Partnership by design

When Jeffrey Christensen christened Deer Pointe Villas in 2004, two well-known names were brought together.

Christensen and Joan Sorensen-Ronan, ASID.

That first villa exemplified the tradition on which both had built their reputations.

Christensen is at the helm of Christensen Homes.

To date, the builder has completed eight homes on Deer Run, a cul-de-sac.

Sorensen-Ronan, founder of Interiors Joan and Associates, was on board with Christensen on the original project.

They worked together to put together a new home for Christensen’s parents, David and Cynthia Christensen of Fremont.

“We’ve done work with Jeff Christensen before and we’re very familiar with his operation — what was expected of us and what their company does,” Sorensen-Ronan said.

That 2,600-square-foot home was based on the “Fountainview” plan.

There are five floor plans to choose from in Deer Pointe Villas.

“The all-brick exterior makes them unique. All are designed with two-car garages, but some lots allow for a three-car garage,” Jeffrey said. “We start with a standard package - but every one has been modified.”

“The setup can be different for people’s lifestyles,” Cynthia said.

Jeffrey guided his parents.

“He’s very artistic. He would see things we wanted,” Cynthia said.

Such as large closets with built-in cabinets and drawers.

“In one closet, I have all the Christmas decorations. It turned out great,” Cynthia said.

A screened-in porch was converted to a sunroom. That space revolves around warmth and openness - featuring many windows and a red brick rim bordering a carpet inset.

Sorensen-Ronan decorated a previous home for David and Cynthia. But the family has a tie beyond business with the interior designer - friendship.

David and Sorensen-Ronan attended the same Fremont elementary school and church.

“(Interiors Joan and Associates) selected everything - floor coverings, wall coverings, furniture, lighting, kitchen cupboards and granite counters,” Sorensen-Ronan said.

“She went through the home and pulled out color schemes,” Cynthia said.

“Not everyone buys everything new,” Sorensen-Ronan said. “We recovered some of the furnishings to go with the present color scheme.”

“I did choose my dining room to be formal,” Cynthia said.

Cynthia also chose to use an existing dining room set and her mother’s antique chandelier.

“Joan made everything work,” Cynthia said.

“We took things from the past - antiques and family heirlooms - and gave it a classic fresh approach,” Sorensen-Ronan said.

Interiors Joan and Associates helps clients individualize their homes.

Dave and Cynthia’s “Fountainview” home typifies casual elegance with a sprinkling of casual high country.

And yes, there even is an outdoor fountain.

The use of yellow throughout the home reflects the owner’s personality.

“She (Cynthia) is such a happy person,” Sorensen-Ronan said.

The master bedroom has coordinated draperies, wall coverings and bedspread.

“It’s an unusual toile - blue and yellow,” Sorensen-Ronan said.

Stemming from Christensen businesses, the cheery home features cherry wood throughout.

“Eight-inch cherry baseboards and cherry doors are an upgrade my dad made,” Jeffrey said.

David Christensen, now retired, was CEO of Christensen Lumber.

Even the first step inside the entry is welcoming, featuring walls 11-feet high and tumbled travertine floor tiles.

“It’s casual elegance. You feel relaxed. It’s inviting,” Sorensen-Ronan said.

Family-friendly.

When the Christensen family gets together there are 18 - including eight grandchildren.

A lower level has game rooms, bedrooms, storage areas and a complete kitchen.

“The great room has a beautiful fireplace we designed with a solid piece of limestone,” Sorensen-Ronan said.

The screen for this fireplace?

A plasma TV - placed above.

Catering to lifestyle trends, the newest Deer Pointe Villa floor plan is smaller, but offers additional square footage in the great room.

And what David and Cynthia also find great - the ease of maintenance.

A monthly maintenance fee covers lawn care, snow removal, trash removal and biannual window cleaning.

“That gives (residents) the freedom to come and go as they please,” Jeffrey said.

And there’s more to come for Christensen Homes.

“There will be future phases,” Jeffrey said.

“There’s a lot there for Fremont - single family, villas and patio homes,” Jeffrey added.

Lots more.