"From the dirt to what it is today."

That's how homeowner Michelle Morse describes the process of creating the Valencia home she shares with husband Greg and daughter Peyton.

Located in the West Hills development, the Morse home exemplifies a philosophy Michelle cultivated while growing up in the South: "We hope our home feels open and welcoming to all who enter. Come in and stay as long as you want!"
She's ready for people to take her up on the offer, too: "There's always plenty of food in the fridge. We always send our guests home with goody bags!"

LEFT: "This is where we gather," says Morse of her well-appointed family room. The couch was custom built by Suburban Chateau using a washable chocolate-velvet fabric. Greg Morse is a fan of the cozy furniture. "My husband is very tall, so we made sure to customize the couch to be extra deep: 45 inches." The suede ottoman is equally durable. "It cleans up beautifully with just water and a white cloth," says Michelle. INSET: The brilliant custom storage center was crafted by Suburban Chateau to fit right behind the couch.



LEFT AND BELOW: The built-in in the billiard room was designed with the help of Suburban Chateau. "It warms the room and serves as a gorgeous focal point while providing a smart spot for the bar and TV," says Morse. "The guys never miss a sporting event!" The piece also provides an attractive contrast to the hickory-distressed wood flooring. BELOW: "Greg loves to cook," says Michelle Morse. "My husband was sold on this model when he saw the kitchen." The room is open and spacious; it's also well connected to the rest of the house. "You can see everyone, even when they're in the entry area," says Michelle. Greg installed the glass and travertine tile backsplash himself.