A young family with a wooded, triangular lot in Ipswich, Massachusetts wanted to take on a highly creative, organic, and unrushed process in designing their new home. The parents of three boys had contemporary ideas for living, including phasing the construction of different structures over time as the kids grew so they could maximize the options for use on their land. They hoped to build a net zero energy home that would be cozy on the very coldest days of winter, using cost-efficient methods of home building. The house needed to be sited to minimize impact on the land and trees, and it was critical to respect a conservation easement on the south border of the lot. Finally, the design would be contemporary in form and feel, but it would also need to fit into a classic New England context, both in terms of materials used and durability. We were asked to honor the notions of “surprise and delight,” and that inspired everything we designed for the family. The highly unique home consists of a three-story form, composed mostly of bedrooms and baths on the top two floors and a cross axis of shared living spaces on the first level. This axis extends out to an oversized covered porch, open to the south and west. The porch connects to a two-story garage with flex space above, used as a guest house, play room, and yoga studio depending on the day. A floor-to-ceiling ribbon of glass wraps the south and west walls of the lower level, bringing in an abundance of natural light and linking the entire open plan to the yard beyond. The master suite takes up the entire top floor, and includes an outdoor deck with a shower. The middle floor has extra height to accommodate a variety of multi-level play scenarios in the kids’ rooms. Many of the materials used in this house are made from recycled or environmentally friendly content, or they come from local sources. The high performance home has triple glazed windows and all materials, adhesives, and sealants are low toxicity and safe for growing kids. Photographer credit: Irvin Serrano

This simple and elegant master bedroom combines modern style with touches of refined traditional elements to create the perfect contemporary retreat for these busy parents of three. Oodles of storage, bold colourful prints, paired with classic tonal whites throughout make this a beautifully functional master bedroom. The low-profile modern bedframe allows the king size bed to feel inviting, but without overpowering the space, while the large drapery panels add interest, soften the angular hard edges of remaining furniture, and provide much needed privacy from the neighbours.

This simple and elegant master bedroom combines modern style with touches of refined traditional elements to create the perfect contemporary retreat for these busy parents of three. Oodles of storage, bold colourful prints, paired with classic tonal whites throughout make this a beautifully functional master bedroom. The low-profile modern bedframe allows the king size bed to feel inviting, but without overpowering the space, while the large drapery panels add interest, soften the angular hard edges of remaining furniture, and provide much needed privacy from the neighbours.

This simple and elegant master bedroom combines modern style with touches of refined traditional elements to create the perfect contemporary retreat for these busy parents of three. Oodles of storage, bold colourful prints, paired with classic tonal whites throughout make this a beautifully functional master bedroom. The low-profile modern bedframe allows the king size bed to feel inviting, but without overpowering the space, while the large drapery panels add interest, soften the angular hard edges of remaining furniture, and provide much needed privacy from the neighbours.

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This simple and elegant master bedroom combines modern style with touches of refined traditional elements to create the perfect contemporary retreat for these busy parents of three. Oodles of storage, bold colourful prints, paired with classic tonal whites throughout make this a beautifully functional master bedroom. The low-profile modern bedframe allows the king size bed to feel inviting, but without overpowering the space, while the large drapery panels add interest, soften the angular hard edges of remaining furniture, and provide much needed privacy from the neighbours.

This simple and elegant master bedroom combines modern style with touches of refined traditional elements to create the perfect contemporary retreat for these busy parents of three. Oodles of storage, bold colourful prints, paired with classic tonal whites throughout make this a beautifully functional master bedroom. The low-profile modern bedframe allows the king size bed to feel inviting, but without overpowering the space, while the large drapery panels add interest, soften the angular hard edges of remaining furniture, and provide much needed privacy from the neighbours.

This simple and elegant master bedroom combines modern style with touches of refined traditional elements to create the perfect contemporary retreat for these busy parents of three. Oodles of storage, bold colourful prints, paired with classic tonal whites throughout make this a beautifully functional master bedroom. The low-profile modern bedframe allows the king size bed to feel inviting, but without overpowering the space, while the large drapery panels add interest, soften the angular hard edges of remaining furniture, and provide much needed privacy from the neighbours.

This simple and elegant master bedroom combines modern style with touches of refined traditional elements to create the perfect contemporary retreat for these busy parents of three. Oodles of storage, bold colourful prints, paired with classic tonal whites throughout make this a beautifully functional master bedroom. The low-profile modern bedframe allows the king size bed to feel inviting, but without overpowering the space, while the large drapery panels add interest, soften the angular hard edges of remaining furniture, and provide much needed privacy from the neighbours.

This simple and elegant master bedroom combines modern style with touches of refined traditional elements to create the perfect contemporary retreat for these busy parents of three. Oodles of storage, bold colourful prints, paired with classic tonal whites throughout make this a beautifully functional master bedroom. The low-profile modern bedframe allows the king size bed to feel inviting, but without overpowering the space, while the large drapery panels add interest, soften the angular hard edges of remaining furniture, and provide much needed privacy from the neighbours.

Nick Johnson, Photographer
Example of a cottage bedroom design in Austin with white walls

Bruce Buck photographer Kitchen cabinets in pear wood combined with vintage St. Charles metal upper cabinets with clear glass doors. Metal cabinetry was sandblasted and clear finish was applied. Polished Stainless steel was used on appliances with white countertops and glass backsplash.

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Waking up to vaulted ceilings, reclaimed beams, and natural lighting is our builder's prescription to a morning that starts on the right note! Add a few extraordinary design details like this modern chandelier and a bold accent wall and you may think you are still dreaming...

Minimalist bedroom photo in Los Angeles with a ribbon fireplace

This simple and elegant master bedroom combines modern style with touches of refined traditional elements to create the perfect contemporary retreat for these busy parents of three. Oodles of storage, bold colourful prints, paired with classic tonal whites throughout make this a beautifully functional master bedroom. The low-profile modern bedframe allows the king size bed to feel inviting, but without overpowering the space, while the large drapery panels add interest, soften the angular hard edges of remaining furniture, and provide much needed privacy from the neighbours.

Julie Cate Photography