternoon swim in the newly updated pool. This past summer, a sheer descent waterfall and lighting on the pool deck brought Jenna’s new design to life, thanks to All American Pools.

Bookshelves line the doorway to the master bath, where a marble-tile shower and jetted soaking tub for two offer the perfect place to unwind at the end of a long day. Organized and efficient, his and hers walk-in closets provide storage for clothing and accessories while also functioning as dressing rooms.

A close-knit family, the Burkmans have transformed three of their bedrooms into guest rooms for their adult children when they come home to visit. Their son Aaron, an ROTC sophomore, occupies one upstairs bedroom, which shares a hall bath with an even larger bedroom containing a roomy California king for daughter and son-in-law Phoebe and Tyler. The third upstairs bedroom serves as a second master bedroom for their 13-year-old son, Braden, complete with fun and whimsical Disney memorabilia located throughout. An extra downstairs bedroom with attached bath is perfect for daughter and son-in-law Lexi and Gage, and their baby, Oaklynn Grace, allowing them the convenience of being close to the kitchen to prepare bottles for the baby. Above the bed, a sign reads, “May your journey always lead you home,” a motto that Jenna and Keith always hope their children remember.

Located on 3/4 of an acre in Pleasant Grove, this 5,318-square-foot home provides the perfect sanctuary for the Burkmans and their children, where they are fortunate to enjoy the best of two worlds: city dwelling and country living. They live just a short drive into town and have the ease of getting to the store quickly. And they have just enough land to afford them some privacy and space which separates them from their neighbors.