Efficient elegance

For some reason, many families looking for a new dwelling believe a home must be over 2,000 sq. ft. for it to possess the flexibility and livability they need to live life to the max.

That isn’t necessarily the case if a home is efficiently planned, says Rob Hutchison, the sales representative for A&S Homes’ new show home at 297 Granite Grove Rd. in Prairie Pointe.

“If a home is well-designed, you don’t need over 2,000 sq. ft. for it to meet the needs of a large family,” he says. “This home, the Florence, is a good example of that. Our design team took the base model, which is 1,869 sq. ft. and added 41 sq. ft. It’s a subtle tweak, but it really paid off. It made the home so much more family-friendly.”

As it turns out, several spaces were impacted in a very positive way by taking the home’s square footage up to 1,910 sq. ft.

“The great room was expanded, making it about one square foot bigger, while the primary bedroom, loft and other bedrooms also benefited from the added space,” notes Hutchison. “The tweaks made an already efficient plan even more efficient and flexible.”

Entry to the well-ordered home comes via a generous foyer that makes it easy to dispense with footwear and coats without feeling boxed in.

It then opens neatly onto a compact wing that holds two key spaces.

“There’s a main-floor bedroom and three-piece bath, a design feature everyone wants now,” Hutchison says. “It’s there to provide a main-floor in-law suite for mom and dad if they want to move in.”

From there, it’s only a few steps to the main living area, which impresses with its exceptionally navigable layout.

“It’s easy to move around between the kitchen, dining area and great room — that’s because the area is so well-proportioned,” Hutchison says. “Flow is excellent, and big, proper-sized windows let in tons of natural light.”

He says much of that natural light comes in from the wall behind the dining area.

“A triple patio door with transom above was installed instead of a standard double patio door. It makes a huge difference. On sunny days, the house just glows, and it’s still bright even on overcast days.”

Meanwhile, the use of space in the dining area is exceptional.

“Right now, there’s a table for six in it, but it has enough space to easily expand the table to seat 10,” Hutchison says. “The island is the perfect size, too. It’s functional with good prep space and a breakfast nook for two, but it doesn’t take up too much space.”

Then, there’s the eye-catching kitchen.

“The darker tones — taupe island and blue cabinets — along with the medium-brown wide-plank flooring ensure the area isn’t too bright,” Hutchison says. “The neutral quartz countertops and white tile backsplash play beautifully off the cabinets and island, and the pantry door also matches the island.”

Finally, there’s the adjacent great room, which is all about elegance and comfort.

“Again, there’s lots of natural light, while a classy entertainment unit with a gas fireplace with beige penny-tile surround, warm mantle and trim and open shelving on either side add a nice touch of class,” he says. “It works well with the kitchen and dining area when entertaining. The décor in the main living area is simple and calming and creates a very comfortable feel.”

A trip up the subtly elegant staircase next to the great room takes you up to the Florence’s upper level, which is as efficiently designed as the main floor, starting with a roomy loft.

“There is so much functionality to be found up here,” Hutchison says. “The loft opens the second floor up and can be used as a versatile flex space or as a bedroom to make it into a five-bedroom home. Most families keep it as a loft because more bedrooms can be added down in the lower level.”

Separation between the primary and secondary bedrooms is also on point, giving both parents and kids their own private areas to enjoy.

“The primary bedroom is huge and very private,” says Hutchison. “Three windows around the bed add style and let in natural light, and there’s also a good-sized walk-in closet. And I just love the ensuite with its brown herringbone-style tile floor, black trimmed walk-in shower with gorgeous tile surround and vanity with quartz countertop and black faucet.”

Hutchison says the Florence delivers exceptional style and livability in one very efficient package.

“I think it proves a functional layout is more important than sheer size,” he says.

lewys@mymts.net