(In the age of air-conditioning, abundant sunshine is no longer such a negative.)
The inspiration for architect Lew Oliver’s 2,500-square-foot design?
Gather Outdoors
Booth seesporchesas extensions of indoor spaces.

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
“This size creates a whole other spacenot a pass-through area but a sit-and-linger room,” Booth says.
A vaulted, beamed ceiling defines the dining area.
The Echo Effect
An open-plan home calls for a holistic decor approach.

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
Play Up The Personal
The decor centers around personal touches and down-to-earth materials.
“All the attributes I admire in people, I seek out in objects as well.
We should surround ourselves with things that reflect our values.”

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
One particularly novel app of the idea?
The “secret” door to the crawl space beneath the stairs doubles as a movable bookcase.
Downsize Bedrooms
“I love asmall bedroom.

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
I see it as a cocoon,” Booth explains.
High ceilings, tall windows, and white walls achieve an effect that’s comforting, not claustrophobic.
She also hews to the rule that in a smaller space, less decor is more.

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
Even designers don’t get to have everything they want in their own homes.
The question becomes how to get something with character on a budget.
Here’s where Booth went bigand where she scrimped.

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
“you could always take special lighting with you if you move,” she says.

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn