Page 222 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2017

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THE SPACIOUS HOME IS DESIGNED FOR FAMILY LIVING AND ENTERTAINING. TOP: THE KITCHEN features the Old Chicago brick over the stove with gorgeous quartz counter tops and Mediterranean colors.
changed the front door, added windows and opened up the house. It flows better now.”
They also made the house low energy consumption with foam insulation and solar panels.
Spaciousness and a designer’s touch are evident from the moment the massive front door is opened into the foyer where visitors are greeted with a decorative chandelier, huge mirror and plants. Because the stairs were moved from the middle of the area to one side, there’s a view into the family room and out to the sun room and pool.
Hand-scraped dark oak flooring is used in
much of the home with area rugs adding color and texture. The floors are part of what Piracha describes as her “rustic theme.” Sliding barn-style doors are used as part of that theme too.
There’s a bit of Tuscany added to the kitchen’s look with Old Chicago brick over the stove, quartz counter tops and Mediterranean colors. The rope chandelier and farm-style table tie it
all together into an inviting spot for family and friends to gather. That is, if they choose not to dine in the formal dining room, which is pretty but not stiff. An unusual mirror and beautiful raw silk drapes are standouts here.
The window treatments throughout the home are impressive. All were designed by Umaira Piracha and produced in the Pirachas’ home country of Pakistan.
Photos taken of the house before the Pirachas’ re-modeling show walls painted dark colors. Umaira chose light paint colors to brighten the home and uses art, pillows, area rugs, flowers,
candles and family mementoes to keep it lively and interesting. Several of her own pencil and charcoal drawings are framed and add character.
A two-sided fireplace is shared by the family room and formal living room where soothing colors and comfortable seating lend themselves to quiet conversation. “We really do use this room because in our culture we have an active social life and have a lot of company and family visiting,” Umaira said.
The master suite is also a quiet retreat with carpet and custom draperies and Roman shades. Two small bathrooms were combined to create a luxurious spa bath.
In the sun room, the Pirachas added brick walls, more windows and a charming sitting area. An outdoor kitchen is next on their agenda of home improvements. A screen enclosure was added to the 40-foot pool that’s just outside the sun room. Also on the list of improvements is additional landscaping for the 2.5-acre lot.
The Piracha children — Neha, 16, Aaryan, 14, and Arsalan, 7 — enjoy the upstairs television/game area and their own bedrooms and bathrooms.
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