Returning home after more than a decade living and working in Taiwan, our client envisioned something entirely different from the French Colonial aesthetic of his early-1990s Beaverton home. Through a comprehensive design-build renovation, this Portland metro whole-house remodel transformed a conventional suburban residence into a richly layered retreat inspired by global travel, natural materials, and timeless craftsmanship. The result is a warm, sophisticated home designed to showcase treasured artifacts and collectibles gathered from years abroad while providing modern functionality for everyday living. From the moment you enter, the home's new character unfolds through a carefully curated palette of wood, stone, and metal. Rich ebony-stained knotty alder millwork draws the eye through the entry, where a newly created mudroom replaces the former office space. Beyond a set of dramatic barn doors, a striking stone fireplace becomes the focal point of the living room, anchored by a reclaimed wood mantel and rustic ceiling beams that add warmth and architectural depth. Nearby, the sunroom was completely refreshed through thoughtful window modifications and custom trim detailing, creating a seamless connection between the interior and the surrounding landscape. The kitchen serves as the heart of the renovation, blending rustic elegance with refined craftsmanship. Custom alder cabinetry is paired with layered metal finishes, allowing subtle copper and bronze undertones to emerge from creamy quartz countertops. A textured slate backsplash echoes the flagstone-inspired flooring, while a newly created butler's pantry provides both beauty and functionality. Each material was selected to evoke the authenticity of old-world craftsmanship while supporting the practical needs of modern living. One of the home's most dramatic architectural transformations is the custom floating staircase. Designed as both a sculptural centerpiece and a solution to circulation challenges, the staircase opens previously constricted pathways and enhances the home's flow. Hand-tooled hickory wraps each tread while weathered metal accents provide subtle industrial character. Upstairs, creative space planning allowed for the addition of a discreet laundry nook within an underutilized hallway area, improving convenience without sacrificing valuable living space. The primary suite continues the home's story of understated luxury and global influence. Rustic ceiling beams mirror those seen throughout the main level, creating visual continuity and warmth. An antique carved door serves as a distinctive feature within the reconfigured closet layout, while the primary bathroom embraces a calming combination of stone, concrete, and matte black finishes. Large-format tile arranged in a custom Versailles-inspired pattern guides the eye through the spa-like retreat, where natural textures and abundant daylight create a serene atmosphere. While the main and upper levels celebrate warmth and global influence, the basement renovation introduces an entirely different layer of the home's personality. To create the ultimate entertainment destination, the basement footprint was extended approximately seven feet beyond the original foundation, transforming previously underutilized space into a seamless indoor-outdoor gathering environment. Inspired by cultured industrial design, the newly expanded lower level was envisioned as a place where family and friends could relax, connect, and enjoy the home's resort-like backyard amenities. At the heart of the basement renovation is a custom entertainment bar featuring reclaimed rustic cabinetry and chiseled-edge granite countertops that emphasize the natural character of the materials. Accordion-style serving windows create a direct connection between the interior bar and the outdoor living spaces, allowing drinks, food, and conversation to flow effortlessly between the entertainment room and the backyard pool, hot tub, and professionally landscaped grounds. The result is a true indoor-outdoor living experience designed for year-round enjoyment. The expansive recreation area accommodates a variety of activities while maintaining a cohesive design aesthetic. A shuffleboard table, billiards area, and casual bar dining space provide multiple destinations for gathering, all unified by a sophisticated palette of brick, concrete, wood, and metal. Slim-profile brick walls introduce texture and authenticity, while custom decorative painting techniques create the appearance of cast concrete accent walls, reinforcing the basement's refined industrial character without overwhelming the space. Supporting spaces throughout the lower level were equally transformed. An outdated bathroom was fully renovated to reflect the home's dark and moody aesthetic, incorporating a curbless shower, rustic vanity, and layered finishes that balance comfort with style. Two underutilized bedrooms were thoughtfully reconfigured to better support the homeowner's lifestyle, with one becoming a dedicated home office and the other opening into a flexible music room designed for creativity and relaxation. Additional unfinished crawlspace and storage areas were reclaimed to create a private home gym, maximizing every square foot of the home's footprint. The renovation extended beyond the interior walls of the home. A newly rebuilt two-story deck strengthens the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces while providing multiple vantage points overlooking the backyard retreat. On the upper level, adjacent to the primary suite, a new enclosed sunroom addition creates a peaceful sanctuary elevated among the trees. Together, these exterior improvements complement the home's interior transformation, enhancing both livability and year-round enjoyment while creating a true extension of the living space outdoors. Behind the finished spaces, this Beaverton full home remodel required significant structural and technical expertise. Replacing the original staircase involved extensive modifications to the upper-floor framing system, including the installation of concealed supports for the floating treads and the creation of a new landing structure. Throughout the home, natural materials presented unique installation challenges. The dimensional variation of the slate backsplash required each stone to be precisely shaped around electrical devices and surrounding elements, while reclaimed wood beams demanded extensive preparation before they could be securely installed. Careful coordination among multiple trades ensured every custom detail performed as beautifully as it appeared. Because the homeowner remained in Taiwan for much of the renovation, collaboration relied on a highly organized design-build process and frequent communication across a fourteen-hour time difference. Detailed design presentations, material selections, and construction updates allowed key decisions to be made efficiently, even from across the globe. This partnership enabled the project team to successfully execute a highly customized vision despite logistical complexities and construction delays outside of the project's control. Strategic planning also played a crucial role in maintaining the project budget. While the homeowner initially envisioned reclaimed wood flooring and natural flagstone throughout the home, carefully selected engineered hardwood and porcelain tile provided a similar aesthetic with improved performance and cost efficiency. Authenticity was preserved through the use of genuine stone at key focal points, including the fireplace surround and kitchen backsplash, as well as reclaimed wood incorporated into architectural beam details. Existing high-quality windows were retained and transformed through selective replacement, custom trim work, and thoughtful refinishing, delivering the desired look while avoiding unnecessary expense. Additional savings came from a creative exterior repair solution that replicated the home's original stucco detailing without requiring a complete façade replacement. This luxury Beaverton whole-house renovation demonstrates how thoughtful design-build remodeling can completely reimagine an existing home. Through strategic space planning, custom craftsmanship, and budget-conscious decision making, a dated suburban residence was transformed into a distinctive rustic contemporary retreat that reflects its owner's global experiences, personal story, and vision for home.

As a rebuild from the ground floor, this house was converted from a 1980's bungalow to a stunning two-storey modern farmhouse. A growing family of five was looking for more living space with a clean and simple design that captured a better view of the outdoors. The renovation included the entire main floor plus a second floor with 4 bedrooms, a kids bathroom and master ensuite. The home's style offers a traditional farmhouse feel from the exterior architectural details and material to the bedroom shiplap ceiling. Modern influences can be seen in the large, black windows that reveal a more contemporary interior. An open-concept main floor connects a large double height foyer flanked with windows showcasing the baby grand piano, open riser stairs, living room, and the dining area which focuses onto the back landscape, pool, and cabana. By being able to bring the outdoors aesthetic indoors, the family was amazed by the transformation and how the dark shell exterior contrasted the bright interior spaces.

It is rare to find a home with 2 sides of the lot against a greenbelt. The original home was an old ranch style home with very small rooms all divided and low ceilings. My client wanted to give the home an open living plan and include an indoor lap pool addition. Using a Live Roof, the new addition was added and is never seen from the main kitchen windows. The rest of the home was gutted, the ceilings vaulted, and other spaces designed for a growing family that included 2 work at home parents. What the photos do not show is how remarkable the custom kitchen backsplash mosaic is – by day it has a sun theme, by night when the lights go out, the backsplash transforms through specialty back lighting into a moon and stars theme.

The Courtyard House, designed in 1964 by Sarasota School of Architecture's Jack West, is a Homes for Better Living Award winner, published in Architectural Record Houses of 1965. Known for it's simple materiality, open plan, and sweeping curving roof shape, the home had seen several renovations before the current owners came to us with a challenge: let us celebrate the spirit of the Courtyard House with a serene reflecting pool at the entry of the home. The design strategy was to introduce several wall planes, perforated and screened with wood-look aluminum battens, that gradually reveal the home and provide a neutral base for the strong, sweeping curved form of the existing roof. The introduction of the wall planes allowed for a subtle reorganization of the entry sequence, and a unique opportunity to experience the reflecting pool with a sense of privacy. A new pool and terrace with integrated fire feature look over the beautiful Dolphin Waterway, and provide for a relaxing evening for the family, or a backdrop for a large gathering. Winner of 2020 SRQ Magazine Home of the Year Platinum aware for Best Remodel/Renovation and Gold award for Band Best Landscape Design.

This newly renovated kitchen by Stoneunlimited Kitchen and Bath Remodeling is located in Roswell GA and will truly inspire those of you looking to change up your kitchen. We love EVERYTHING about this kitchen! From the visual impact of the subway tile counter to ceiling back-splash , to the contrasting open shelves, and the storage solutions of the cabinetry, the goal was to open up the space and create an open concept layout that would be aesthetically pleasing, efficient and spacious. Removing the wall between the kitchen and dining area has completely changed the ebb and flow of this living space. The kitchen is open and airy as the light is able to flow fluidly from the dining area to the window above the sink. Re-configuring the layout to allow the installation of a large kitchen island with range and ample seating has maximized the space and created a larger area for gathering. If you haven't seen the before and after pictures of this kitchen, please check them out, you'll be amazed! Demo: Existing Wall dividing the kitchen from the dinning area, taking away the raised bar countertop and installing a kitchen island with range Countertops: 3 CM White Galaxy Granite with 1/4 round edge Sink: Kohler White Haven Apron front Cast Iron 30" Faucet: Delta Cassidy Kohler Tile: 3"x6" Cobsa Granada Crackled White Subway Tile Floating Shelves: Custom Made

Before. you can't tell but the bay window is completely rotted and the homeowner is lucky it never fell out on him.
Example of a classic exterior home design in Boston

Returning home after more than a decade living and working in Taiwan, our client envisioned something entirely different from the French Colonial aesthetic of his early-1990s Beaverton home. Through a comprehensive design-build renovation, this Portland metro whole-house remodel transformed a conventional suburban residence into a richly layered retreat inspired by global travel, natural materials, and timeless craftsmanship. The result is a warm, sophisticated home designed to showcase treasured artifacts and collectibles gathered from years abroad while providing modern functionality for everyday living. From the moment you enter, the home's new character unfolds through a carefully curated palette of wood, stone, and metal. Rich ebony-stained knotty alder millwork draws the eye through the entry, where a newly created mudroom replaces the former office space. Beyond a set of dramatic barn doors, a striking stone fireplace becomes the focal point of the living room, anchored by a reclaimed wood mantel and rustic ceiling beams that add warmth and architectural depth. Nearby, the sunroom was completely refreshed through thoughtful window modifications and custom trim detailing, creating a seamless connection between the interior and the surrounding landscape. The kitchen serves as the heart of the renovation, blending rustic elegance with refined craftsmanship. Custom alder cabinetry is paired with layered metal finishes, allowing subtle copper and bronze undertones to emerge from creamy quartz countertops. A textured slate backsplash echoes the flagstone-inspired flooring, while a newly created butler's pantry provides both beauty and functionality. Each material was selected to evoke the authenticity of old-world craftsmanship while supporting the practical needs of modern living. One of the home's most dramatic architectural transformations is the custom floating staircase. Designed as both a sculptural centerpiece and a solution to circulation challenges, the staircase opens previously constricted pathways and enhances the home's flow. Hand-tooled hickory wraps each tread while weathered metal accents provide subtle industrial character. Upstairs, creative space planning allowed for the addition of a discreet laundry nook within an underutilized hallway area, improving convenience without sacrificing valuable living space. The primary suite continues the home's story of understated luxury and global influence. Rustic ceiling beams mirror those seen throughout the main level, creating visual continuity and warmth. An antique carved door serves as a distinctive feature within the reconfigured closet layout, while the primary bathroom embraces a calming combination of stone, concrete, and matte black finishes. Large-format tile arranged in a custom Versailles-inspired pattern guides the eye through the spa-like retreat, where natural textures and abundant daylight create a serene atmosphere. While the main and upper levels celebrate warmth and global influence, the basement renovation introduces an entirely different layer of the home's personality. To create the ultimate entertainment destination, the basement footprint was extended approximately seven feet beyond the original foundation, transforming previously underutilized space into a seamless indoor-outdoor gathering environment. Inspired by cultured industrial design, the newly expanded lower level was envisioned as a place where family and friends could relax, connect, and enjoy the home's resort-like backyard amenities. At the heart of the basement renovation is a custom entertainment bar featuring reclaimed rustic cabinetry and chiseled-edge granite countertops that emphasize the natural character of the materials. Accordion-style serving windows create a direct connection between the interior bar and the outdoor living spaces, allowing drinks, food, and conversation to flow effortlessly between the entertainment room and the backyard pool, hot tub, and professionally landscaped grounds. The result is a true indoor-outdoor living experience designed for year-round enjoyment. The expansive recreation area accommodates a variety of activities while maintaining a cohesive design aesthetic. A shuffleboard table, billiards area, and casual bar dining space provide multiple destinations for gathering, all unified by a sophisticated palette of brick, concrete, wood, and metal. Slim-profile brick walls introduce texture and authenticity, while custom decorative painting techniques create the appearance of cast concrete accent walls, reinforcing the basement's refined industrial character without overwhelming the space. Supporting spaces throughout the lower level were equally transformed. An outdated bathroom was fully renovated to reflect the home's dark and moody aesthetic, incorporating a curbless shower, rustic vanity, and layered finishes that balance comfort with style. Two underutilized bedrooms were thoughtfully reconfigured to better support the homeowner's lifestyle, with one becoming a dedicated home office and the other opening into a flexible music room designed for creativity and relaxation. Additional unfinished crawlspace and storage areas were reclaimed to create a private home gym, maximizing every square foot of the home's footprint. The renovation extended beyond the interior walls of the home. A newly rebuilt two-story deck strengthens the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces while providing multiple vantage points overlooking the backyard retreat. On the upper level, adjacent to the primary suite, a new enclosed sunroom addition creates a peaceful sanctuary elevated among the trees. Together, these exterior improvements complement the home's interior transformation, enhancing both livability and year-round enjoyment while creating a true extension of the living space outdoors. Behind the finished spaces, this Beaverton full home remodel required significant structural and technical expertise. Replacing the original staircase involved extensive modifications to the upper-floor framing system, including the installation of concealed supports for the floating treads and the creation of a new landing structure. Throughout the home, natural materials presented unique installation challenges. The dimensional variation of the slate backsplash required each stone to be precisely shaped around electrical devices and surrounding elements, while reclaimed wood beams demanded extensive preparation before they could be securely installed. Careful coordination among multiple trades ensured every custom detail performed as beautifully as it appeared. Because the homeowner remained in Taiwan for much of the renovation, collaboration relied on a highly organized design-build process and frequent communication across a fourteen-hour time difference. Detailed design presentations, material selections, and construction updates allowed key decisions to be made efficiently, even from across the globe. This partnership enabled the project team to successfully execute a highly customized vision despite logistical complexities and construction delays outside of the project's control. Strategic planning also played a crucial role in maintaining the project budget. While the homeowner initially envisioned reclaimed wood flooring and natural flagstone throughout the home, carefully selected engineered hardwood and porcelain tile provided a similar aesthetic with improved performance and cost efficiency. Authenticity was preserved through the use of genuine stone at key focal points, including the fireplace surround and kitchen backsplash, as well as reclaimed wood incorporated into architectural beam details. Existing high-quality windows were retained and transformed through selective replacement, custom trim work, and thoughtful refinishing, delivering the desired look while avoiding unnecessary expense. Additional savings came from a creative exterior repair solution that replicated the home's original stucco detailing without requiring a complete façade replacement. This luxury Beaverton whole-house renovation demonstrates how thoughtful design-build remodeling can completely reimagine an existing home. Through strategic space planning, custom craftsmanship, and budget-conscious decision making, a dated suburban residence was transformed into a distinctive rustic contemporary retreat that reflects its owner's global experiences, personal story, and vision for home.

The original deck on this project was wood and seen it’s day, also had an awkward stair layout. We built the same size of deck as the original, but installed a larger beam under so we would only need (2) posts instead of 4. Also the original stair landing was sinking. Because of the ground, we decided to use the TechnoPost which is a metal pier system instead of the standard 6×6 wood into concrete which does have a lifetime warranty. Before we installed the decking, we installed the Trex Rain Escape system with a gutter system so therefore when it rains, it stays dry under the deck. The decking we choose was Timbertech’s PVC Capped Composite Decking in the Legacy Series – Pecan for the main decking color and Mocha for the double picture frame as well as the fascia and risers. Because of the great view of the backyard, the railing was Westbury’s Aluminum Railing in the VertiCable Series with the Bronze color. For the finish touches, we installed Westbury Post Cap Lights which turn on automatically when the sun goes down for however many hours the homeowners would like. This deck turned out great and the homeowners and their friends/neighbors will have many years to enjoy it!!

Title: North Dallas Front Yard Curb Appeal Reimagined This project focused on transforming a dated, sparse front entry into a textured and inviting landscape that complements the home’s classic red brick exterior. The Challenge: The original landscape (seen in the "Before" photos) lacked definition, featuring aging shrubs and a worn flagstone path that didn't quite manage the slight slope of the yard. The goal was to create a more intentional, high-end look that felt both organic and structured. The Solution: Stone Artistry: We replaced the old borders with hand-stacked Oklahoma chop stone retaining walls. This added much-needed height and structure, creating clean lines that frame the new turf and planting beds. The Dry Creek Bed: A focal point of the design is the custom Colorado river rock dry creek bed interspersed with large flagstone steppers. This not only serves as a beautiful visual "river" flowing through the landscape but also provides a functional solution for water runoff. Lush Layers: We swapped out the old, thin grass for a vibrant, healthy lawn and introduced a variety of drought-tolerant plantings and ornamental grasses. The use of dark mulch provides a sharp contrast, making the greens of the plants and the earthy tones of the stone truly pop. The result is a low-maintenance, high-impact landscape that provides a warm, sophisticated welcome to the home.

After picture of the bath/shower we remodeled! A little extra shelving never hurt anyone.
Inspiration for a mid-sized bathroom remodel in Portland

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.

Appliance garages are cool design features when they make sense for a space, and can really contribute to a sleek, clutter-free look. LED lighting was installed inside to ensure visibility when operating the appliances. An under-counter microwave drawer was installed just below the appliance garage. Kitchens built before the 70's were not designed with microwaves in mind, so the previous renovation done in this kitchen placed the microwave above the stove. This set-up is commonly seen in kitchen layouts and is something we try to address in every kitchen remodel we do, simply because placing the microwave above the stove inhibits proper ventilation when cooking. Having a microwave drawer installed below the counter saves counter space, provides for safer and easier access, reduces clutter, and also allows a vent hood to be installed over the oven as it should be! Photography by www.impressia.net

The only new construction direct Intracoastal home for sale in the entire Palm Beach Estate Section. Never lived in before, the only modern waterfront home currently for sale on all of Palm Beach Island. One of only two on all of Palm Beach Island with direct Intracoastal frontage and two docks on both the front and back yards.17,190 square feet of total indoor-outdoor living space on .89 acres. Includes $2,000,000 worth of personal property, furnishings, art, sculptures in the listing price.

DESIGN BUILD REMODEL | Kitchen Transformation | FOUR POINT DESIGN BUILD INC | Part Eight This completely transformed 3,500+ sf family dream home sits atop the gorgeous hills of Calabasas, CA and celebrates the strategic and eclectic merging of contemporary and mid-century modern styles with the earthy touches of a world traveler! AS SEEN IN Better Homes and Gardens | BEFORE & AFTER | 10 page feature and COVER | Spring 2016 To see more of this fantastic transformation, watch for the launch of our NEW website and blog THE FOUR POINT REPORT, where we celebrate this and other incredible design build journey! Launching September 2016. Photography by Riley Jamison #kitchen #remodel #LAinteriordesigner #builder #dreamproject #oneinamillion

Deck was originally stained with Cabot's stain and the previous jobs were never stripped off before staining, so there was a hard "varnish" of stain built up in many areas. The entire deck was sprayed with maxxum's biodegradable deck stripper and washed off, leaving beautiful, bright, clean wood. A top coat of Sikkens SRD stain in Cedar was applied by brush to all surfaces.

Exiting the rear french doors of this historic Hinsdale home, the owners can now enjoy an evening overlooking their garden on this bluestone lounge patio. With a 5ft change in elevation, the renovated exterior space required a series of terraces to transition from the patio down to the driveway. The patio and walls were designed with a symmetrical balance and circulation in mind. Complex, multi-level concrete foundation walls ensure this raised patio will never settle. Newly configured masonry steps now provide a welcoming entry walk into their house from their garage. One key design feature was to minimize the view of hardscapes from the rear yard; this was achieved through layering dwarf shrubs and perennials within the masonry walls, and transitioning to fieldstone boulders on the eastern edge of the space. A key feature the owners requested was a place to garden. The eastern side of the space features a dedicated herb and vegetable raised planter, surrounded in perennials and crushed bluestone chip. Smooth faced brick veneer on the masonry walls was selected as a close match to the original house brick from the 1920’s. Low voltage lighting fixtures were incorporated throughout the planting beds and under the stair treads to allow the owners to use the patio after dark. Centered on the upper masonry wall rests a low bowl fiberglass planter for a stunning center piece of annual flowers. The planter is plumbed for drainage and irrigation. One existing crabapple was thoughtfully preserved and incorporated in the new wall construction. The transformation from before to after on this rear yard renovation is truly a custom home make-over, one for the owners to enjoy for a lifetime.

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.

Deck was originally stained with Cabot's stain and the previous jobs were never stripped off before staining, so there was a hard "varnish" of stain built up in many areas. The entire deck was sprayed with maxxum's biodegradable deck stripper and washed off, leaving beautiful, bright, clean wood. A top coat of Sikkens SRD stain in Cedar was applied by brush to all surfaces.

This unique home uses bright colors and interesting accessories to bring it all together! The bright orange gaming chairs and modern accents make thus unlike any home you've seen before!