Craftsman style reborn in modern home
Kerri Tassin found the perfect front door with leaded glass for the craftsman-style bungalow she and her husband, Stephen, built four years ago near Willard. So she called the nearest distributor in St. Louis to place an order.
They only work with contractors, they told Tassin without even asking if she might be one.
“It was a little bit sexist,” says Kerri, a petite woman who considers herself rather quiet and reserved.
But Kerri is certainly no pushover.
When she called the West Coast manufacturer and reported her experience, they gave her a nice discount and shipped the door.
Today, Kerri probably could moonlight as a contractor in addition to her career as a certified public accountant. Unlike many homeowners, she loved the hands-on experience of building a house and the daily on-site decision-making her job allowed.
It didn’t happen overnight.
She and Stephen took two years to plan their home and find a builder, says Kerri: “This can’t be done in a month’s time. It’s a very thoughtful process.”
Their builder did a great job, she says, considering the specialized construction the Tassins required to make their home on three acres just right. Often, Kerri would hand him a photo of what she wanted in, say, the bathroom or the kitchen.
“We stretched him,” says Kerri, as she discussed the process of building the house.
Their goal: To weave turn-of-the-century vintage style with modern convenience. And to look toward the inevitable future.
Though the house includes an unfinished basement and second-floor fourth bedroom, everything important is on the main level. Plus, doors to the master bedroom and bathroom were built wide enough for wheelchairs and walkers,should they need them someday.
“We hope to be here for our retirement years,” says Kerri. “We tried to plan ahead.” Stephen’s job at Prime Inc. prevented him from participating in the interview.
Inspiration for the house came from her grandparents’ home in Chicago, says Kerri. She also pored over books on the craftsman style and spent hours searching the Internet.
And they haunted several old Springfield neighborhoods, taking photographs of details they liked.
The results are impressive.
Outside, the white wraparound porch in front and a textured stamped concrete patio out back are inviting places to relax and enjoy nature.
The stone chimney and pillars — and lack of modern gutters — might fool visitors into thinking the house is a century old.
The home’s interior is just as satisfying. Kerri and Stephen selected the doors, windows (including a pair with leaded glass), light fixtures, pillars, wooden floors and more with attention to detail, reproduction authenticity and personalization.
The house boasts five pocket doors. The rest (including closet doors) have craftsman-style geometric trim. Wood cabinets and built-ins are made of quarter-sawn oak. Noted for its flecked finish, the oak is found in many early 20th century homes, says Kerri.
Hardware throughout includes nickel fixtures and amber glass door knobs.
The living room, dining room and and kitchen are open to each other. A stone floor-to-ceiling hearth holds a cast iron wood-burning stove the couple uses to heat their house six months of the year. That helps cut down on the cost of propane — their main source of heat, Kerri says.
Built-in cabinets with glass doors flank the fireplace. Above the cabinets are small decorative windows with leaded glass. More windows –topped by treatments Kerri stitched herself –open to the front of the house. For additional light, the Tassins had clerestory windows placed nearly to the lofty bead board ceiling.
Light fixtures here and in the hallway include diamond-shaped sconces and hanging lanterns with geometric, amber-color shades. Table lamps are scattered throughout the house, many of Tiffany style.
More amber appears in glassware collected on a shelf that tops a hanging country quilt. Many pieces were handed down from Kerri’s mother and grandmother, she says.
“Someone told me, ‘You’re kind of amber-crazy,’” notes Kerri.
In the living room, leather and fabric-upholstered furniture in soft browns, greens, tans and other earth tones were placed in a diagonal seating group.
Every inch of floor is wood. That stays true to the home’s style and helps Kerri’s asthma.
Stereo equipment is tucked into one of the cabinets. However, the main television is banished to a converted bedroom made comfortable with sofas and chairs, and a collection of Kerri’s bears.
“I don’t want entertainment TV,” she says. “I want to be able to visit with people out in the living room.”
A small TV sits on the green laminate countertop in the horseshoe kitchen, however. Here, modern meets vintage, with stainless steel appliances and track lighting. Cabinets — more quarter-sawn oak — were custom-made.
The horseshoe island features a raised bar where visitors can sit to chat while Kerri prepares a meal. She and Stephen enjoy entertaining family and friends, says Kerri.
“The floor plan is very modern,” says Kerri. “It’s almost loft-like, but the style is not modern.”
The dining room includes a built-in bench. Kerri recently stitched new shades for the windows and re-covered dining room chairs. A barn-red runner and floor rug provide bright accents.
The couple’s master bedroom is a simple sanctuary. Its large master bath maintains the craftsman look with modern updates. A wall of white custom-built cabinets separates the main area from the commode. Here and in the hall bath, sinks are pedestal style.
Another bedroom works as Kerri’s office. Every room seems to have a view of secluded wooded acreage. And none feels stuffy.
“It’s not a museum,” says Kerri. “It’s where we live and we want it comfortable.”
