House Tour: Old and New by House West Design

It’s a familiar conundrum: Many homebuyers want the modernity and conveniences of a new house but crave the charm and character of one that has been loved and lived in for years. With that in mind, American Heritage Homes and House West Design joined forces to fuse the appeal of new and old with a recently built home in Hurricane. 

Located just minutes from Sand Hollow State Park, the 4,321-square-foot house combines today’s must-have functionality with elegance and timeless charm. This two-story floor plan features five bedrooms, including a self-contained casita perfect for guests or extended family that offers both privacy and convenience. The open-concept living area, high ceilings and large windows flood the home with natural light, while a pool-anchored outdoor living area makes the most of the small, walled-i yard, creating an inviting space for relaxation and entertainment.

For the interiors, House West Design’s Yvonne Christensen and Nichole Speirs teamed white walls with narrow-plank oak floors and classic millwork to create a cohesive, timeless feel throughout. The designers wallpapered the entry and upstairs bedroom to introduce richly colored patterns, while choosing a range of brown tones—whisper soft to dramatically moody—to deliver rich contrast. “The warm browns and taupes of the early 2000s are back, but now they are more elegant and elevated,” Christensen explains. Pulled from the entry wallpaper, shots of earthy browns and greens punctuate the decor’s warm whites, helping to unify the decor. So too does a curated mix of traditional and modern furnishings paired with fresh, simple finishes and custom millwork that complement the new architecture. “The drywall beams, picture windows and broad sliders feel modern,” Christensen explains. “Then we added the paint colors and woodwork on the walls to create an eclectic transitional style.”

To that end, the designers layered the interior with many modern-meets-traditional treatments and details. In the casita and primary bathroom, for example, large contemporary framed art pieces hang boldly from the ceilings in front of drapery-dressed windows, while in other rooms, smaller paintings are displayed in more traditional groupings. Books fill built-in shelves in the open library, where stacked volumes double as a surprising side table. But around the corner, two arched alcoves showcase a single book stand and a plant-topped pedestal, both performing as exhilarating, modern sculptures flanking the fireplace. “Emotional moments like these set this design apart,” Speirs says. 

Finishes also drive the home’s spirited style. In the primary bathroom, glossy, hand-formed wall tiles and matte floor tiles exemplify the decor’s curated contrasts, as do nature-inspired textures that deliver depth and dimension to the interior at every turn—from thick nubby rugs and plush velvet swivel chairs to sleek brass lamps and sheer linen draperies. “Textures ground people and make them feel at home,” Speirs says. Curves and rounded forms similarly drive the home’s comforting, cozy vibe. Arched front doors charm the entry, globe pendants hang above the kitchen’s rounded-end island, a round cocktail table perches on the library’s organically shaped rug and broad eyebrow arches crown the expansive openings that frame the great room’s living zones. The list is long. “Curves soften a space and offset its harsh lines,” Christensen says. 

The interior is not the only part of the home that is designed to be experienced and enjoyed. A small, walled-in yard—with its lap pool, hot tub, putting green, outdoor kitchen and shaded lounge—is more than a spot for soaking up the sun. It’s also a natural extension of the indoor living areas and reflects the team’s affinity for stylish detail. Cascading water spills from a raised spa and fire feature into a crystal-blue lap pool. Sentry-like palm trees and wood decking visually soften the porcelain-clad patio, while a fire pit, grill area, dining space and shaded seating invite casual gatherings and open-air relaxation. “The yard is relatively small, so we had to make every inch count,” Christensen explains. 

As the final touches were placed, the house in Hurricane became a testament to the thoughtful blend of past and present. The pros at House West Design and American Heritage Homes succeeded in crafting a home that marries the ease of modern amenities with the timeless charm of the past. Future homeowners will experience the best of both worlds, finding comfort in contemporary living while being surrounded by the warmth of a house that feels like it’s been a part of their family for generations.