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.

This open urban kitchen invites with pops of yellow and an eat in dining table. A highly functional, contemporary beauty featuring wide plank white oak grey stained floors, white lacquer refrigerator and washing machine, brushed aluminum lower cabinets and walnut upper cabinets. Pure white Caesarstone countertops, Blanco kitchen faucet and sink, Bertazzoni range, Bosch dishwasher, architectural lighting trough with LED lights, and Emtech brushed chrome door hardware complete the high-end look.

Photography by Emily Payne
Elegant master bedroom photo in San Francisco with gray walls

Matthew Bolt Graphic Design
Mid-sized beach style enclosed medium tone wood floor living room photo in San Francisco with white walls and a wall-mounted tv

TIm Murphy Photo
Trendy kitchen photo in Denver with white appliances

Built-in bookshelves, Built-in computer Desk, Computer Center, Media Center, Painted Bookshelves, Turquoise, hidden desk, hidden chair, hidden bench, family room, painted back of bookshelves www.coryconnordesigns

This Greenlake area home is the result of an extensive collaboration with the owners to recapture the architectural character of the 1920’s and 30’s era craftsman homes built in the neighborhood. Deep overhangs, notched rafter tails, and timber brackets are among the architectural elements that communicate this goal. Given its modest 2800 sf size, the home sits comfortably on its corner lot and leaves enough room for an ample back patio and yard. An open floor plan on the main level and a centrally located stair maximize space efficiency, something that is key for a construction budget that values intimate detailing and character over size.

Example of a transitional guest medium tone wood floor bedroom design in San Francisco with beige walls and no fireplace

Backsplash: Client provided beer cap collection, Upper Bar Top: Concrete, Lower Bar Top: Silestone Quartz Lagoon, Lamp: Machine Age Lamps, Art: Client Collection, Alyssa Lee Photography

Southern Living Showhouse by: Castle Homes
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless single-wall dark wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Nashville with white cabinets, paneled appliances, recessed-panel cabinets, marble countertops, an island, a farmhouse sink, white backsplash and stone tile backsplash

A cozy space was transformed into an exercise room and enhanced for this purpose as follows: Fluorescent light fixtures recessed into the ceiling provide cool lighting without reducing headroom; windows on three walls balance the natural light and allow for cross ventilation; a mirrored wall widens the appearance of the space and the wood paneled end wall warms the space with the same richness found in the rest of the house.

Example of a cottage l-shaped kitchen design in Sacramento with an integrated sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, wood countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Jamie Sentz, Jamie D Photography
Large trendy gender-neutral light wood floor and brown floor kids' room photo in Baltimore with yellow walls

Dining room - craftsman medium tone wood floor dining room idea in San Francisco with beige walls

Client downsizing into an 80's hi-rise condo hired designer to convert the small sitting room between the master bedroom & bathroom to her Home Office. Although the client, a female executive, was retiring, her many obligations & interests required an efficient space for her active future. Interior Design by Dona Rosene Interiors. Photos by Michael Hunter

Point West at Macatawa Park J. Visser Design Insignia Homes
Beach style carpeted and beige floor laundry closet photo in Grand Rapids with beige walls and a side-by-side washer/dryer

This lovely breakfast room, overlooking the garden, is an inviting place to start your day lingering over Sunday morning coffee. I had the walls painted in a soft coral, contrasting with various wood tones in the armoire, table and shades. It is all tied together by keeping the chair covers and rug light in color. The crystal chandelier is an unexpected element in a breakfast room, yet, your not compelled to pull out the china and silver.

Shop the Look, See the Photo Tour here: https://www.studio-mcgee.com/studioblog/2016/4/4/modern-mountain-home-tour Watch the Webisode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtwvqrNPjhU Travis J Photography

Inspiration for a timeless bedroom remodel in Other with beige walls