When Charlie and Mary Lee Braswell moved into their Lake Wilborn home in spring 2018, the neighborhood was just beginning to take shape. With a handful of completed houses, they were among the first residents to settle into what would become their close-knit community.

“It was exciting to choose our floor plan from a sketch and watch it come to life over the following months,” Mary Lee said.

The “Murphy” plan has since become one of the most popular designs in Lake Wilborn and Blackridge. For Braswell, one of its standout features is the covered front porch, a space that lets them stay connected to their neighbors.

“It was a great way to get to know everyone,” Braswell said.

Inside, the home reflects a blend of new traditional style with what Braswell calls “traditional maximalism.” While the architecture itself is relatively understated, the personality of the home shines through in its layered decor, natural lighting, thoughtful color choices, and meaningful details.

“I’ve worked hard to make our home feel warm and welcoming,” she said.

The open floor plan, ideal for entertaining, presented some initial design challenges. With fewer walls for furniture and artwork, Braswell said she had to be patient finding the right balance.

“I really did not realize this aspect until we moved in the house,” she said. “It took me a while to find the right pieces for the open floor plan.”

One of her favorite solutions is a gallery wall in the bonus room. The wall proved tricky to design around because of a storage door.

“One day I just started hanging art on it that I had collected from thrift stores, estate sales and garage sales,” Mary Lee said. “It has been one of my favorite design projects so far, and now I hardly notice the ugly closet door.”

Vintage and antique elements are woven throughout the home, creating a collected and layered aesthetic. As the owner of White Elephant Refined, an antique shop on Etsy and social media, Braswell is always on the lookout for vintage pieces that can make modern homes like hers shine. Her antique finds, as well as family heirlooms, have been thoughtfully placed throughout the home. One unique feature that catches everyone’s eye? She had her grandmother’s needlepoint incorporated on the back of her dining room chairs.

“My goal has been to create a collected, layered look that has a timeless style but does not look like your grandmother's house,” Braswell said.

Charlie has played a key role in bringing many of Mary Lee’s ideas to life, including a custom-built bookshelf. More recently, the couple collaborated on a large mirror above the fireplace — intentionally aged to create a timeless focal point in place of a television.

Outdoor spaces are just as important. The Braswells have expanded and updated their back porch over the years, transforming it into a gathering spot. They love gardening almost as much as they love entertaining at home.

“Back porch patio summer evenings with neighbors have been a highlight through the years,” she said.

The couple also hosts an annual Fourth of July gathering, and last year they introduced a Sunday Summer Supper Series with neighbors — a tradition Braswell hopes will continue.

Looking ahead, the Braswells are turning their attention to smaller projects, including updates to the laundry room, after recently completing a guest room refresh.

For those looking to enhance their own homes, Braswell offers simple but meaningful advice: be patient.

“Take the time to find the style you like,” she said. “Choose pieces that you will enjoy for a lifetime.”

In a neighborhood built on community, the Braswell home stands as a reflection of that spirit — thoughtfully designed, deeply personal, and focused on bringing people together.