Collaborative Efforts Create a Charming Design
By KELSY LORIN TAYLOR
Web Editor and Feature Writer
REWARDING INNOVATION: One of the homes that were recognized during the Parade of Homes has modern features that are paired with aged charm.
KELSY LORIN TAYLOR for GTR Newspapers
The recent Parade of Homes showcased a variety of talents, ideas and designs this year. One house in particular caught the attention of the judges and was chosen for the Second Place Overall Award in the $500,000 – $624,999 price range category. Located in Owasso’s Stone Canyon, the house was a collaborative effort from a team led by Tom Watts of the family-owned American Heartland Building Co. and Lisa Butts of A Girl and a Gallon of Glaze.
Watts has incorporated Butts’ decorative finishes into many of his custom-built houses over the last ten years, and both companies were honored by this year’s recognition.
Guests are introduced to the home’s unique design as they first step in the door, with custom finishes that are applied throughout the interior. “For this house, we wanted to do something totally different,” Butts explains. “We decided to bring the charm of Midtown Tulsa to the suburbs. We wanted it to feel like an old house, with classic charm, while bringing in the upgraded features of a new house.”
That special, classic charm is achieved with distinctive features, such as travertine, subway tiles, custom glass tiles and wood floors, which appear to be taken right out of a historic plantation house. “The main floors throughout the house are white oak that consists of free-formed three, four, and five inch planks. Each piece is hand scraped against the grain of the wood. Stain and then three coats of tung oil were later applied,” Watts explained.
In addition to the Second Place Overall Award, judges gave the team an Outstanding Feature Award for the home’s stairway, which featured plank travertine risers, distressed wood treads, and iron spindles designed in the classic Arts and Crafts style. Watts said he was honored and “the travertine risers really pull the colors and textures from other parts of the house into the entry.”
A cozy office and bright dining room flank either side of the entry area. The office features a glass-tile fireplace, while the dining room boasts a one-of-a-kind wall finish. “With the travertine that was implemented throughout the house, I wanted to create a tumbled marbled finish for the walls in the room. I used a lime-based plaster that was troweled, which is soft, sublime and has a little sheen and a lot of movement in the right light,” describes Butts.
So many talented individuals came together to create the overall look and feel of the house. “It was a real partnership as everyone set out to embark on this brand new look,” Butts explains. “We wanted each of the rooms to feel intimate.” Robin Craig, My Designer Fabric, worked closely with the team to make all the draperies and fabric assessorsy coordinate with the house’s light and airy feel. Tom’s wife, Mary, put together the final touches to achieve the overall feel of the house. Cora Roper provided subtle and unique florals that added just the right touch to every room. Internationally known impressionist artist, Leonard Wren, brought beautiful paintings to display throughout the house as well.”
Stone Canyon provides the perfect backdrop for existing and future homes. “It really is one of the most unique developments in the area. There are trees, bluffs, ponds, streams, parks, walking trails and a large lake for residents to enjoy.” Watts continues, “The designs of the homes need to fit with the surroundings. This house brings the outdoors in through a multitude of windows, tall ceilings, textures and earth tone colors.”
In keeping with the natural setting, Watts says it was very important to the company to make the house as energy efficient as possible for the future homeowners. This was achieved through blown in blanket insulation, Solartec reflective roof decking, Tyvek house wrap, Trane high-efficiency heating and cooling system and 95 percent efficient gas furnaces to name a few.
With such a unique design and intricate features, Watts and Butts are thankful for the initial experience and recognition that followed the Parade of Homes. “ It’s true that I fall in love with every house I do, but from the moment you enter this house, you feel right at home,” adds Butts.
For more information about American Heartland Building Co., visit www.americanheartlandok.com or call (918) 272-5177. To learn more about A Girl and A Gallon of Glaze, visit www.girlgallonglaze.carbonmade.com or call (918) 636-6554.
Updated 09-13-2010
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