ANDERSON, Ind. —
Looking forward to a family Christmas that brings their two college-aged children back to the nest for a couple of weeks, Michael and Tracy Skiles are planning a lot of quality time with loved ones this season.
Their festive home matches their festive hearts as splashes of Christmas red accent the black-and-white backdrop of the living room.
“I like the Christmas, homey feeling in this room,” said Michael, regional manager of ComSonics. “It’s predominately red and white, which really brings out my son’s painting.”
Chase’s artwork, depicting a bright red rose, is proudly displayed year round, along with several other paintings littered throughout the home. This piece, however, plays a dual role by seamlessly weaving the Christmas décor into the style of the room.
Chic with zebra print on the rugs, throw pillows, and large mirror over the fireplace, the living room doesn’t shed its personality for the season. Instead, Tracy expertly outfits the room to both reflect her tastes and celebrate with traditional colors.
“I really like it in here,” said Tracy when asked which room in the house was her favorite. “I like the size and that the colors are neutral. And I really like our zebra-printed things.”
Enclosing the porch for more space
Buying the house was an unexpected turn of events for the Skiles. Always interested in the property for its curb appeal, they were curious about the interior. When a friend who was also a Realtor had the home as one of his listings, they simply wanted to sneak a peek.
“That night he sold me the house,” said Michael. “We had really outgrown our home in Edgewood and wanted the kids to go to Lapel.”
“We wanted the land and thought we would have animals,” added Tracy, director of a home care company in Indianapolis and a hair stylist at JimZac Salon. “We haven’t had the time for animals, but we like the seclusion.”
Michael and Tracy have made several changes to the home over the years — one of the more notable is enclosing the back porch to create more living space.
“I like the back porch,” said Morgan, who is studying kinesiology at Indiana University. “It has been completely transformed since we moved here. In high school I used to go out there and read and take naps.”
A Southwestern flair
A more recent update is a complete kitchen remodel. Even a small bathroom was removed to make room for an oversized refrigerator/freezer. Nearby in the dining room, Tracy took stencils and metallic paint to the walls to create a beautiful finish.
In the basement is a game room ready for company. Stocked with a bar, pool table, intricately-carved chess board from Mexico, and large-screen television, entertainment is abundant. On the second floor is an oversized bedroom and unique bathroom for guests. Decked out in black porcelain, a whirlpool tub, double-sink vanity, and even a bidet make guests feel pampered.
Reflecting their history together, Southwestern flair is woven throughout the home. Lining the built-in shelves in the family room are pottery and baskets. On the walls are renderings of landscapes and in the basement are knickknacks pointing to another place.
“We met in Arizona,” said Tracy. “I grew up here and went to Madison Heights but moved away for seven years.”
“We came back because she was homesick,” said Michael. “She has so much family here and we wanted the kids to be around relatives.”
Each week, Emma Bowen Meyer features a Madison County home. If you know of a home that should be showcased, send an e-mail to emmagoldiemeyer @yahoo.com.
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The Skiles have married the personality of their zebra-printed living room with holiday shades.
Discussion
Make it homey for Christmas
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