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Collection by Caroline Wallis

A Family Retreat Mixes Rustic Materials with Modern Space-Saving Design

Two gracious Douglas fir porches flank this 1,100-square-foot escape in South Texas.

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A pair of teak Adirondack chairs allow for quiet repose on the creek-facing porch, which is made from reclaimed Douglas fir. Ceiling fans purchased at a local home improvement store keep the space cool during the brutally hot summers.
A pair of teak Adirondack chairs allow for quiet repose on the creek-facing porch, which is made from reclaimed Douglas fir. Ceiling fans purchased at a local home improvement store keep the space cool during the brutally hot summers.
The traditional Texan “Sunday House” is usually characterized by a detached barn that can both act as storage and host guests in hay lofts. Craig threw a nod to this architectural tradition with a barn-like palette of materials, such as galvanized metal siding and the exposed wood rafters.
The traditional Texan “Sunday House” is usually characterized by a detached barn that can both act as storage and host guests in hay lofts. Craig threw a nod to this architectural tradition with a barn-like palette of materials, such as galvanized metal siding and the exposed wood rafters.
"For the interiors, we right sized every space for IKEA built in cabinetry,” McMahon explains. To save space in the bedrooms, all closets and wardrobes were moved into the hallways. A pair of Eames Molded Plywood chairs from Design Within Reach stand opposite the dining area.
"For the interiors, we right sized every space for IKEA built in cabinetry,” McMahon explains. To save space in the bedrooms, all closets and wardrobes were moved into the hallways. A pair of Eames Molded Plywood chairs from Design Within Reach stand opposite the dining area.
With the help of McMahon's brother, Cavan of Half an Inch of Water Studios, the two were able to find cost-effective construction solutions that included polishing the concrete foundation to save on flooring. In the dining area, rustic-meets-modern thanks to IKEA dining chairs, West Elm pendant lights, and a long, thin harvest table found locally on Craigslist.
With the help of McMahon's brother, Cavan of Half an Inch of Water Studios, the two were able to find cost-effective construction solutions that included polishing the concrete foundation to save on flooring. In the dining area, rustic-meets-modern thanks to IKEA dining chairs, West Elm pendant lights, and a long, thin harvest table found locally on Craigslist.
A custom steel and red oak ship ladder in the main living area is another space-saving solution. The door is Douglas fir and the shelving is mesquite wood; an Eames lounge chair can be seen in the master bedroom.
A custom steel and red oak ship ladder in the main living area is another space-saving solution. The door is Douglas fir and the shelving is mesquite wood; an Eames lounge chair can be seen in the master bedroom.