Stunning & stylish

There is no doubt that color can make a creative statement in a home's decor, but a lack of color can be equally striking.

The house at 2517 Abbey is a classic study in white. Everything about the house -- exterior and interior -- is done in a beautiful paleness. The Dryvit exterior highlighted with black wrought-iron accents gives the home a European flair. That ode to European style continues inside, where an 18-foot ceiling draws the eyes upward, and the paleness of the walls and carpeting accentuates the space.

Tall Palladium windows give the home a stately appearance from the inside and outside. French doors open to a terrace off the dining room, which is bordered by a black wrought-iron railing. A double-paned glass panel runs the length of the entrance door.

With more than 3,000 square feet of living space, the effect of a white palette is stunning.

The foyer is adorned with glossy, cultured marble floors in light beige. All of the trim throughout the house is clean white.

Arched columns announce the entrance to both the dining and living rooms. The dining room shares the gleaming tile floors, but plush cream carpeting transitions to the living room. The entry arch is repeated in the living room, where an inset above the gas log fireplace is the focal point. The fireplace has marble facing and a crisp, white mantel.

The open floor plan moves easily to the kitchen area, which features an eat-in bar, cabinetry and bay window breakfast nook area.

A large patio is just outside, offering opportunities for outdoor dining and entertaining. Also nearby is a main-level laundry with shelving and a convenient half-bath. An exit leads to the three-car garage.

Also on the main floor of this home is its master bedroom suite. Light colors prevail, with an inset ceiling and combination of spotlights and a ceiling fan. The bedroom is large enough to accommodate large furniture. Plenty of room is available for a sitting area, also. Palladium windows and his and hers walk-in closets are other luxuries in this master bedroom.

The master bath is an added treat, stunning with its Romanesque arch and columns over the step-up oval garden-style whirlpool tub. The tub is enclosed with Italian-style marble. Two vanity areas, each with its own sink, and a step-in shower are also pleasures. Six inset spotlights give this dramatic bath the lighting it needs.

Upstairs are three bedrooms, all of a generous size with plenty of closet space and light. Two of the bedrooms share a Jack-and-Jill bathroom between them. A third upstairs bedroom has its own bath with a tub/shower, attractive tile floor and generous vanity.

This home also has a finished basement. A large game room there easily can accommodate a variety of game tables and large entertainment center. Also downstairs is a bathroom with two entrances, making it accessible from the family room and from another large bedroom. The bathroom includes a ceramic-tile floor, tub/shower and a vanity with a large mirror. The adjoining bedroom has a large walk-in closet and an attractive gridded window that overlooks the side yard.

This elegant home is listed at $389,900 and is available for viewing through Classic GMAC Real Estate, 335-0133.

traddle@semissourian.com