Investing in a vacation home is no small feat, but one young couple took the plunge at a particularly challenging time—right in the middle of the pandemic. Their search led them to a stunning four-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bathroom retreat in Hunt, Texas. Determined to create a legacy property for their family, they turned to interior designer Sara Malek Barney of BANDD/DESIGN for a complete renovation.
Their vision? A home bursting with personality. “It was all about having fun—playing with colors, shapes, and patterns while making the most of every space,” says Malek Barney.
From optimizing storage under the foyer stairs to crafting a cozy breakfast nook with breathtaking views of the Guadalupe River, every detail was carefully considered. Take a tour of this beautifully transformed getaway below.
Entryway
The area beneath the staircase, once just a closet, had untapped potential. Initially, Malek Barney considered turning it into a crawl space for the couple’s two young children, but the team ultimately chose to open it up, creating a warm and inviting entryway. A built-in bench and shelving for books and décor now make a stylish first impression, with Sherwin-Williams’ Roycroft Bottle Green adding a rich, welcoming touch. “It’s comfortable, unpretentious, and designed to be lived in,” she says.
Living Room
A neutral color scheme in the living room allows the striking exposed wood-beam ceiling to take center stage. To enhance the space’s cozy atmosphere, Malek Barney softened the shape of the fireplace and introduced custom wooden coffee tables from Outer Woods—versatile pieces designed to adapt to the family’s needs. “They can go from entertaining guests to movie nights with ease,” she explains. With an open flow into the kitchen, the space is both functional and inviting.
Kitchen
To create a more open-concept feel, a wall separating the kitchen from the living area was removed. The homeowners also requested two islands—one for meal prep and another for dining and entertaining. They embraced a bold two-tone color palette featuring Sherwin-Williams’ Still Water and Tradewind, a decision Malek Barney loved. “They were excited about the colors, and it works beautifully. It’s vibrant, playful, and full of energy,” she says.
Transform Your Bedroom into a Sanctuary
A standout element? The patterned backsplash from Clay Imports in Tropicana Rucksack Green. “This tile became the inspiration for the entire kitchen’s color story,” she explains. “It’s like an art piece in itself.”
Breakfast Nook
Designed for everything from leisurely breakfasts to creative projects with the kids, the breakfast nook had to be both space-efficient and accommodating. Given its location along a walkway, the challenge was fitting as many people as possible without crowding the area. A built-in banquette, custom dining table, and flexible seating—including chairs that can be swapped for high chairs—were the perfect solution. “It’s a cozy yet functional space, and I love how it came together,” says Malek Barney.
Guest Bathroom
The guest bathroom is all about texture and movement, thanks to Clay Imports’ Palma Emerald shower tile. “It has incredible depth and visual interest, making it a great design choice for a variety of settings,” she explains.
Bunk Room
A three-story built-in bunk bed maximizes every inch of the bunk room, providing ample storage for clothes, toys, and more. Designed with longevity in mind, Malek Barney selected timeless blue hues—Sherwin-Williams Riverway and Moody Blue—that strike the perfect balance. “They’re not overly masculine or feminine, and they work across generations,” she notes.
Bedrooms
Each bedroom in the home was designed to be a peaceful retreat. In the primary bedroom, Sherwin-Williams’ Evergreen Fog creates a soothing backdrop that echoes the surrounding trees, visible through floor-to-ceiling windows. Meanwhile, the guest bedroom is painted in Sherwin-Williams’ Snowbound, a crisp and airy white used throughout the home.
Outdoor Patio
The biggest design hurdle for the outdoor space? Working around the existing stone elements. “We had to find a way to modernize the look while keeping the natural materials in harmony,” explains Malek Barney. The solution? Soft cream-colored walls to balance the stone fireplace, paired with rich wood tones, including a striking herringbone wood floor pattern.
Pork Chops with Cider Pan Sauce
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What was the primary goal for renovating the vacation home?
The homeowners wanted to create a space that would be in their family for many years, infusing the home with personality and style. They aimed for a fun, comfortable environment that would also cater to various activities and gatherings.
2. How did the designer maximize the space?
Sara Malek Barney used every inch of the 5,000-square-foot property creatively. For instance, the area under the stairs, initially a small closet, was transformed into a welcoming entry with built-in storage. Additionally, spaces like the breakfast nook and bunk room were designed for function, while maintaining a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
3. What color palette did the designer choose for the home?
The home features a mix of blues, neutrals, and vibrant accents. Key colors include Sherwin-Williams’ Roycroft Bottle Green for the entryway, Evergreen Fog and Snowbound for the bedrooms, and bold hues like Still Water and Tradewind for the kitchen. These colors were selected to create a relaxed yet playful environment that complements the natural surroundings.
4. What makes the kitchen stand out?
The kitchen was designed to be both functional and beautiful. The removal of a wall between the kitchen and living room opened up the space, and the homeowners opted for two islands—one for meal prep and another for dining and entertaining. The patterned backsplash from Clay Imports’ Tropicana Rucksack Green tile became the centerpiece of the kitchen, serving as the inspiration for the entire color palette.
5. What is unique about the bunk room design?
The bunk room features a three-story built-in bunk bed system, maximizing space for storage and sleep. The bed design was intended to grow with the children over time, with versatile blue tones that aren’t too babyish or too adult, making the room suitable for various ages.
6. How did the designer address the challenge of the outdoor patio?
The outdoor area presented a challenge with its abundance of stone elements. To create a more modern aesthetic while still embracing the natural surroundings, Malek Barney chose cream-colored walls and mixed in varied wood tones, including a beautiful herringbone wood floor pattern. The result is a contemporary yet warm outdoor space that complements the stone features.
7. What was the inspiration behind the design of the guest bathroom?
The guest bathroom design focused on texture and depth. Malek Barney chose Palma Emerald tiles from Clay Imports for the shower, which add movement and visual interest to the space. The tile’s beauty inspired the rest of the bathroom’s color scheme and design elements.
8. How did the designer make the breakfast nook both functional and stylish?
The breakfast nook needed to be compact yet accommodating, as it’s located along a walkway. The designer opted for a custom banquette and dining table with flexible seating options, such as chairs that could be swapped for high chairs if needed. The result is a cozy and functional space perfect for family meals and activities.
9. What materials were used in the living room and how were they chosen?
The living room’s timeless design highlights an exposed wood-beam ceiling and soft, neutral tones that emphasize warmth and coziness. Malek Barney softened the shape of the fireplace and introduced custom wooden coffee tables from Outer Woods, allowing the space to transition easily between family activities and relaxation.
10. How did the design team ensure the home would grow with the family?
Every space was designed with flexibility in mind. For example, the bunk room features adaptable beds, and many of the rooms were painted with colors that are timeless and won’t feel outgrown too quickly. The overall design also prioritizes comfort and ease, allowing the home to remain functional and stylish for years to come.