This meandering driveway is the focal point of the property. Mitigating cracking with a running bond pattern, achieved by checker boarding pours and maintaining a high quality of work with consistent finishes and crisp, clean, saw cut lines, produced the final result.

This piece of furniture was incredibly fun to build and help design. We partnered with the talented Christine Harris of Tracy Lynn Studios who had the vision of colors, textures and dimensions. We sat down together and helped her finalize her vision, supporting structure and proportions in CAD. The result was a one of a kind piece that was so much fun to build and admire once complete. The chartreuse high polished lacquer finish gives it a playful and retro feel. The inside is lined with a beautiful Pierre Frey wallpaper. The colors are complimented by remote control, recessed LED lights. We concealed the battery power pack inside a soft close drawer so there are not any unsightly cords running down the wall. Since our client is a connoisseur of fine spirits, we wanted to give him a place to make his drinks right where he stores them. So we created a walnut and black limba end grain cutting board pullout for him to enjoy. The Soss brass hinges allow the beveled glass panel doors to bi-fold and simultaneously expose a nice detail of the building process. The brass supports that hold the glass shelving are like icing on the cake of this creative piece. The Barber Bar Cabinet stands 90 inches tall and 4 feet wide and is made of solid hardwood. To give it the structure it needed to support a completely stocked bar of heavy glass bottles, we laced section between the cabinet and the base with 1x4 steel tubing. We also did a steel mortise bar stretcher between each leg and then welded a steel bar between the legs to keep the legs from racking. This piece was an incredibly challenging piece to build but we couldn’t be happier with how this turned out and our clients felt the same!

Our clients contacted us to help them update their kitchen. They wanted to first update the countertops, while also adding a backsplash and pullout drawers to their existing pantries. Some of their existing drawers were falling apart and they wanted to update those to soft closed drawer boxes as well. There was also an old appliance garage that they no longer used and wanted to know what we could do to remove that. We proposed to remove the existing cabinet and cut the appliance garage down. This really opened up the space for them, which they loved. We were now ready to install a new Calacatta Lucia quartz countertop and a Raku silver glossy tile backsplash. We also replaced the main and prep sink with new concrete undermount sinks. To finish this transformation, we installed all new dovetailed wood drawer boxes with full-extension undermount soft-close glides in all their existing drawers and the two pantries. Now our homeowners finally have the kitchen of their dreams!

This piece of furniture was incredibly fun to build and help design. We partnered with the talented Christine Harris of Tracy Lynn Studios who had the vision of colors, textures and dimensions. We sat down together and helped her finalize her vision, supporting structure and proportions in CAD. The result was a one of a kind piece that was so much fun to build and admire once complete. The chartreuse high polished lacquer finish gives it a playful and retro feel. The inside is lined with a beautiful Pierre Frey wallpaper. The colors are complimented by remote control, recessed LED lights. We concealed the battery power pack inside a soft close drawer so there are not any unsightly cords running down the wall. Since our client is a connoisseur of fine spirits, we wanted to give him a place to make his drinks right where he stores them. So we created a walnut and black limba end grain cutting board pullout for him to enjoy. The Soss brass hinges allow the beveled glass panel doors to bi-fold and simultaneously expose a nice detail of the building process. The brass supports that hold the glass shelving are like icing on the cake of this creative piece. The Barber Bar Cabinet stands 90 inches tall and 4 feet wide and is made of solid hardwood. To give it the structure it needed to support a completely stocked bar of heavy glass bottles, we laced section between the cabinet and the base with 1x4 steel tubing. We also did a steel mortise bar stretcher between each leg and then welded a steel bar between the legs to keep the legs from racking. This piece was an incredibly challenging piece to build but we couldn’t be happier with how this turned out and our clients felt the same!

This zen inspired vegetable garden is so beautiful and unique! Our customer was beyond thrilled when she was the final product, and so were we! Enter through the gate and guide yourself down the spiral path that lets you see and have access to every inch of the garden. There are so many veggies this family will be enjoying fresh harvests well into fall! The flowers planted around the garden on the outside of the fence provide so much vibrant color they definitely won't need to buy any store made bouquets this year! Frank Crandall

Built in the early 1950’s, the 3-bedroom home was passed down through three generation; parents to son, and finally, to grandson. The grandson was getting married, and he and his spouse would make this house their home in which to raise their family. Seventy years later, the house had seen better days. It was chopped up and in need of remodeling. The couple wanted an open floor plan, and what was once an 11-room house, would be remodeled into a beautiful open floor plan with 3 guest bedrooms, along with a spacious primary bedroom with an on-suite bath and his and hers closets.

A lakeside home with limited outdoor space was in dire need of an innovative solution to transform this extremely dated backyard into an entertaining destination. The design solution incorporated an infinity edge pool, automated fire pit, outdoor kitchen, cabana, sun deck, and state of the art technology. The design was presented in 3-D to help the clients fully understand the creative use of space and elevation. The pool structure was literally cut in half to be prepared to increase the size and add an infinity edge. Due to the expansive soils and the new pool structure being built within 30” of the water’s edge, advanced construction techniques for stabilization were incorporated. The soil was chemically injected to control expansive movement and tight access concrete piers combined with helical anchors were installed to shore the new pool structure and infinity edge basin. In addition, the new decks were built over the water with many helical anchors installed in the water and drilled to over 30 kips per pier. The decks were designed to hold parking structure weight, not just a family entertaining. In addition, again due to the expansive soils and extreme slope the new deck, built from the latest technology decking supplied by Trex, was constructed on more than 50 concrete piers. The entire backyard incorporates the latest technology and can all be controlled via the home owner’s smart phone or computer. A few of the Amenities include; fully automated fire pit, multiple color changing LED lights in the pool and basin, under water speakers, full surround A/V system, deck accent lighting, step lights, cabana lighting and accents, water features, and more. This project was a true technical achievement implementing advanced engineering and the final result is a magnificent luxury outdoor living environment! Photography: Daniel Driensky

At RCID, we were thrilled to design the Briar Hill Residence—a timeless, transitional home that blends warmth, sophistication, and enduring craftsmanship. In collaboration with Altitude Custom Homes and Scalla Designs, every detail was thoughtfully planned to create a residence that feels both refined and inviting. From initial concept to final touches, the design celebrates quality, comfort, and materials that will stand the test of time. The kitchen, beautifully crafted in partnership with Legacy Kitchens, features rift-cut oak cabinetry stained Ridge—introducing natural texture and warmth to the home’s central gathering space. Custom architectural detailing, seamless millwork, and purposefully layered lighting bring depth and balance to each room, achieving a timeless, cohesive feel throughout.

This view from the end of the bar showcases the new view into the kitchen after the structural modifications have been made. Notice how the far window is no longer obstructed by the refrigerator and the large windows in the breakfast area are also unobstructed. This is one of the key factors in creating a bright, open floor plan. The updated floor plan also allows a clear view of the breakfast and bar area from the cook station. This is perfect for the cook to be engaged with guests while prepping, cooking, and washing dishes at the sink without be secluded by a dividing wall. It’s easy to see that the remodeled space is much more user-friendly, both for the cook and for the guests! Final photos by Impressia.net.

Our clients contacted us to help them update their kitchen. They wanted to first update the countertops, while also adding a backsplash and pullout drawers to their existing pantries. Some of their existing drawers were falling apart and they wanted to update those to soft closed drawer boxes as well. There was also an old appliance garage that they no longer used and wanted to know what we could do to remove that. We proposed to remove the existing cabinet and cut the appliance garage down. This really opened up the space for them, which they loved. We were now ready to install a new Calacatta Lucia quartz countertop and a Raku silver glossy tile backsplash. We also replaced the main and prep sink with new concrete undermount sinks. To finish this transformation, we installed all new dovetailed wood drawer boxes with full-extension undermount soft-close glides in all their existing drawers and the two pantries. Now our homeowners finally have the kitchen of their dreams!

We had a blast helping Maggie & Chris with their kitchen renovation project. After planning with Maggie we knew it was our mission to transform their outdated kitchen into a modern and bright area. The perimeter cabinets were refinished, and a new custom island finished in colors from Sherwin Williams. The perimeter cabinet is Snowbound, and the Island is Online. In the design of the custom Island, they wanted to remove the countertop microwave. The new island features the built-in appliance and accommodate a beverage fridge. Because this island would be a family meeting place. They asked us to equip the island for maximum charging devices. To balance the two-toned cabinets, we installed a darker countertop on the perimeter called Metropolitan Grey. Metropolitan Grey has a concrete texture that added a whole new dimension to the project. The island countertop is called Arabescato Como. Which adds a clean and classic appearance to the project. Both countertops are sustainable quartz from Arizona Tile. For the backsplash we wanted to go classic. Carrara Marble Bianco Carrara Hexagon. This mosaic was a mix of the cool and warm tones which highlighted the other selections of the home. We grouted the mosaic with a warm grey grout which makes the individual hexagons pop and warm the space. With Maggie’s personality we had to install these pendant lights. This pendant has many different installation options, we installed them in a unique pattern which gives it a nice three-dimensional element. Ahwatukee Kitchen Remodel... We had a blast helping Maggie & Chris with their kitchen renovation project. After planning with Maggie we knew it was our mission to transform their outdated kitchen into a modern and bright area. The perimeter cabinets were refinished, and a new custom island finished in colors from Sherwin Williams. The perimeter cabinet is Snowbound, and the Island is Online. In the design of the custom Island, they wanted to remove the countertop microwave. The new island features the built-in appliance and accommodate a beverage fridge. Because this island would be a family meeting place. They asked us to equip the island for maximum charging devices. To balance the two-toned cabinets, we installed a darker countertop on the perimeter called Metropolitan Grey. Metropolitan Grey has a concrete texture that added a whole new dimension to the project. The island countertop is called Arabescato Como. Which adds a clean and classic appearance to the project. Both countertops are sustainable quartz from Arizona Tile. For the backsplash we wanted to go classic. Carrara Marble Bianco Carrara Hexagon. This mosaic was a mix of the cool and warm tones which highlighted the other selections of the home. We grouted the mosaic with a warm grey grout which makes the individual hexagons pop and warm the space. With Maggie’s personality we had to install these pendant lights. This pendant has many different installation options, we installed them in a unique pattern which gives it a nice three-dimensional element. spacious kitchen renovation in phoenix az kitchen island with white countertop remodeling phoenix az With the help of our designer, picking every element for the new kitchen, each one of them provides a unique and sleek feel. A few items that help achieve that sleek look, was a modern modular stainless steel kitchen sink that came with accessories such as a removable drying rack, cutting board and a waste basket for food prep. The faucet comes from Delta. The Delta Essa kitchen faucet in matte black provides that slim low-profile. Finally, the kitchen was painted with Sherwin William Drift Of Mist. This color is a chameleon and is a champ of tying warm tones to cool tones. The crisp line of white from the cabinetry to the natural wood tones in the floor.

Our clients contacted us to help them update their kitchen. They wanted to first update the countertops, while also adding a backsplash and pullout drawers to their existing pantries. Some of their existing drawers were falling apart and they wanted to update those to soft closed drawer boxes as well. There was also an old appliance garage that they no longer used and wanted to know what we could do to remove that. We proposed to remove the existing cabinet and cut the appliance garage down. This really opened up the space for them, which they loved. We were now ready to install a new Calacatta Lucia quartz countertop and a Raku silver glossy tile backsplash. We also replaced the main and prep sink with new concrete undermount sinks. To finish this transformation, we installed all new dovetailed wood drawer boxes with full-extension undermount soft-close glides in all their existing drawers and the two pantries. Now our homeowners finally have the kitchen of their dreams!

This Houston, TX property, nestled in the Timbergrove neighborhood, rests on a floodplain. To address this, the owners constructed a custom farmhouse porch raised above a substantial crawlspace beneath the home. Concealing this crawlspace was pivotal, requiring a foliage that will mature to effectively mask and blend it. The property's sloped and sun-soaked terrain posed another layer of complexity, both of which our landscape architect seamlessly integrated into the design process. Guided by these factors, we devised a plan that features three distinctive gardens, each leading gracefully to the house. The front garden boasts a xeriscape design with succulents and Blackstar gravel. The middle garden showcases the rugged beauty of West Texas native plants, accentuated by moss rock boulders and Texas sage. As you approach the house, the final garden combines a medley of the owners' favorite ornamental plants such as hollyleaf fern, wood fern, salvia, yucca plants, frog root, and blue flag iris. We employed chop block raised beds crafted from rectangular limestone cuts, aligning with the farmhouse's aesthetic. Strategic placement of Brody juniper trees ensures they will mature in harmony with the home.

We often times meet to present to clients and have to modify on the spot to finalize the selections and gain signatures and deposits to order. If we have to wait for a cutting because we don’t have all the samples we run the risk of losing out on the excitement of closing the sale

A beautiful home right off of Hillsborough Street in Raleigh, NC. The customer has been remodeling and updating the home for over a year. One of their final projects was to create a hardscapes plan for their backyard. We provided masonry retaining walls, cut out and removed tons of dirt from the lot, paved a ribbon driveway, prepped and laid stone pavers, built masonry steps on the front and back porch stoops.

The renovation of an extensive linear residence and site facing Port Orchard waterway embraces water, greenspace and forested hillside. The home, completed this fall, serves as an artist’s studio, galleries, family space, game room, outdoor living areas and peaceful retreat. New interiors and exterior spaces and finishes, cabinetry, lighting, paving, landscape and courtyards become settings for the owner’s art + collections, three-generations of family and the wonderful colors and textures of the land + water. Inside, a monumental central stair and tapered two-story tall red cedar and steel column was designed as the residence’s entry focal point and internal landmarks, guiding the visitor’s eye to the main atrium…. and upward. Heavy wide-flange steel moment frames support the house and enable whole walls of glass. Rough, mill-finished steel contrasts refined cabinetry, stone, wood structure and defining dropped ceilings, reflecting the opener’s love of the tension between highly polished and detailed + rough, found art. Outside, A new southern “dining room” was designed for warm summer evening gatherings under a heavy-timber trellis. The focus, opposite water and island views, is a metal perforated screen. The final screen is composed of the lyrics from a Joe Cocker song of great meaning to the owners, cut from ½” marine bronze, set into dark-fired brick. “Oh My Darling, Be Home Soon….” Natural daylight and high-efficiency lighting are central players as in any gallery. From a high clerestory and extensive southern and eastern window-walls to carefully selected up-lighting, pendants, and accent fixtures, Rhodes Architecture + Light worked closely with the owner to ensure that their dark existing house would become one filled with light…. night and day. The owners, Ken and Jane, allowed us to interview them about their experience working with Rhodes Architecture + Light, and how they are feeling about living with the architecture today. What was your experience like, working with Rhodes Architecture + Light? “They worked with us because it was a remodel, an existing thing, and we had to try to make it work for all of our interests and how our family operated. They listened, and we listened, and it was a great communication back and forth.”–Jane How has the renovation changed the way you live and enjoy your home? “I remember saying to them that I want the whole floor heated because it gets so chilly down here. And we had the wood burning stove, but it was over there and now we just turn the floor heat on and we can come down. It’s cozy and nice. So we’re looking forward to winter now.”–Ken “We have 5 kids together and now a bunch of grandchildren. I wanted a marble countertop, but there’s just no way. I didn’t want it to be a place where I had to say, ‘No, no, no. Wipe up your drink, do this, do that.’ I wanted it to be a place where everybody can come with all the kids, and we make a big mess, and I can clean it up. And we can enjoy ourselves here, because that room upstairs, we almost never went in. And now we’re in there eating pizza and watching the game.” –Jane As an artist, Jane enjoyed the collaborative process. “I can’t believe it was as positive as it was. I went into it thinking it would be a great, creative, fun, collaborative thing, and I have to say, with our architects, it was. I like that creative process. I always say when I am doing a painting, it’s a series of problem solving so it wasn’t unusual for me. I am completely blown away by them and had fun with that part of it.” –Jane Architect: Tim James Rhodes RA AIA, Rhodes Architecture + Light Builder: Fairbank Construction Company Structural: Swensen Say Faget

Scope of Work: Full Renovation | Fit-Out | Interior Design | Furnishing Client Type: Government-Linked Private Villa (Mayor’s Residence) ⸻ Location: La Mer, Dubai, UAE Project Overview Antonovich Group is proud to unveil this fully renovated modern villa in the prestigious coastal area of La Mer, Dubai. Designed and executed for a prominent government-related client, this project reflects the highest standards of contemporary interior design, architecture, and custom finishing. Every corner of this residence was transformed to reflect elegance, functionality, and modernity. The villa features a calming neutral palette, luxurious materials, and refined detailing that elevate the living experience while maintaining understated sophistication. ⸻ Our Full-Scope Renovation Included: • Architectural Re-planning for better space optimization • Custom Fit-Out works across all living areas and bathrooms • Luxury Interior Design in a modern minimalist style • Complete wall finishes with moldings and decorative paneling • Marble & Mosaic installation in wet areas • Designer lighting fixtures and ceiling details • Tailor-made wardrobes and vanities with brass accessories • High-end sanitaryware and fittings • Electrical layout & ambient lighting design • Turnkey furnishing and soft décor styling ⸻ Key Design Features: • Neutral base palette with white, cream, and warm gold finishes • Soft LED lighting with layered ceiling details • Custom carpentry and joinery, including modern wall paneling • Bespoke bathroom vanities with diamond-cut designs • Glamorous brass and crystal lighting for hallways and bedrooms • Walk-in wardrobes with accessory drawers for watches, belts, and more • Seamless integration of storage and technology ⸻ Project Challenges & Solutions: Our team worked with precision to overcome challenges such as existing structural constraints and required integration with municipality standards. From drawing approvals to final delivery, the project was handled by our dedicated in-house project managers, engineers, and designers. ⸻ Result: The villa was delivered turnkey-ready, on time and within scope — a perfect example of refined modern living in Dubai. Every space, from the bedroom to the bathrooms and lounge areas, was designed to be both luxurious and livable. ⸻ Ready to Renovate Your Villa in Dubai? If you’re looking to renovate or redesign your home in Dubai or across the UAE, Antonovich Group offers end-to-end solutions — from concept to completion. Showroom: Al Wasl Road, Dubai Call or WhatsApp: +971 54 299 5555 Website: www.antonovich-design.ae Email: info@antonovich-group.ae ⸻ #VillaRenovationDubai #LuxuryInteriorDesign #ModernVillaDesign #FitOutDubai #AntonovichGroup #LaMerDubai #InteriorDesignDubai #CustomFurnitureDubai #BespokeInteriors #BathroomDesign #MarbleBathrooms #WardrobeDesign #ModernLighting #WallPanelDesign #TurnkeyRenovation #DubaiHomes #LuxuryVilla #HighEndDesign #DubaiRenovation #FullFitOut #InteriorExecution #RenovationExpertsDubai #HouzzPro #HouzzUAE

This client’s vision for their kitchen/hearth room remodel was to create a harmonious space for gathering and socializing with family and friends. Without the before and after photos, you would scarcely believe this was the same home. This huge home renovation perfectly illustrates that Dimensions In Wood’s expert team can handle every aspect of your remodeling project. Plumbing, flooring, electrical wiring, custom cabinets, structural engineering, appliances, windows, interior and exterior doors, entertainment and more. Contact us today to discuss Translating Your Visions into Reality The client was interested in new appliance technology, cabinetry to the ceiling, and an Island large enough to seat 3. They also wanted a built-in breakfast nook, improved pantry space, more functional storage on either side of their fireplace, and a built-in appearance for the TV above the mantel. The original built-in desk was not used, and they preferred for that space to serve as a small bar area with refrigeration and a place to store their printer. We designed several plans for the space before selecting the final layout. The new design required the removal of the soffit over the old sink, as well as a small wall beside the old refrigerator. The wall beside the stairwell had to be shortened 13 inches and a new beam installed to carry the load of the home’s 2nd story to gain enough space for the large central island. The existing closet pantry walls were also reconfigured as per the new plan. This serves as a great reminder that Dimensions In Wood is much more than just custom cabinets. Central to the entire custom kitchen is an 8-foot Walnut island. The huge island, which comfortably seats three, is topped with Essenza Blue quartzite. The stone’s natural striations are beautiful. Quartzite is harder than granite, and less likely to stain than other stones because of its density. The couple had to look through multiple slabs to find a piece they LOVED. The island’s custom Walnut cabinetry, built to resemble a piece of custom furniture, was stained Bronzed Walnut by Sherwin Williams. The 4-foot Galley Workstation in the island, handles all the kitchen’s prep, serving, and cleanup needs. The Galley’s culinary tools include an upper tier cutting board, upper tier drying rack, 2 lower tier platforms, 11″ colander with non-slip handles, and 11” mixing bowl with lid and non-slip bottom. Learn more about the amazing Galley Workstation here. A Waterstone gantry faucet in a pewter finish combines a pull-down sprayer for maximum mobility and a articulated swivel spout. A water tap with reverse osmosis filter provides the highest quality drinking water. To keep a clean and sleek counter we installed a raised air switch for the garbage disposal and integrated soap dispenser. The island also houses the Thermador Sapphire 7-Program Dishwasher with a hidden touch control panel and a custom Walnut wood front. The cabinetry under the Galley Workstation features a trash roll out, as well as storage for the culinary tools. Shortening the stairwell wall, and reframing around the stairs, which included shortening the handrail, also made room for a bi-fold door walk-in pantry with extra roll out storage and space for a small microwave. Above the panty doors is a remote controlled, electric motor powered, lift up cabinet door which hides a flat screen TV, used while the family is cooking. To the right of the walk-in pantry is cold food storage. The Thermador, 30-inch Freedom Collection refrigerator and 24-inch built-in freezer column with internal ice maker are covered with matching cabinetry fronts. An open display space was designed above the units, creating an aesthetically beautiful wall. To the right of the refrigerator & freezer columns is a tall cabinet designed for the built-in Thermador steam and convection oven. The convention steam oven is a relatively new technology for homes, but its versatility and food quality is amazing. To the right of this is a pull-out appliance pantry which provides easy access and storage for a stand mixer, blender, and any other appliance you do not want to clutter the counter. The most visible wall of the kitchen features the 36-inch Thermador Professional Series Harmony Gas Range with Griddle. Between the range and custom designed wood hood, a framed mosaic tile accent in the backsplash, creates a focal point. To clear the air, the Professional Series Thermador 42-inch ventilation insert provides excellent exhaust capabilities, as well as providing multi-level, vivid LED lights for beautiful illumination. The wall cabinetry symmetrically flanks the custom hood, utilizing deeper wall cabinetry on each end, allowing for storage of oversized dishware. The base cabinetry on this wall is made up of drawers, except for the corner, which is a Kesseböhmer LeMans II. This specially designed shelf system allows ease of access in underutilized blind corners. The dual action articulation system with soft close mechanism ensures a smooth open and close. Rounding the corner to the outside wall, the base cabinetry was built to a narrower depth, providing additional space for the island, as well as easier access to the new larger pass-thru window which serves the screen porch. The client selected Black Vermont granite countertops with an ogee edge to contrast the Linen White painted cabinetry. The door to the screen porch was replaced with a Marvin Exterior Door with a raised panel at the bottom of the 3⁄4 glass door. Marvin Windows replaced the other windows in the space increasing the energy efficiency and value of the home. To establish the breakfast nook, a bench with drawers and an upholstered seat was built into the bay area of the room. Custom bookshelves were built with open shelves, cabinet doors, and drawers on either side of the fireplace. A new stone hearth and fireplace surround were installed. Above the existing mantel we built a recessed space for the flat screen television hiding all wiring inside the walls for a completely clean look. The space that was once a desk was transformed into a bar area. The glass shelves and glass cabinet front liquor cabinet stand out. But this bar area has hidden secrets. Tucked beneath the black granite is a Thermador under-counter double drawer refrigerator with matching wood front panels. They blend in perfectly with the cabinets. A wireless printer is easily accessed on a slide out drawer. Plus, what looks like merely wooden panels on the wall are concealing recessed storage for more bottles and glasses! Overhead recessed lighting and speaker system provide illumination and entertainment through the entire space. This luxury home had original, solid oak flooring through most of the first floor which the homeowner obviously wanted to keep but were in desperate need of repair and refinishing. Our master craftsmen wove in new wood flooring to match the old where needed, particularly where walls had been changed and where the floor was damaged. We sanded the floors, smoothing away years of wear and tear. The entire wood floor was then uniformly stained, making it impossible to differentiate where any repairs were made. If this renovation has inspired you, then contact us today! There is no limit to our Dimensions.

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.