Changed plans reflect owner’s style

When graphic designer Michele Beauchamp built her home in Post Falls, she worked with the builder to update the interior from the original plans. “It had the look of an ‘80’s apartment,” she said.

Since this is the third home she’s owned, Beauchamp knew what she wanted: high quality interior doors and 6-inch molding, with hardwood kitchen cabinets painted white.

The white woodwork and interior paint allow the red, gold and browns of the hardwood flooring to be the dominant colors in the home, resulting in a warm, bright living space.

Beauchamp created a cottage traditional look with a contemporary feel by incorporating black and white throughout the home. White curtains hang from black rods, and photographic prints mounted with black frames add to the chic style.

“I designed the kitchen island and had it doubled in size from the original,” she said. The island topped with Formica in a charcoal color has a built-in alcove for the microwave. The Formica is the same shade as the granite hearth surrounding the central fireplace.

Beauchamp chose high-end stainless steel appliances.

“I shopped (for) everything online,” Beauchamp said.

Copper, Beauchamp’s cat, is clearly the king of this castle. He’s responsible for one of the home’s most unique features.

He has his own private bathroom entrance.

For cat owners, deciding where to put the litter box can be a major concern, especially when working with a small space. Beauchamp created her own solution.

She had a small door built into her entryway wall for Copper’s privy entrance. The litter box is inside her laundry room. Beauchamp had a child’s toy box with a bench seat built over the litter box.

To change the box, she simply lifts the seat. Everything is completely contained.

Another change Beauchamp made to the home’s original design was to have pedestal sinks installed in both baths instead of vanity sinks. Of course, having pedestal sinks poses the problem of where to put makeup, curling irons and bath supplies.

She solved that dilemma by converting an armoire to a vanity. It features a mirror and lamp and wicker baskets to hold supplies.

In the master bedroom, instead of one large window, Beauchamp asked the builder to make two smaller ones. The windows open outward to take advantage of the area’s frequent breezes.

The southern exposure of the home fills it with warm natural light, even on winter days. Beauchamp enjoys the openness of her main room and is pleased that the changes she incorporated to the original plans reflect her owns sense of style.

“You can tell I’m a creative person,” she said.