As written in Northern Home & Cottage by Elizabeth Edwards Sara and Paul Matthews call their head-turning home, located in a sweet neighborhood just up the hill from downtown Petoskey, “a very human story.” Indeed it is. Sara and her husband, Paul, have a special-needs son as well as an energetic middle-school daughter. This home has an answer for everyone. Located down the street from the school, it is ideally situated for their daughter and a self-contained apartment off the great room accommodates all their son’s needs while giving his caretakers privacy—and the family theirs. The Matthews began the building process by taking their thoughts and needs to Stephanie Baldwin and her team at Edgewater Design Group. Beyond the above considerations, they wanted their new home to be low maintenance and to stand out architecturally, “But not so much that anyone would complain that it didn’t work in our neighborhood,” says Sara. “We were thrilled that Edgewater listened to us and were able to give us a unique-looking house that is meeting all our needs.” Lombardy LLC built this handsome home with Paul working alongside the construction crew throughout the project. The low maintenance exterior is a cutting-edge blend of stacked stone, black corrugated steel, black framed windows and Douglas fir soffits—elements that add up to an organic contemporary look. The use of black steel, including interior beams and the staircase system, lend an industrial vibe that is courtesy of the Matthews’ friend Dan Mello of Trimet Industries in Traverse City. The couple first met Dan, a metal fabricator, a number of years ago, right around the time they found out that their then two-year-old son would never be able to walk. After the couple explained to Dan that they couldn’t find a solution for a child who wasn’t big enough for a wheelchair, he designed a comfortable, rolling chair that was just perfect. They still use it. The couple’s gratitude for the chair resulted in a trusting relationship with Dan, so it was natural for them to welcome his talents into their home-building process. A maple floor finished to bring out all of its color-tones envelops the room in warmth. Alder doors and trim and a Doug fir ceiling reflect that warmth. Clearstory windows and floor-to-ceiling window banks fill the space with light—and with views of the spacious grounds that will become a canvas for Paul, a retired landscaper. The couple’s vibrant art pieces play off against modernist furniture and lighting that is due to an inspired collaboration between Sara and interior designer Kelly Paulsen. “She was absolutely instrumental to the project,” Sara says. “I went through two designers before I finally found Kelly.” The open clean-lined kitchen, butler’s pantry outfitted with a beverage center and Miele coffee machine (that allows guests to wait on themselves when Sara is cooking), and an outdoor room that centers around a wood-burning fireplace, all make for easy, fabulous entertaining. A den just off the great room houses the big-screen television and Sara’s loom— making for relaxing evenings of weaving, game watching and togetherness. Tourgoers will leave understanding that this house is everything great design should be. Form following function—and solving very human issues with soul-soothing style.

Photo: Lisa Petrole
Large trendy enclosed brown floor and medium tone wood floor family room photo in San Francisco with purple walls

Example of a country formal and enclosed living room design in Miami with beige walls

Example of a transitional gray floor and wood wall foyer design in Austin with blue walls and a light wood front door

Elegant dining room photo in Charlotte with multicolored walls

Kitchen - 1950s kitchen idea in Nashville

A farmhouse coastal styled home located in the charming neighborhood of Pflugerville. We merged our client's love of the beach with rustic elements which represent their Texas lifestyle. The result is a laid-back interior adorned with distressed woods, light sea blues, and beach-themed decor. We kept the furnishings tailored and contemporary with some heavier case goods- showcasing a touch of traditional. Our design even includes a separate hangout space for the teenagers and a cozy media for everyone to enjoy! The overall design is chic yet welcoming, perfect for this energetic young family. Project designed by Sara Barney’s Austin interior design studio BANDD DESIGN. They serve the entire Austin area and its surrounding towns, with an emphasis on Round Rock, Lake Travis, West Lake Hills, and Tarrytown. For more about BANDD DESIGN, click here: https://bandddesign.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://bandddesign.com/moving-water/

Rebecca McAlpin
Example of a classic master freestanding bathtub design in Philadelphia with white walls

Photo Credit: Scott McDonald, Hedrich Blessing
Trendy freestanding desk dark wood floor home office photo in Chicago with green walls

A Chelsea one-bedroom, where bold, bohemian touches meet boutique hotel flair. Being a rental apartment with very little architectural charm to highlight, our goal was to turn what was essentially a white box, into a space that reflected our art-director client's personality, while also incorporating durable pieces that could withstand the wear of an energetic pet pitbull! Our client wanted a space to store her vast wine collection, as well as a space to entertain, so we turned the foyer area into a "wine bar", creating a cozy yet playful vibe with chalkboard paint, rustic wood and metal elements, as well as a collection of vintage mirrors. The goal in the living room was to create layered yet sophisticated boutique hotel feel, which we did by layering patterns, texture, and color, and incorporating an oversized light fixture for a playful yet dramatic touch. This shot features our client's home office area, which is situated perpendicular to the living room to maximize space. Photos by Matthew Williams

Inspiration for a timeless teen room remodel in Charlotte

Martha O’Hara Interiors, Interior Design and Photo Styling | City Homes, Builder | Troy Thies, Photography | Please Note: All “related,” “similar,” and “sponsored” products tagged or listed by Houzz are not actual products pictured. They have not been approved by Martha O’Hara Interiors nor any of the professionals credited. For info about our work: design@oharainteriors.com

This lively living room has vibrant orange walls that commingle with blue accent chairs. A vertical mirror above the comfortable white sofa provides a visual focal point.

The Great Room features an energetic mix of colors and patterns. These combine with modern forms and ethnographic elements to create a crescendo to the day. Grouped with iconic Milo Baughman chairs, a sensuous white vintage Vladimir Kagan sofa pops against rich hues of copper and blue. Its curves are mirrored in a circular pendant fixture that centers the seating group and a custom-designed elliptical rug. Tony Soluri Photography

Inspiration for a timeless 3/4 white floor claw-foot bathtub remodel in Milwaukee with green walls and a pedestal sink

Photo Credit: Tom Crane Photography
Drop-in bathtub - eclectic kids' multicolored tile, ceramic tile, blue tile, orange tile and white tile drop-in bathtub idea in Philadelphia with flat-panel cabinets, orange cabinets, a one-piece toilet and an undermount sink

Bedroom - mid-sized contemporary carpeted bedroom idea in Seattle with white walls and no fireplace

Mustard tones, teamed with neutral grey tones and highlighted by energetic shades of green produce this modern interpretation of mid 20th century style. Wall colours Sail White and Mustard Jar available in Matt or Mid Sheen Breatheasy emulsion.

This large room is made cosy with a canvas couch in charcoal and a rattan side table. The rug has natural colors and a vintage look. Use of natural materials like wood, rattan and a combination of living and artificial plants give this room a energetic, urban jungle and natural look. All used products are available in the USA. Styling by Cleo Scheulderman and photography by Jeroen van der Spek - for HK living