As Mina and Steve began to plan to start a family, they also began to think about where they would be raising their children and creating lifelong memories. Years ago, Mina had purchased an empty lot next door to her home in Fountain Square. She had dreamed about building her forever home on that property. With a new addition to the family on the horizon, Mina and Steve decided that now was the time to begin building the house of their dreams.
The exterior of Mina’s three-story dream home was inspired by Charleston, South Carolina, the family’s favorite vacation spot. Elements such as big columns, large balconies, porch fans and a custom black-iron fence featuring a hawk to represent the family’s last name were used to bring a little bit of Charleston to Indianapolis.
Mina was also able to utilize turf rather than grass outside, a choice that isn’t cost effective for most of their renovations, but has always been something that Mina and Karen have wanted to do to guarantee a beautiful lawn year-round.
Creating an interior that was fit for both raising a family and entertaining for holidays and get togethers was important to Mina and Steve. Mina achieved both of these goals by implementing an open concept floor plan on the first floor of the home that still includes a large kitchen, formal dining room, and a living room complete with Steve’s dream fireplace that was a perfect fit for hanging stockings.
The home also included a nursery, a courtyard and a playroom that are perfect for their new growing family. True to the Two Chicks and a Hammer style, Mina included a personal touch for the couple’s dogs: a custom shower in the garage complete with Mina’s favorite Carrara tiling.
Lots of planning, sweat, love and tears went into the house that Mina and Steve built and were able to finish just in time to bring Baby Jack home just a week after completion!