The rear of the house opens to the garden through the family room, breakfast area, conservatory, and den. In contrast to the more formal front rooms, this free-flowing series of spaces is more casual.

A key feature is an enlarged, built-in, stepped tansu surrounding the family room fireplace. The maple cabinets – with a sandalwood finish – house the entertainment system and provide storage for discs, tapes, and books. "It becomes an architectural feature that enhances the room in a functional way," says Nelson.

Peak performance

At the top of the house, the recreation room's cathedral ceiling is stained a playful red. The rich color allows the wood grain to show through for a textured effect. The sofa faces a media center that includes a flat-screen television.