English Castle
Nestled along a quiet, coveted street in McKinney’s Stonebridge Ranch, this custom-built 1988 home offered strong traditional bones—and a breathtaking view. Through large panes of glass at the back of the living room, your eyes are immediately drawn past the foyer to the greens of the golf course and the serene shimmer of a blue pool framed by a tiered stone wall and waterfalls.
From the moment we stepped inside, we knew this interior needed to be in conversation with the outdoors. The home had a dignified presence, and yet it longed to feel more alive—more personal.
The Foyer
We began in the entryway, setting the tone with a dramatic pastoral mural from the Designer's Guild. The mural’s quiet movement created the perfect backdrop for the homeowner’s heirloom french writing desk—an elegant mahogany and ormolu piece passed down from her father. We stripped away its high-gloss finish to reveal a softer, more tactile character that complemented the mural instead of competing with it.
Overhead, a pineapple lantern series in the foyer and hallway added a slightly modern twist, balancing the old-world charm with updated energy.
The Living Room
The heart of the living space is anchored by a hand-forged antique brass chandelier—its glow reflecting beautifully off of a shimmery, soft green faux grasscloth wallcovering. From there, we built layers: a bohemian-style rug underfoot, a clean-lined modern sofa, and custom chairs upholstered in a playful, cottage-inspired fabric.
To add texture and history, we refreshed the existing built-in cabinetry in PPG’s “Northern Landscape” and applied a wallpaper featuring bold florals and birds—inviting nature into the home’s very structure. Not a single accessory was purchased for this project. At LGI, we believe in storytelling through objects. Every piece layered into the space came with its own history, meaning, or memory. That’s what gives a room soul.
The Details
One of our favorite details is found in a traditional pappa-bear chair, lovingly reimagined in Primula Caramel from Nine Muses Fabrics. This chair—classic in form and now rich in warmth—is destined for slow mornings and storybook readings with the grandchildren.
The end result is a space that honors legacy without feeling static. It’s elegant, but not rigid. Emotional, without being overly sweet.
“I was thrilled when Liz was able to create a design that incorporated every one of my long-awaited heirlooms. I wanted an updated traditional style and she took it to the next level by meshing modern and eclectic furnishings into the design. I recommend Liz when you need someone who will work with what you have and beautifully repurpose it into a personal and current look.”
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