Crisp and clean Palette of grays and charcoals add clean lines

There is something about autumn that makes you appreciate the order of nature. Though nature may seem extremely unpredictable, it is actually soothingly steadfast in its predictability. The house at 3502 Julie in Cape Girardeau is one that makes you appreciate order.

The exterior is white Dryvit, giving it a regal appearance. It has a well-manicured and professionally landscaped yard with a sprinkler system, and a sunny deck and covered patio.

The interior, of course, is where this home shows its steadfast dependability. The whole house has been decorated in modern blacks, whites and charcoals. This simple color palette makes the most of space, giving the entire house an uncluttered look. This idea begins in the foyer, where the entrance door is white with frosted and beveled glass panels. The foyer floor is white, shiny marble.

To the left is the formal dining room, which has warm, hardwood floors and walls that use the light grays as a subtle background. An elegant crystal chandelier is the shining gem of the room.

The living room also has a hardwood floor, a cathedral ceiling with inset spotlighting and a large bank of windows to give the room plenty of natural light. The centerpiece of the room is a gas-log fireplace with a white marble hearth and white mantle. The well-manicured back yard and deck are the view enjoyed through the bank of windows.

The kitchen also keeps a simple palette with a white ceramic tile floor and white cabinetry with black granite-look countertops. The eat-in kitchen area is situated in a bay, with sunlight surrounding it.

A main-level laundry room is conveniently close to the kitchen, with matching countertops and cabinetry. It also includes a large stainless steel deep sink for hand washables and plenty of storage space. A door exits to the home's main level two-car garage.

The master bedroom has an inset ceiling with inset spotlights to give it clean lines and abundant light. The master bathroom contains a garden style whirlpool tub. The tub has been set in black ceramic tile steps with glass blocks built into the steps.

The whirlpool tub experience is enhanced by surround sound, which is available in most areas of the house, including the bathroom, bedroom, great room and kitchen. The master suite also includes a large walk-in closet.

This home contains four bedrooms. The main floor includes not only the master bedroom but two more bedrooms, also very well designed. They share a Jack and Jill bathroom, and each has a large window and plenty of closet space.

A finished basement further increases the living space in the home. A pleasant white and oak staircase leads downstairs to a large family room. The family room includes a brick wood-burning fireplace and plenty of room. There is also a dining area. Large windows give a view of the back yard. French doors lead to a moderately-sized covered patio. The downstairs also includes plenty of storage space, including a second garage which has been finished so that it also could double as a children's play area, yet at the same time accommodate boats, four-wheelers or other recreational vehicles.

A downstairs bathroom and another small bedroom add to the home's guest space.

This home is currently priced at $292,900, and is listed with Coldwell-Banker Hamilton Realty, 334-1818.

traddle@semissourian.com