“The colors that I used are the perfect backdrop to the furnishings, art and accessories that I have collected for many years,” Lorraine says of her upper west side home.
Forty years ago, Lorraine came to El Paso from Mexico City as a young bride, and quickly made herself at home in the city of culture and character. An active member in the community and member of various volunteer organizations, Lorraine currently serves as president of Sarabia’s Portable Jons, Blue Sanitation and Blue Advertising Concepts.
When Lorraine built her home in 2005, she called on Willis Homes of El Paso and the talents of Design Director Teri Froetschel, who runs the company with her sister Amy Schoemaker. Lorraine wanted a custom-designed home with a breathtaking view so she could see the city she so loves. She also wanted a home-wide space to showcase her artwork and home furnishings.
“She knew how she wanted her home to feel and function. The home is a reflection of the owner’s personality and displays the artwork and furnishings she has collected,” says Teri of the home that received the 2006 Star Award for the Best Architectural Design at the annual Sunbelt Builders Show. “It was important that she could entertain friends both indoors and out, so the home was built with a very open and dramatic living, dining and kitchen space that opens onto a wonderful patio area.”
The design certainly helps give the impression that it is larger than it is – something Lorraine appreciates because she lives alone but often has friends and family over.
“The home has no hallways, rather open spaces that give the flow and privacy,” Lorraine says, noting that it also provides a wonderful space to entertain both indoors and out. “It is a comfortable space when I’m home alone. I wanted room for the family and friends to stay comfortably, but not too big a residence.”
The space is always convenient for Lorraine’s visiting family, including daughter Soffia Lorraine Wardy and sons Amen Wardy III (married to wife, Tracy), Jean Paul Wardy (married to wife, Marianna) and grandchildren. All together, Lorraine has four grandchildren and one on the way.
Entertaining is also important to Lorraine, and she can easily fit guests in the great room which contains the kitchen, living room and dining room. A large granite counter separates the kitchen and dining room but provides extra room for appetizers, drinks and additional plates of food or even seating.
If the weather is right, Lorraine invites her guests to the backyard patio, a spacious seating area with built-in benches and, one of Lorraine’s favorite things, an incredible view overlooking El Paso.
It is the combination of colors, space and character in Lorraine’s home that makes it wonderful. But it is Lorraine, her desires and possessions that truly brighten her home.
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