Dec 31, 2025

A Tour of the McDaniel's Custom Angelina B

Building a house on your own land means creating a space that is uniquely yours, down to the last detail. It’s about turning a floor plan into a home that reflects your family's style and supports your lifestyle. The McDaniel family did just that with their Angelina B in Angelina County, and we were thrilled to take a tour and see how they brought their vision to life. They transformed the popular craftsman-style design into a stunning modern farmhouse, filled with personal touches and thoughtful modifications. Their story is a wonderful example of how our process helps families create a home that truly feels like their own.

Crafting a Modern Farmhouse Exterior

The Angelina B elevation is known for its welcoming, large front porch, which was a major draw for the McDaniels. While the original plan features a craftsman aesthetic, they had a different vision. They wanted a modern farmhouse, and they knew exactly how to achieve it.

To create their desired look, they made several key changes. They opted to remove the traditional brick and columns, replacing them with large rough sawn posts that add rustic charm. They also incorporated board-and-batten siding, added classic shutters, and installed brackets to complete the farmhouse transformation. The result is a clean, timeless exterior with a strong, welcoming presence that perfectly sets the tone for the rest of the home. The black and white color scheme, accented by the warm wood stain on the posts, creates a striking and beautiful first impression.

The Heart of the Home: A Custom Kitchen

Stepping inside, you immediately enter the heart of the home: the kitchen. This space is a masterclass in combining style with function. The McDaniels started by raising the ceiling height to ten feet, which allowed them to install large, beautiful pendant lights over the massive island without overwhelming the space. These same fixtures are carried into the entryway and dining area, creating a cohesive flow.

The island itself is a focal point, finished in a bold black that contrasts beautifully with the white perimeter cabinets. The family chose a countertop with subtle gray veining that complements the flooring, tying the whole room together. Black knobs and drawer pulls on the cabinetry continue the black-and-white theme, creating a clean and sophisticated look.

One of the most clever customizations is found on the edge of the kitchen closest to the foyer. The original plan included a coat closet near the entrance. The McDaniel's decided to remove it, a practical choice for Texas weather, and instead extended the cabinetry to create more counter space.

An Open and Inviting Family Room

Adjacent to the kitchen is the family room, where the sense of openness and light is truly breathtaking. The McDaniels chose to add a cathedral ceiling with a central wooden beam, a modification that dramatically enhances the feeling of space. This architectural feature makes a large room feel even grander.

Perhaps the most impactful feature is the wall of large windows. The McDaniels loved this aspect of the plan so much that they intentionally left these windows bare, allowing natural light to flood the room and offering unobstructed views of their property. This connection to the outdoors was a priority for them. They kept the decor simple and neutral, using furniture that complements the home's flow and allows the architectural details to shine.

A Serene and Spacious Master Suite

Personalization continues in the master suite. To accommodate their large furniture, the McDaniels added two feet to the back of the master bedroom. This small extension created the perfect amount of space in the master bedroom, allowing for easy movement around their king-sized bed without making the addition feel out of place. It’s a seamless change that significantly improves the room's functionality.

The master bathroom is a spa-like retreat designed for two. The family customized the vanity by separating the two sinks with a central storage cabinet, giving each person their own distinct area. Black faucets and fixtures carry the home's design theme into this private space. Instead of a separate tub and shower, they opted for a larger, luxurious walk-in shower. They tiled it from floor to ceiling for a clean, high-end look and replaced the standard corner bench with a full-length one, adding both comfort and practicality. This change also allowed them to have two spacious walk-in closets, providing ample storage.

Thoughtful Design in Every Corner

The rest of the home is just as thoughtfully designed. The front office, which can be smaller in the model version, was expanded by removing a planned half-bath and hallway. This resulted in a massive, functional office space that exceeded the family's expectations. The two guest bedrooms are generously sized, each comfortably fitting a queen-sized bed. A well-designed secondary bathroom sits between them, featuring the same white cabinets, black hardware, and floor-to-ceiling tile as the rest of the home. It even includes a cleverly hidden laundry hamper, making smart use of every square inch.

Even the utility room received a special touch. Inspired by a visit to our Lone Star model home, the McDaniels chose a patterned tile for the floor. This single decorative element adds a pop of personality while perfectly complementing the home's otherwise symmetrical and neutral palette.

A Home Built for Texas Living

For the McDaniel family, outdoor living was just as important as the interior. The large front and back porches of the Angelina B were a key reason they chose this plan. The custom wooden posts on the front porch enhance the farmhouse aesthetic, while the back porch provides a relaxing spot to sit in rocking chairs and take in the beautiful surroundings. The home doesn't just sit on the land; it complements it, creating a peaceful and cohesive homestead.

Feeling inspired?

The McDaniel family’s home is a beautiful reminder that a floor plan is just the beginning. With thoughtful choices and a clear vision, you can create a space that truly reflects your family. Tilson Homes is ready to help make your home-building journey both easy and enjoyable with over 90 years of experience and 12 Design Centers across Texas, we're here to guide you every step of the way. Call or text (346) 263-0547 to connect with a New Home Specialist and take the first step toward your dream home!