[Editor’s Note: A version of this story appeared in the Winter 2016 issue of IBB at Home.]
Embarking upon their retirement years, Steve and Karen Piro enlisted Sanders Custom Homes and IBB Designer Shannon Gidney to help build their dream home.
After Steve’s successful career as President of Asko, Inc., and Karen culminating a 40-year career as the Independent Executive National Sales Director for Mary Kay Cosmetics, they were ready to begin a new, exciting phase in their lives and take on the task of designing a new place to call home. They wanted a home that was comfortable, inviting and stylish to enjoy with family and friends.
Shannon worked with Sanders and the Piros on the project for more than a year, selecting all of the interior finishes as well as designing and executing all of the home’s furnishings and drapery. Every last detail was accounted for, so all the Piros had to do was move in their clothing and personal belongings.
“We wanted our home to reflect our personalities and taste, and Shannon accomplished this through her excellent listening and questioning skills. It was nice to work with someone who was so aware of our needs without forcing her agenda. She brought us wonderful ideas and appropriate selections from which to choose. We asked for finishes which would not be dated in a matter of years,” Karen said.
Entry
A gracious entry welcomes you into the home with large single pane windows offering a picturesque view into the backyard resort. The windows are dressed with simple pleated patterned panels in neutral tones as to not distract from the views. A lighted Demilune chest and large shaped mirror fill the large arched alcove.
Dining Room
The dining room, located directly off of the entry, is painted in a rich midnight blue providing a sophisticated coziness to the large space. A layered mix of modern and natural elements dictates the style of furnishings throughout the home. A chrome, wood and glass table offers seating for eight which gets used frequently when entertaining family and friends. Side chairs in a lighter neutral fabric with chrome handle detail provide guests a comfortable place to dine, while midnight blue velvet chairs head the table.
A hair-on-hide rug brings pattern into the room and provides contrast to the rich wood floors. Motorized sheers filter intense sunlight during peak hours. A favorite element in the dining room is the oil pastel cubist self-portrait by their daughter, Allison Fuller, which was a high school AP art class assignment.
Library
The library is the perfect place for the Piros to kick up their feet and enjoy a cozy fire. Shannon designed two comfortable wing chairs and a leather cocktail ottoman for the sitting area. Bookcases, paneling and coffered ceiling in a deep espresso stain provide a warm and authentic setting. The artwork in the library, another produced by their daughter while in high school, was on display for a year in the Dallas Museum of Art’s Young Master’s Program.
Kitchen
The kitchen has crisp white cabinetry which is a nice contrast to the rich wood flooring. A custom curved island was designed for friends to gather around while cooking. Gorgeous pendants hang over the large island like jewelry for the space.
Dining Area/Family Room
The home has an open floor plan with the kitchen opening up onto the dining area and family room. Dark wood ceiling beams unify the spaces. Shannon chose a metal top dining table with a trestle wood base. Color was brought in with three blue-gray side chairs with a bench on the opposite side to maintain the spacious feeling of the room. Large-scaled chandeliers hang over the dining and family room areas and provide symmetry in the space.
Family Room
Shannon selected matching sofas to sit on opposite sides of an upholstered cocktail ottoman as part of the sitting area. A pair of club chairs in a cut velvet fabric offer additional seating. The design is a relaxed and stylish look inviting guests to sit and stay a while. The triptych was created by their daughter, Allison, especially for their new family room. She used acrylic sprayed with water and glitter, and finished it with an epoxy resin for a high gloss finish.
Wine Room
The temperature controlled wine storage and tasting room is Steve’s favorite room in their home. Shannon introduced them to a talented local artisan who created the ambiance of a 1,000-year-old wine cellar which Steve had always envisioned. She specified a unique Katalox wood table to use for tastings and researching wines.
Master Bedroom & Bathroom
Karen says, “The master bedroom and bath are my favorite rooms in our home. I love their beauty and serenity. The furniture is beautiful, while also being super comfortable. The linens and window treatments are yummy! The sitting room in the master bedroom is perfect for morning reading, or for rocking grandchildren.”
The Glamcor Mirror in the master bath provides the perfect lighting for hair and makeup. It has Cool LED light technology which means Karen stays cool while getting ready. The Piros couldn’t be more pleased with the look and feel of their new home. Steve raves, “Shannon’s rare blend of artistic vision and attention to detail helped us to achieve this. We also appreciated her timeliness and adherence to budget guidelines.”
