For Janice and Steve Smith it is very important that they have a warm and comfortable home to counterbalance their very hectic business lives.  Four years ago Janice and Steve bought their four-bedroom, three-and-a-half bathroom house in the Covered Bridge neighborhood in Sellersburg, Ind.  They wanted to live in an outdoorsy environment outside of work.  They both play golf and the view outside their family room/ kitchen overlooks Covered Bridge golf course which offers a very relaxed atmosphere to come home to.  "We kind of feel like we are on vacation," says Janice.  Which was the goal for the Smith's new home: to be able to relax and enjoy their home whether it was with just the family or when entertaining.  That relaxing atmosphere helps rejuvenate Janice.  Janice is co-owner with her sister, Julie Schamel, of BAJ Catering and they recently opened a restaurant called Lunch Today in Jeffersonville, Ind.   Steve is with Paoli, Inc., a commercial furniture company.  The Smiths have a 10-year-old daughter, Stephanie, who keeps them busy and brightens up their fast-paced lifestyle.

Initially, Janice went to interior designer Leslie Lewis of Details in Jeffersonville to get help selecting the colors that would calm and soothe them after a busy day.  As it turned out Janice loved having Lewis's help so much that they did the entire house together from start to finish.  "She really pulled my taste together," says Janice.

For Lewis, it was a pleasure working with Janice because she understood the importance of finishing a house with all the accessories that turn a house into a home.  "So many times people don't take their home to the point of finishing it.  "Janice really stayed on task.  She went to the extent of seeing to all the details which is what makes it homey," says Lewis.

It is not too ironic that Lewis's design firm, which she owns with her partner Margo Rippy, is called Details.  Lewis obviously places great importance in the details of design.  In fact, if you were to compare the professions of both women, cooking and designing, it could be said they are very similar.  The addition of quality ingredients one at a time is what makes a fabulous dessert.  The same can be said about design - one quality ingredient at a time makes for a fabulous room.

Because the Smiths bought their house while it was still under construction they were able to select the oak hardwood floors and the cherry kitchen cabinets for the warmth they give the room.  Janice wanted a natural, muted color palette and Lewis agreed.  "Because the home is so open, it was better to go with muted colors," explains Lewis.  The family room walls are faux painted to look like a neutral beige color to give them more depth and texture.  This creates a cozier look in a large room filled with lots of natural light streaming in from windows that line the back of the house.  The dining room is painted a khaki color which further emphasizes the warm neutrals in the home.  The master bedroom is painted dark green, which the Smiths find very comforting in that intimate space.