House of design

We're all used to designer clothes, designer perfumes, even designer home furnishings. But how about a designer home?

Believe it or not, Cape Girardeau had its own house of design long before designer labels became popularized in other media. This designer's name was John Boardman, and his architectural design features set his projects apart from all others. He always combined function with style in sleek, elegant ways.

An example of his work is the home at 2418 Brookwood. This home is a unique brick and frame ranch style house with a shady, well-manicured yard. It's near the end of a cul-de-sac in one of Cape Girardeau's most recognized neighborhoods. From the brick and aggregate walkway lined with hydrangeas to the welcoming wraparound porch, this home was planned to be both warm and elegant.

A nice feature of this home is its construction with three segments surrounding a back yard and in-ground pool. This design gives each segment a distinctive purpose, and ensures privacy in the back yard.

The entrance foyer features a smooth brick floor with plenty of light from two floor-to-ceiling windows. A large coat closet is nearby.

A luxurious formal living room features a classic woodburning fireplace with black marble facing and hearth, and a classic white mantle. Double doors can separate the room from the foyer. Plush cream carpeting stretches into the adjoining formal dining room. Both areas receive lots of natural light through the large windows that look out over the front yard. The dining room features a shining brass chandelier.

In the wing to the right of the foyer is an office with custom-built cabinetry and shelves. Royal blue wallpaper contrasts nicely with the white shelves and cabinetry.

One of the hallmarks of a John Boardman design is the built-in storage found throughout the home. Boardman designed homes that were not only attractive, but easily lived-in. Storage is always a concern in a home, and Boardman addressed that problem with sleek cabinetry generally built flush with walls so as not to detract from wall lines.

This home has five bedrooms and three and a half baths, all well-designed for space, functionality and light. The master bedroom connects with a master bath via a vanity area.

The home's family room also features custom shelves and cabinetry that serve as an entertainment center. A smooth brick floor, rough-hewn ceiling beams, and a classic brick fireplace give a homey feel to the room.

The patio and pool area are nicely designed with plenty of room for entertaining. A separate pool building serves as extra storage for pool supplies, and brick planters and beautiful shade trees soften the whole area, making it cool and private.

The home's kitchen is L-shaped with sleek custom cabinetry that even includes wine racks near the ceiling. Country blue wallpaper and white beadboard paneling give the room a cozy look. Modern appliances include a built-in electric range, double oven, side-by-side refrigerator with in-door drink and ice dispenser, trash compactor and double stainless steel sinks with a window overlooking the pool.

This home has a two-car garage and two entrances to its finished basement. One of the entrances is conveniently close to the garage. Downstairs is a large unfinished storage room, and a huge exercise and family room area. There is also a downstairs bathroom with a double sink vanity, tiled step-in shower, and a tiled tub/shower area. A separate toilet room houses both a toilet and urinal.

Also downstairs are two bedrooms, perfect for teenagers or as a private area for guests. A walk-out leads to the home's back yard.

This jewel of home design is currently listed at $319,900, and is available for viewing through Century 21 Key Realty, 334-7736.