Inspired by the client’s Louisiana roots, this gracious “Simplified Southern” home takes cues from antebellum living and transplants it to suit a spacious, sunny Menlo Park location. The blue-ceilinged covered porch, white theme, high ceilings, and shingles hearken back to the South, while the simplified exterior style, smaller overhangs, and larger windows welcome more natural light and help the home harmonize with its contemporary neighborhood.

Highlights include:

• Two-bedroom ADU at the back of the flat lot enables multi-generational living

• Glassed-in breakfast nook faces east, for morning coffee with the sunrise

• 12-foot ground-floor ceilings echo traditional Southern great homes

• Dining area opens onto pool and patio for easy hospitality