C A sanctuary from the city brings the outdoors in and provides the perfect place for gathering By Chelsie Butler LIENTS IN HOUSTON WERE LOOKING FOR the ideal vacation home in which to gather with family and friends in nearby Galveston. Once they had their beach-front lot, they hired designer Sandy Lucas, founding partner of Lucas Eilers Design Associates, and someone with whom they had already worked with on three other projects. Lucas teamed up with architect Michael Dreef of EGA and builder Doug LeBoeuf of LeBoeuf Homes to create the perfect retreat from the city - one that was both well designed and functional.Through weekly client meetings and presentations during the design development stage, the homeowners were able to convey to Lucas exactly what they wanted out of their new home. Making the most of the stunning views and opening the living spaces to one another were two of the main goals. Another was to accommodate their aging parents - who live with them in Houston - which was achieved through the installation of an elevator that reaches all three levels,grab bars and a wide turning radius in the powder room and flooring surfaces that are walker friendly. A KITCHEN FOR MANY This space would be all about entertaining large groups and providing enough room for the family to work together. Lucas installed two islands - one for cooking and prep and one with a seating area for casual dining and a place to work on crafts.The two islands also provide the storage necessary for a kitchen with limited upper cabinets. A large dining table with a zinc countertop and an iron base fulfills more seating needs in the open plan. 99 THIS PAGE To convey the warmth of the outdoors, the designer chose antique brick for the backsplash in the lightfilled kitchen. Lighting choices include lanterns over the dining table and cable lights recessed into the high ceiling. This kitchen lacks upper cabinets because of the ample windows, but the two islands accommodate the storage needed. A window by the prep sink opens out onto the outdoor eating area so items can be passed back and forth.