The Gabriella at Abbot Lake

Do you ever dream of just relaxing by the ocean shore? What if you feel that way without even leaving your own home? This beautifully designed Gabriella model home in Abbot Lake can inspire those same coastal vibes.

Ideal Homes & Neighborhoods’ Design Center Sales Manager, Kathy Wood, believes it is important for each model home to be unique just like this charming craftsman-style home.

"When you think about the coast, your mind goes to the sandy beach, the hues of the ocean, sky, and clouds.  That is the essence of a coastal-themed design.  Not at all nautical, this style is really defined by using light, natural materials, and colors that pull from the sea and beach. I loved adding the gold highlights in lighting fixtures and cabinet hardware,” says Wood. “The colors and materials used, as well as the furnishings, pull directly from those elements…the aqua tile, grays reminiscent of driftwood, and crisp airy whites. The furnishings reinforce the theme with their natural colors and textures with wicker and textured fabric.”

As you enter the home, the kitchen, dining room, and living room are on full display.  Your eye goes immediately to the kitchen area.  The kitchen backsplash is the highlight of the room with a gorgeous aqua tile, part of Shaw’s Stewart collection, it’s appropriately named ‘Sea’. The color against the white and driftwood gray of the cabinetry and the neutral countertop, MSI Carrara Mist, really sets the mood for the entire model home.   

“Shiplap is an important part of the coastal style and is most often painted.  The fireplace, which is a huge focal point, seemed to be a perfect place to accent with paneling,” said Wood. “The combination of the white paneling and aqua tile feels so fresh and airy. It’s probably my favorite element in the home.”

The wood flooring for the great room is part of Hartco’s Timberbrushed Oak collection called ‘Coast to Coast'.  The light variation and wire-brushed matte finish were perfect to give a warm, slightly worn look to the floors.  The color selection is inspired by the tans and grays of sand and beach grasses.

The model homes are always a place for something that is a little fun and unexpected when it comes to design themes. Bathrooms and utility spaces, with their typically small footprints, are a perfect place to add something a little playful.  The stylized floral tile, one of Shaw’s Islander collection ‘Garden Way’, is inspired by warm sunshine, blue and green ocean, and white sand and seemed perfect to add some color and texture.

"I decided on using gold as an accent throughout, in the fixtures and hardware,” Wood said.  “To me, this represents a treasure found on a beach walk - a shiny, sparkly piece of shell or glass. I personally love the colors used in the home.  The Stewart Sea tile was a new selection in the Ideal Homes & Neighborhoods Design Center, and I couldn’t wait to find the perfect place to show it off!”

The Gabriella is the perfect floorplan to make a statement without overdoing the design. This 1,586 square foot open concept, three-bed, two-bath model home came together so well because the details are simple with pops of beautiful color and texture reinforcing the coastal theme.

"Designing a model home has to serve several purposes. We want to showcase the beautiful materials our clients have available to choose from, but most important is that it be memorable.  I think this home does both,” said Wood.

Check out the Gabriella floor plan.