In the vibrant heart of Southlake, Texas, where suburban tranquility meets sophisticated living, a remarkable transformation has unfolded. What began as a discovery of a home with immense potential but a dated aesthetic, has culminated in a stunning example of modern transitional design. Kris Plummer, a visionary homeowner, reached out to us with an enthusiastic invitation: “We may be in the Southlake suburbs, but we have some style! Is there any chance we could be featured on your site?” Upon seeing the captivating photos of their newly renovated residence, our answer was an unequivocal “Of course!” This isn’t just a house; it’s a testament to how creative design and thoughtful renovation can breathe new life into an existing structure, turning a once-uninspiring space into a true dream home.
The initial state of the property, as described by Kris, was a far cry from its current elegance. “The house was mustard and brown,” Plummer recalled, humorously adding, “All I could think of was bad cowboy.” Despite its unappealing color palette and heavy, traditional finishes, the property possessed undeniable advantages. Located within a highly desirable Southlake school district, it boasted a generous size, a sprawling acre of land, and an impressive five-car garage – a canvas ripe for transformation. Kris, armed with a clear vision and an abundance of innovative ideas, knew precisely what she wanted to achieve through a comprehensive remodel, or perhaps, as it turned out, two or three stages of meticulous renovation.
Kris and her husband, Jason, brought a unique global perspective to their Southlake remodeling project. Having lived in Australia for 14 years and also experienced the vibrant design scene of San Francisco, they desired to infuse their new home with the distinct design sensibilities acquired during their international travels. The challenge lay in integrating the relaxed, open, and light-filled aesthetics of Australian and Californian design into a Southlake home that, in its original state, was decidedly “Old World” – characterized by heavy textures, dark colors, and a more formal layout. Their goal was to create a residence that felt both sophisticated and effortlessly casual, a harmonious blend of their diverse life experiences.
To bring their ambitious remodeling goals to fruition, Kris and Jason sought the expertise of Kendra Barnes, co-founder of BRNS, a highly respected multi-disciplinary architecture and interior design firm established with her husband, Josh. Their choice proved to be an inspired one. Kris recounted the initial consultation: “Although Kendra has not traveled to the places we lived, when they came to show us their design plan and materials, we realized they had listened, and they got it.” This immediate connection and understanding laid the foundation for a truly collaborative and successful renovation journey, ensuring the Plummers’ unique vision was not only understood but masterfully executed.
BRNS Design: A Holistic Approach to Southlake Home Renovation
BRNS Design distinguishes itself by initiating each project with a robust and comprehensive discovery phase, a methodology that ensures every aspect of a client’s lifestyle and aspirations is thoroughly understood. “It’s a concept-level design married with a vision session and a programming phase,” Kendra Barnes explained. “It lets us shorten the design stage because we do the hard part upfront, so we can jump right in when the client is ready.” This meticulous preparation minimizes surprises and maximizes efficiency. The pandemic era further underscored the importance of functional living spaces, prompting BRNS to refine their unique “livability analysis.” Kendra elaborated, “Being stuck at home showed us our house can work against us and be inefficient. We think through how you use the space. We call it our livability analysis.” This client-centric approach, focusing on how a family genuinely lives and interacts within their home, was instrumental in transforming the Plummers’ Southlake residence into a sanctuary of both beauty and unparalleled functionality.
The talented team at BRNS truly left no stone unturned in this expansive 6,500-square-foot Southlake residence. Their comprehensive vision extended to nearly every corner, reimagining the flow and function of the entire home. Significant structural changes were implemented to enhance the spatial experience, including moving walls to create a more open and intuitive circulation path. The formerly curved staircase, a traditional feature, was straightened to introduce modern lines and a sense of architectural clarity. Perhaps one of the most impactful transformations was the relocation of the fireplace, a strategic move that dramatically improved sightlines throughout the main living areas. Now, standing at the kitchen sink, one can seamlessly view the inviting pool, enjoy entertainment on the television, and remain visually connected to the elegant formal dining room. This meticulous re-engineering of the floor plan exemplifies the firm’s commitment to creating spaces that are not only beautiful but also inherently livable and connected.
Kendra Barnes eloquently described the design philosophy behind this Southlake renovation as a deliberate balance: “We wanted to marry modern lines with some of the original features, such as molding and French doors, yet offer California casual and pop in new and modern.” The result is a sophisticated modern transitional style that feels both fresh and timeless. The home’s new layout, with its emphasis on open spaces and connectivity, now resonates more with the architectural styles one might find in San Francisco, reflecting the Plummers’ bicoastal design influences. A core tenet of BRNS Design is practicality and a mindful approach to resources. Kendra highlighted their decision regarding existing architectural elements: “We also did not want to be wasteful. There is tripled-stacked crown molding anyone would have died for in 1999 all over one part of the home. Trying to find the exact profile today would be impossible. Removing it felt wasteful, and it would never be something that would return on investment. Practicality is important.” This thoughtful consideration allowed them to preserve character where appropriate, seamlessly integrating it with the home’s revitalized contemporary aesthetic, proving that strategic preservation can be as impactful as bold new additions.
Understanding How a Family Uses Their Home is Vital: The Heart of the Southlake Kitchen Renovation
At the core of BRNS Design’s philosophy is the profound understanding that a home must function as an extension of its occupants’ lives. For the Plummer family, the kitchen was not merely a place for cooking; it was the vibrant hub of their family life, particularly on “pizza night.” “Kris cooks a lot,” Kendra observed, “They have a pizza night every Friday night. We envisioned a huge island where you could line up all the toppings so everyone could create individual pizzas.” This insight led to one of the most dramatic and functional transformations in the entire house: the removal of two smaller, less efficient islands, replaced by a singular, magnificent island measuring an impressive 15 feet long and six feet wide. This colossal centerpiece provides ample space for meal preparation, casual dining, and, of course, lively family pizza-making sessions, making it the undeniable heart of the home and an entertainer’s dream.
Further enhancing the kitchen’s functionality and aesthetic, BRNS ingeniously reconfigured the space by removing part of a wall to open up a previous circulation path, improving flow and connectivity. What was once a quaint dining nook was ingeniously transformed into a spacious and highly organized prep pantry – a true game-changer for a busy family. “I’m a big fan of prep pantries,” Kendra explained, “You can conceal mundane things like the microwave, coffee pot, and blender.” This clever design choice ensures that everyday appliances are easily accessible yet neatly tucked away, preserving the sleek, uncluttered appearance of the main kitchen area. The attention to detail even extended to custom solutions, with a specifically designed drawer to hold water bottles for the convenient Elkay water bottle filler, showcasing a commitment to anticipating and addressing every practical need. The choice of Benjamin Moore’s Narragansett Green (HC-157) for the kitchen cabinets adds a sophisticated pop of color that beautifully complements the modern transitional aesthetic, its hues subtly shifting with the changing light to create an ever-evolving visual interest.
The Plummer family cherishes their beautifully remodeled Southlake home, a space meticulously crafted to reflect their unique lifestyle and global design preferences. However, as is often the case with families, evolving life stages and school changes necessitate new beginnings. This presents an exceptional and rare opportunity for a fortunate new family to acquire a truly move-in ready modern transitional masterpiece in Southlake. Every detail has been thoughtfully considered and expertly executed, transforming a once-outdated residence into a contemporary haven of luxury and comfort.
This magnificent property is more than just a house; it’s a testament to superior design, functional innovation, and a commitment to creating an extraordinary living experience. From the globally inspired interiors to the sprawling acre of land and the coveted Southlake school district, every aspect of this home speaks to an elevated lifestyle. Prospective buyers will find a residence where every room tells a story of thoughtful transformation, offering a seamless blend of elegance and everyday practicality. This fully remodeled Southlake gem awaits its next chapter, ready to provide an unparalleled living environment for a family seeking the pinnacle of suburban luxury.
Keller Williams Southlake’s Dustin Wright has just listed 928 Turnberry for $2.75 million. This represents a prime opportunity to own a piece of meticulously renovated luxury in one of Texas’s most desirable communities.