When Gabrielle Bunch and her husband Sean purchased an Empire home at Harper’s Preserve in Conroe, they immediately knew they had found the one. The mom-of-two and Houston-based graphic designer quickly got to work tackling DIY projects with the intent of making her new house feel like a home. Prepare to fall in love with Bunch’s simplistic styling and modern finishes inside her dreamy mid-century modern and Scandinavian-inspired family home.
Tell us a bit about you and your family.
“I graduated from Texas A&M University in College Station where I met my husband, Sean. We have been married since 2014 and are proud parents of two littles—Aiden and Alaina . I am a freelance graphic designer and small business owner. Sean is a firefighter and paramedic for West University Fire Department (our real-life superhero).”
When did you move into your Empire home?
“We moved into our new Empire home in Conroe, Texas in April 2020.”
What’s your favorite feature of your home’s design?
“It’s hard to pick just one. Some of our favorite features are the open-concept floor plan and high ceilings. We also love the large windows that allow in all the natural light. The little details—like the subway tile and shaker style cabinets—really add that luxurious charm to the home.”
What makes Harper’s Preserve a great place to live, and what are some of your favorite amenities?
“There are so many things to love about Harper’s Preserve. The community is absolutely gorgeous and it’s full of amenities for the whole family to enjoy. The amenity that we have been enjoying the most right now is the gorgeous walking trails. Aiden especially loves to look at the water and play at the parks.”
How would you describe the design style of your home?
“I would have to say that our home’s design style is a mixture of Scandinavian and mid-century modern. I love the minimalism of clean lines, solid colors, and modern fabrics. However, I also like to incorporate a blend of textures and neutral hues to create a cozy and inviting space.”
What room is the heart of your Empire home and why?
“The heart of our Empire home is the playroom. It’s where we spend the most time as a family, and where most of our memories are made. It’s where our daughter learned to crawl and where our son attended his first (virtual) day of kindergarten.”
What’s one tip you would give to someone designing their new home?
“One tip I would give someone designing their new home is to be practical. When looking for a new home, it’s easy to get carried away with all the “wants.” It’s important to stick to your budget and choose a home that’s right for you and your family. Choose a floor plan that can easily adapt to life’s changes. The best thing about building a new home with Empire is that you can tailor the floor plans to fit your needs.”
Want to be Gabrielle’s neighbor? Learn more about homes in Harper’s Preserve here. Images courtesy of Gabrielle Bunch.