Page 206 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2016

HOME singing the blues
The arches over the windows, along with the unusual design of the attached carport and tile accents add to the exterior’s 1920s look. The Lances found two water tanks on the house’s roof, which was a fairly common practice at the time the house was built. The setting amidst a magnificent Live Oak tree and palm trees adds to the welcoming feel.
Just inside the light-infused foyer is a large built-in bookcase the Lances think is original to the house. Some of the windows have glass that’s slightly wavy — another indicator of the house’s era. There are oak floors and a granite fireplace in the living room that are also thought to be original.
The couple has embraced the coastal area by incorporating sea colors, shells and other coastal decorative accents. However, the four wall-mounted ship lights in the living room were already in place at the time they took residence.
“This is my time to be able to use bright colors,” Roxane says of her wall colors. The living room’s soft sea foam green gives way
to a turquoise dining room with enough
natural wood tones to keep it in check. An old- fashioned butler’s pantry with built-in cabinets connects the dining room to the kitchen where Roxane has used a palette of bright colors to create a cheerful setting that’s punctuated by white tile counter tops. Dave points out a water line — compliments of Hurricane Katrina — across the oven’s glass door.
Three bedrooms, two baths and a home office
round out the home’s living quarters; all designed and decorated for comfortable, easy living. Roxane’s sons, daughter and grandsons enjoy visiting, especially after the couple added a swimming pool to the backyard. “We both like the water,” Dave says. “I especially like
the view. A few years ago I sat on my deck and looked at an industrial complex. Now I sit on the deck and look at Cat Island.”
Roxane adds, “I’m planting palm trees like crazy because I couldn’t have them in Ohio and Kentucky.”
She’s originally from Kentucky and is currently serving as manager of the Salvation Army’s family store in Gulfport.
After retiring from owning a food service franchise, Dave now works as a food service supervisor for the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department.
EMBRACING THE COAST, the Lances incorporated sea colors, shells, other coastal decor and accented the existing ship lights mounted in the living room.
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