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FeedBuilding A Strong Foundation
Renovated home serves as family’s base of operations
Sometimes it simply boils down to a feeling. “When I saw the house I immediately envisioned the corporate headquarters for my family,” Martha Korman says, recalling her decision to purchase her Odessa home five years ago. While stately, the roughly 4,000-square-foot Georgian needed some work. The interior was dark and dreary and the exterior and surrounding landscape was overgrown, but Martha believed the property had potential. She sat down with architect Richard Hartmann and Jay Deckard of Berkshire Homes, the builder in charge of the renovation and addition, and created a design that ultimately transformed the house into the regal, 11,000-square-foot home you see today.
Southern hospitality
From the moment you pull up to the house that Martha now shares with her husband, John Zumwalt, you can feel the Southern charm. Large oak trees line the driveway, which winds up to the brick paved entrance. The large porch urges you to step through the arched Sapele mahogany door. “That 10-foot door sets the tone. Paired up with the Knock Out roses out front and the Magnolia trees along the side of the house, you can’t help but think of a Southern plantation,” says David Patton.
Patton, along with Martha’s daughter Kristy Chinea, own Myspace Interiors, a local design firm. Both Patton and Chinea played an integral part in the design of the house. “Martha had a vision. But for her it was more than a renovation, it was a quest to create a comfortable home for her entire family,” Patton explains.
If the landscape sets the tone outside, the foyer offers guests a glimpse of what is in store for them when they see the rest of the house. In order to open up the area, which Martha says used to be very dark and gloomy, Berkshire Homes blew out the top of the roof to create the two-story foyer. The centerpiece is the curved staircase with hand-carved railings, an idea Patton says was mimicked off a design seen in a mansion in Texas. A massive chandelier resides in the center of the boxed ceiling, which picks up the dark hue of the hardwood floor. “The foyer is large, but not ostentatious,” Martha says. “I wanted people to come in, hang up their hats, and feel comfortable, as if they are right at home.”
A cook’s kitchen
Martha loves spending time with her six grandchildren, and one of their favorite activities is cooking, so creating a convenient, family-friendly kitchen was a necessity. The large butcher block island, topped with mahogany, is the perfect place for Martha and the kids to chop vegetables or create authentic Puerto Rican meals.
Maple cabinets, painted antique white, are complemented by granite countertops with swirls of brown and gold on the perimeter. “I wanted a bright and cheerful kitchen, a place where the family feels comfortable gathered around the island,” Martha says.
The kitchen overlooks the family room, which features the original wood burning fireplace that has since been converted to propane. A built-in wine cellar is located to the right of the fireplace. On the other side resides a wet bar and beverage center. “Jay gave it to us as a gift when the house was finished,” Martha says. “Can you believe it used to be a gun rack?”
Family bonding
A big factor in Martha’s decision to renovate the house was the importance of family. “My mother lives with us, and I wanted to make sure she has a comfortable space that is all her own,” she says.
The suite includes a dramatic bedroom that incorporates an old stone wall and fireplace that was original to the house. “You don’t see that treatment too often. It is so unique we chose to keep it as the focal point.”
Martha’s mother also has access to her own bathroom, kitchenette, family room and guest bedroom for when her friends or relatives visit. “She comes and goes, but in essence, I call her my house manager, she runs the show,” Martha says with a laugh.
Martha also made sure her grandchildren have a place to call their own, thanks to a bedroom filled with custom-built bunk beds accented with cheerful pink, yellow and green hues. Their bathroom and playroom carry out the colorful theme.
Not to be forgotten, Martha and John’s private master suite is a vision in deep blue and cream tones. In addition to the white and blue painted boxed ceiling, the wood bed makes a commanding presence. “The bed came from Egypt,” Martha says. “My taste in furniture is quite eclectic—I’ve found great pieces at flea markets and antique stores. These are the things that truly add character.”
When Martha wants to get away for a while, she retreats to her master bathroom. A built-in coffee machine and music system allows her to pamper herself for a few minutes before the day gets started.
Outdoor activities
On Sunday afternoons the entire family converges at the house for dinner and they often gravitate to the outdoor living space. The covered veranda overlooks the pool and firepit beyond. “This is a great place to just have fun, the grandkids love splashing around in the pool,” Martha says.
From the welcoming foyer to the comfortable family room, Martha says she set out to create a home where both family and friends feel a sense of peace and joy the moment they walk through the front door. “This house has a spirit to it and for me it was about more than just restoring a house, it was about restoring our life.”
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