Kristina Kreations | 2014 October

Ernie White Construction once again took home the prize for a home on the north side of Lakeland in a 55+ community, Lake James. Located off Banana Rd., this home was nestled between friendly neighbors, a huge lake and walking trails. Most communities of the such are significantly scaled down; not this one. Ernie makes quaint homes full of detail, trim and all the extras.

A home always shows better if it is staged with furnishings and accessories so I was extremely happy when this home actually sold during the parade of homes. With a putty, orange and gray color palette, this home didn’t have an exact style, just sheer yummy. The open floor plan allowed for the farmhouse table, stately wood cabinets and clean-lined sofas to all complement each other while be viewed together. The master retreat was a soft sanctuary of creams, blues and blue/grays. With nature inspired prints and vintage sconces, this room was the perfect combination of masculine meets feminine.

Congratulations to ?? who will soon take occupancy of this lovely home as well as many of the furniture items.

All of the remaining items plus a few extras to give it a new pop, were moved a few houses down which is now a spec & model home for Lake James. Completely different floor plan so this home looked very different. Thanks to my assistant, Amanda Bass, who helped me do this house in half a day! She is amazing and a great help.

Ernie White spared nothing on this craftsman home in Highlands in the Woods, Lakeland. Thanks to Ann and Jim Everett, I was able to connect with their style and run with it.

From glammy baths to gallery art, this home was a mix of high end meets rustic. A relaxed modern approach, almost any family can appreciate and enjoy these aesthetics. They completely started over with their décor and brought with them only a bookcase. Jim and Ann, you were fantastic, trusting and fun! I can’t wait to do your dining and den! Emily, I hope you are enjoying your “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” inspired bath with all its jewels.

A HUGE congrats to Ernie White Construction for the taking home the prize in multiple categories including best overall. His craftsmanship, integrity and expertise never disappoint but always astound me. Ernie put his stamp all over this home from the octagon master tray ceiling to the pull-out laundry shoot. The tile work headed-up by Phil Kimmel from Ronnie’s Carpets was impeccable in the master and guest bath. Ernie’s carpenters always deliver top-notch quality and this was apparent in the custom built-ins, wainscoting and hidden pantry.

From the decorating side, my favorite was an old leaded glass piece I found from Dixieland Relics. It really pulled every element together and was made for the nook wall. Ann was not a “matchy-matchy” type of woman, which enabled me to be as outside of the box as I wanted. Her great room furniture was perfectly balanced but nothing was from the same collection. In the foyer, I hung real plants from an IKEA railing system with an old screen to frame in the art. I also love how the mixed matched Wellborn cabinet finishes (Custom Kitchens) and Cambria tops (Counter Effects by Roger) came out in the kitchen. My favorite girls at Ferguson’s helped us get the plumbing and lighting just right.

It truly takes a team of organized, skilled professionals; putting their best foot forward to make sure a home is encompassing all that it should for the home owner.