Discover the Enchantment: Emily Hewett’s Storybook Cottage Shines on the Lake Highlands Home Tour
Get ready for an unparalleled journey into architectural beauty and interior design excellence! The highly anticipated Lake Highlands Home Tour is just around the corner, promising a captivating showcase of some of the neighborhood’s most remarkable residences. As a seasoned enthusiast of home tours, I can confidently say that this year’s event features a true standout – a quintessential storybook cottage that will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on your memory. Prepare for an exclusive sneak peek into the heart of a home that perfectly blends historical charm with modern sophistication, all thanks to the visionary talent of its owner.
Meet Emily Hewett: The Visionary Designer Behind A Well-Dressed Home
At the center of this enchanting property is Emily Hewett, a celebrated interior designer with 17 years of experience transforming houses into homes. As the proud owner of A Well-Dressed Home, Emily possesses an intimate understanding of what it takes to curate a space that is both aesthetically stunning and profoundly livable. Her extensive background includes assisting numerous clients in preparing their properties for home tours, making her decision to open her own home to the public all the more admirable. Her selfless commitment to the community and her craft is truly commendable, and visitors are in for a treat as they witness her personal design philosophy brought to life.
A Journey Through Time: The Remarkable History of 7915 Forest Trail
The Hewett family’s extraordinary home at 7915 Forest Trail boasts a unique and fascinating history that adds layers of charm to its already captivating presence. Originally constructed in the vibrant Lakewood neighborhood during the 1940s, this architectural gem embarked on an unusual journey, being meticulously moved to its current location in Lake Highlands sometime in the 1970s. The sheer effort and dedication required to relocate an entire house speak volumes about its inherent value and the desire to preserve its timeless beauty. This incredible act of preservation only deepens our appreciation for this cherished residence, highlighting a commitment to heritage that resonates throughout the entire property.
Unlocking Hidden Potential: Emily Hewett’s Four-Year Renovation Odyssey
Emily Hewett first encountered her future home online while her family was contemplating a move. Even through the digital lens, she immediately recognized its immense potential. “I knew I could remodel it, and add to the original charm and character,” she recalls, envisioning a complete transformation. Her keen designer’s eye saw beyond the surface, perceiving the canvas for her creative vision. After several months of contemplation and a fortuitous encouragement from a co-worker who also spotted the listing, Emily decided to take the leap. What followed was a remarkable four-year dedication, painstakingly turning this promising property into the quintessential storybook cottage you will experience on the tour. It wasn’t merely a renovation; it was an artistic endeavor to weave new life into an historic structure, ensuring every detail enhanced its inherent allure.
Transforming Spaces: The Evolution of the Master Suite
One of the most significant and ingenious transformations within the Hewett home involved the creation of a luxurious and highly functional master suite. Emily recounts the original layout: “The master bedroom was upstairs, and the guest room was down, with an unused storage garage connected to it.” This seemingly unconventional setup presented a unique opportunity for creative reimagining. Recognizing the ample space available, Emily and her team embarked on a ambitious project to convert this downstairs area into a sprawling and serene master retreat. This involved seamlessly integrating the guest room and the previously underutilized storage garage, resulting in a private sanctuary that offers both comfort and convenience. The move not only optimized the floor plan but also brought a new level of accessibility and daily flow to the Hewett family’s life.
The Heart of the Home: A Kitchen Reimagined with Timeless Elegance
As often happens with extensive renovations, one project naturally led to another. While meticulously crafting the new master suite, the decision was made to concurrently undertake a comprehensive kitchen remodel. This vital space, often considered the true heart of any home, was ripe for an update that would harmonize with the cottage’s evolving aesthetic while providing modern functionality. Emily noted, “The ceiling had the original framing when we bought the house.” Rather than concealing this historical element, they chose to highlight it. Adding elegant beams brought architectural character and warmth, enhancing the room’s sense of history and grandeur. Complementing this, new custom cabinets and sleek countertops were installed, marrying classic design with contemporary usability. The result is a kitchen that is not only beautiful and inviting but also perfectly equipped for family life and entertaining, a testament to Emily’s ability to blend old and new seamlessly.
Design for Real Life: Style Meets Indestructible Durability
The Hewetts are a lively family, blessed with 7-year-old twins and two sizable dogs. This dynamic household presents a common challenge for many homeowners: how to maintain a stylish and sophisticated interior while ensuring it can withstand the rigors of daily life with children and pets. Emily Hewett had a brilliant solution. Visitors often inquire about the pristine appearance of her light-colored fabrics, and her answer is always reassuringly practical: “I used indestructible fabrics! Everything is kid and dog-friendly.” This commitment to durable design means that comfort, elegance, and peace of mind are not mutually exclusive. Emily strategically selected high-performance materials that resist spills, stains, and wear, proving that a beautiful home can indeed be a functional, resilient, and welcoming haven for every member of the family, including the furry ones.
Elevating Upstairs Retreats: Kid-Friendly Spaces and Refreshed Bathrooms
The transformative work within this storybook cottage was not confined to the main floor. Emily Hewett also dedicated her expertise to revitalizing the second story, focusing on spaces crucial for family living. This included comprehensive updates to the children’s bedrooms, a dedicated playroom, and the upstairs bathrooms. Each space was approached with an eye for both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality, ensuring that the younger residents have comfortable, inspiring, and durable environments tailored to their needs. The refreshed bathrooms reflect a blend of modern fixtures and classic design, creating serene and efficient spaces that complement the overall charm of the home. These thoughtful improvements ensure that every corner of the 3,300-square-foot, four-bedroom, three-bathroom residence feels cohesive, welcoming, and beautifully designed.
Embracing the Outdoors: The Cabana, Pool, and Al Fresco Fireplace
The Hewett’s vision for their storybook cottage extended far beyond its interior walls, encompassing a dramatic transformation of the outdoor living spaces. Emily recounts the genesis of their stunning backyard oasis: “There was an unused sunroom on the back of the house.” This underutilized space presented another canvas for her creative genius. What was once a simple sunroom has been magnificently reimagined and is now affectionately referred to as “the cabana.” This stylish outdoor lounge area seamlessly connects the interior comfort with exterior relaxation. Completing Hewett’s grand vision for an ultimate outdoor haven, a sparkling pool and a cozy outdoor fireplace were added. These elements not only enhance the property’s aesthetic appeal but also provide perfect settings for family gatherings, entertaining friends, and enjoying the beautiful Texas weather year-round. It’s a true testament to maximizing every inch of a property to create a cohesive and luxurious living experience.
Experience the Transformation: An Immersive Tour Experience
To truly appreciate the incredible journey of this storybook cottage, Emily Hewett has thoughtfully prepared something special for visitors on the Lake Highlands Home Tour. She has created detailed booklets filled with “before” photos, offering a tangible glimpse into the home’s previous state as you walk through its beautifully renovated spaces. This interactive element allows tour-goers to witness the dramatic “before and after” transformations firsthand, making the design process come alive. Pay particular attention to the pool area, which Emily herself describes as “a super dramatic before and after.” These booklets are not just a collection of images; they are a narrative of vision, dedication, and the power of exceptional interior design, inviting you to fully grasp the scope of this remarkable home renovation.
Beyond the Tour: Continued Inspiration and Community Support
If you find yourself utterly captivated by the transformation of this charming storybook cottage and wish to delve deeper into Emily Hewett’s design world, you’re in luck! After the Lake Highlands Home Tour concludes, you can continue to follow Emily’s creative journey and draw endless inspiration from her work. Connect with her on Instagram using the hashtag #casadehewett. It’s a treasure trove of stunning photographs, insightful design tips, and a continued peek into the beautiful life she has crafted. Moreover, your participation in the Lake Highlands Home Tour goes beyond admiring beautiful homes; it serves a wonderful cause. All proceeds from the tour directly benefit the Lake Highlands Area Early Childhood PTA, an organization dedicated to supporting local families and enriching the early childhood education experience in the community. By attending, you contribute to a vital local initiative, making your visit doubly rewarding.
Secure Your Spot: Don’t Miss the Lake Highlands Home Tour
This is your exclusive invitation to step inside one of Lake Highlands’ most enchanting homes and be inspired by the vision of Emily Hewett. The Lake Highlands Home Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore groundbreaking design, appreciate local history, and support a worthy cause. Don’t miss your chance to witness this storybook cottage and other magnificent homes. You can conveniently purchase your tickets here. Additionally, keep a close watch on Daltxrealestate.com, where we’ll be hosting a special giveaway for a pair of tickets! Ensure you stay tuned for that exciting opportunity to experience this must-see event.
Karen Eubank is the owner of Eubank Staging and Design. She has been an award-winning professional home stager and writer for over 25 years. Karen teaches the popular Staging to Sell class and is the creator of the online course, The Beginners Guide to Buying Wholesale. Her love of dogs, international travel, history, white paint, champagne, artificial turf, and Tudor and Midcentury Modern homes, and any house designed by Clifford Hutsell knows no bounds. Her father was a spy, so she keeps secrets very well! Find Karen at www.eubankstaging.com