Open-Air Living

By
August 2018 View more

Although Tom and Jennifer Hughes built their home just over a decade ago, they have made some substantial modifications in the last couple of years to accommodate their growing family. “We added more livable areas,” says Tim, “but also entertaining areas as well. We kept some green areas for the kids, but added adult space as well.” The couple now has four children, ranging in age from 3 to 15, so changes to the backyard were crucial. “We wanted to get the kids out of the house as much as possible,” jokes Jennifer.

Backyard
Hursthouse used two types of hardscape material—paving brick and blue stone—to aesthetically separate the dining area on the patio. The pavers match those used on the home’s driveway and front walkway.

The bricks in the outdoor kitchen structure—supporting a refrigerator, grill and trash receptacle—match the home’s front facade. Cooking options include a rotisserie, six-burner grill, smoker and two-burner stovetop.

The outdoor dining and lounge areas include furniture from Ebel Inc.’s Bellevue, Laurent and Portofino collections, as well as a dining table from Summer Classics.

Reconfigured
Hursthouse Landscape Architects & Contractors transformed what was a small patio and large grassy area into an expansive outdoor living space. “There was an awkward way to circulate out of the house,” explains President Bob Hursthouse, “so we took out a door and window and replaced them with the opposite configuration to create a really strong connectivity between the inside and outside of the house.” Now the family enjoys a fire pit, television viewing area and dining space just outside the back door.

Living Room
The Hughes have worked with Glen Ellyn designer Sheri Gibson since building the home, who says fabrics and finishes are important to the busy family. They love the practicality of their Hancock & Moore Campaign Bench and Century Cornerstone sectional in the family room, both of which provide ample seating space when entertaining. The Scott Harley glass sculpture on the ottoman is one of the couple’s art pieces. “It’s a delight to incorporate their ever-growing collection,” says Gibson, “and balance Tom’s more transitional aesthetic with Jennifer’s classic and traditional leanings.”

Foyer
The Hughes personally collected all of the artwork in the home, and many of the pieces were purchased from Fine Line Designs Gallery & Sculpture Garden in Ephraim, Wisconsin, near the couple’s summer home in Door County. The foyer painting is by New Hampshire artist Rebecca Kinkead. A custom Nourison rug was created to match the stair runners.