Fort Bend Lifestyles and Homes Magazine Jun 2009: Steve and Jennifer Polotko's Old World Home 4

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Perhaps most striking about the home is the dining room, both for its location and Renaissance feel. “So many houses have the dining room right there to the side when you walk in the entryway. This one is kind of tucked into its own little pocket off of a hallway, not visible the minute you walk into the house, ” Jennifer explains. “It gives it a very private, wonderful feeling, great for entertaining.”

Heavily textured walls in golden, coppery colors adorned with gold leaf set the tone here. A long, handsome table with plenty of seating makes entertaining easy. But most impressive is an antique door in rich wood and intricate stained glass that divides the space from the butler ’s pantry and wine nook. “The doors were already with the house,” says Jennifer. “Such a wonderful fit, a great idea to divide the two spaces.”

White cabinetry in the butler’s pantry was given a rich wood stain. Tan-brown granite countertops and a faux technique simulating timeworn brick and stone complete the medieval look here.

The kitchen was a total mismatch when they moved in. “It didn’t do the house justice. It got a complete overhaul,” says Steve. Copper Canyon granite countertops contrast with brown luster stone walls that shimmer in natural light. Stump Custom Cabinets designed new cabinetry in a cathedral style with Enkeboll Designs trim and detailing. Antique seeded glass adds texture to the mix. A new, much enlarged island stands out in espresso paint. Lighting atop the island came from the Round Top Antiques Fair.

“The transformation in our kitchen is just unbelievable,” says Jennifer. “It totally fits the house and what we were trying to do. All along I loved the bones of this house and its big front door and grand entryway. The kitchen fits the feel of this house now. ”

The house doesn’t follow a cookie-cutter floorplan, evidenced again by a charming playroom in red beadboard for son Noah, tucked away just off the breakfast room. “It’s kind of an unexpected, great little space that this house has. It’s Noah’s little part all to himself, a great place for him to play while I’m cooking or doing something with the girls in the den,” Jennifer says.

“That’s what I love about this place. It has so many interesting rooms and places to go. All it needed was a little tender loving care. I feel like this house was meant for us. ”