of the French-Acadian style. But don’t let those quaint subtleties fool you. Bright airy color, sleek fabrics, imported tile and more await as you pass from room to room. SB Magazine sat down with the Yvonne Dalvin to find out how she along with her contractor husband, Brian so elegantly created a design with an eye on a warm family home perfect for entertaining.

What inspired this home’s design?

“Inspiration for us came in many forms, over many years. We were very fortunate that we got to renovate this house from the ground up, literally! Brian originally built this home in 2009. So, after looking at all the homes he had built over the years, talking with his clients, flipping through magazines for ideas, and, of course, living here for fourteen years we easily figured out what did and didn’t work. We understood what we truly used and what needed to be discarded. And, most importantly, we knew where to delete and where to add. Ultimately, we wanted to design this house to age in place to be able to entertain, as well as have the ability to accommodate future grandchildren.”

What did you want as the end goal for your house design?

For it to be traditional, yet modern design with artsy feel throughout the interior spaces. I felt that—with all the fur-nishings, bright colors, fun wallpapers, and fabrics you would really set off the house and bring some dramatic elements to the French-Acadian style.

would really set off the house and bring some dramatic elements to the French Acadian style.

What was your biggest obstacle in designing the home?

We were bound by an existing slab and odd shaped lot. The largest challenge was finding out where we could and couldn’t add square foot age. Some areas we were able to go out, others we could only go up.

How did you choose the color palette?

Mrs. Gina Jenkins of Jenkins Construction helped with the color palette. We wanted a neu tral and light wall color to really showcase the patterns and colors of the upholstery, drapery, and wallpaper.

What was your favorite room to design?

The kitchen is the winner hands down. Not out of necessity, but because I’m too happy there. Why should I move? I enjoy company and can easily sit eight people at the island. The pantry doors came from Belgium and were hand picked from The Corbel in Jack son, LA. The kitchen, because of its proximity to everything I miss nothing that goes on. A close second? My master closet. I really enjoyed watching it come to life.

Did a particular element tie the design together?

The porte-cochère on the exterior really added a complete element to the exterior and helped ties the old with the new.

What is your favorite feature of the home?

“Lots of favorites, but probably all of the smart home features really stand out. The automation systems that allow us to control everything remotely lighting, security, entertainment, etc. through phones or computers has been a game changer. There is nothing more relaxing than know-ing that all your systems are opti-mized for efficiency without you having to monitor everything.”

Tell us about some of the special and custom touches throughout.

The pantry doors were hand-made in Belgium and we pur chased them from The Corbel. The hood, along with the stair railings, were custom made by Mark Ross at DMR Mechan ical. Each bedroom can serve as its own master suite, with its own bathroom and walk-in closets. Obviously the master closet, with an eleven foot island with glass tops for jewel ry display and other personal items. The master bedroom also has its own laundry room, apart from the kid’s laundry room which is, of course very convenient and efficient.

What makes this project uniquely yours?

There isn’t anything specific. I’m always bursting with in spiration to try something different; however, I do think my personality is shown in the interiors. I think they are not only artsy and modern with all the custom furniture and décor but always chic, relaxing and approachable. I’m a laid back kind of girl and I get that real life happens in these spaces. They make me feel homey and comfortable. I know firsthand what’s going to be practical and what isn’t.

What “hidden gems” are in your design?

The fireplace mantles, which are antique beams along with the corbels they sit on, are from The Corbel. The brick on the