These clients wanted a designer-styled, fresh yet uncluttered, family-friendly and functional laundry room and mudroom. A variety of décor in neutral tones with a mix of materials like woven baskets, wood, glass, and marble add style along with depth and texture. Photos by Caitlin Antje.

Maximizing the functionality of this space, and coordinating the new kitchen with the beautiful remodel completed previously by the client were the two most important aspects of this project. The existing spaces are elegantly decorated with an open plan, dark hardwood floors, and natural stone accents. The new, lighter, more open kitchen flows beautifully into the client’s existing dining room space. Satin nickel hardware blends with the stainless steel appliances and matches the satin nickel details throughout the home. The fully integrated refrigerator next to the narrow pull-out pantry cabinet, take up less visual weight than a traditional stainless steel appliance and the two combine to provide fantastic storage. The glass cabinet doors and decorative lighting beautifully highlight the client’s glassware and dishes. Finished with white subway tile, Dreamy Marfil quartz countertops, and a warm natural wood blind; the space warm, inviting, elegant, and extremely functional. copyright 2013 marilyn peryer photography

Maximizing the functionality of this space, and coordinating the new kitchen with the beautiful remodel completed previously by the client were the two most important aspects of this project. The existing spaces are elegantly decorated with an open plan, dark hardwood floors, and natural stone accents. The new, lighter, more open kitchen flows beautifully into the client’s existing dining room space. Satin nickel hardware blends with the stainless steel appliances and matches the satin nickel details throughout the home. The fully integrated refrigerator next to the narrow pull-out pantry cabinet, take up less visual weight than a traditional stainless steel appliance and the two combine to provide fantastic storage. The glass cabinet doors and decorative lighting beautifully highlight the client’s glassware and dishes. Finished with white subway tile, Dreamy Marfil quartz countertops, and a warm natural wood blind; the space warm, inviting, elegant, and extremely functional. copyright 2013 marilyn peryer photography

This basement laundry room is fun to be in as well as functional. Featuring exposed brick and beams, 5-panel barn door, laundry shoot , subway tile, and large stainless steel apron sink. Photography: Dawn Fast AKBD, R4 Construction

Maximizing the functionality of this space, and coordinating the new kitchen with the beautiful remodel completed previously by the client were the two most important aspects of this project. The existing spaces are elegantly decorated with an open plan, dark hardwood floors, and natural stone accents. The new, lighter, more open kitchen flows beautifully into the client’s existing dining room space. Satin nickel hardware blends with the stainless steel appliances and matches the satin nickel details throughout the home. The fully integrated refrigerator next to the narrow pull-out pantry cabinet, take up less visual weight than a traditional stainless steel appliance and the two combine to provide fantastic storage. The glass cabinet doors and decorative lighting beautifully highlight the client’s glassware and dishes. Finished with white subway tile, Dreamy Marfil quartz countertops, and a warm natural wood blind; the space warm, inviting, elegant, and extremely functional. copyright 2013 marilyn peryer photography

Many families ponder the idea of adding extra living space for a few years before they are actually ready to remodel. Then, all-of-the sudden, something will happen that makes them realize that they can’t wait any longer. In the case of this remodeling story, it was the snowstorm of 2016 that spurred the homeowners into action. As the family was stuck in the house with nowhere to go, they longed for more space. The parents longed for a getaway spot for themselves that could also double as a hangout area for the kids and their friends. As they considered their options, there was one clear choice…to renovate the detached garage. The detached garage previously functioned as a workshop and storage room and offered plenty of square footage to create a family room, kitchenette, and full bath. It’s location right beside the outdoor kitchen made it an ideal spot for entertaining and provided an easily accessible bathroom during the summertime. Even the canine family members get to enjoy it as they have their own personal entrance, through a bathroom doggie door. Our design team listened carefully to our client’s wishes to create a space that had a modern rustic feel and found selections that fit their aesthetic perfectly. To set the tone, Blackstone Oak luxury vinyl plank flooring was installed throughout. The kitchenette area features Maple Shaker style cabinets in a pecan shell stain, Uba Tuba granite countertops, and an eye-catching amber glass and antique bronze pulley sconce. Rather than use just an ordinary door for the bathroom entry, a gorgeous Knotty Alder barn door creates a stunning focal point of the room. The fantastic selections continue in the full bath. A reclaimed wood double vanity with a gray washed pine finish anchors the room. White, semi-recessed sinks with chrome faucets add some contemporary accents, while the glass and oil-rubbed bronze mini pendant lights are a balance between both rustic and modern. The design called for taking the shower tile to the ceiling and it really paid off. A sliced pebble tile floor in the shower is curbed with Uba Tuba granite, creating a clean line and another accent detail. The new multi-functional space looks like a natural extension of their home, with its matching exterior lights, new windows, doors, and sliders. And with winter approaching and snow on the way, this family is ready to hunker down and ride out the storm in comfort and warmth. When summer arrives, they have a designated bathroom for outdoor entertaining and a wonderful area for guests to hang out. It was a pleasure to create this beautiful remodel for our clients and we hope that they continue to enjoy it for many years to come.

Bathe your bathroom in beautiful details and luxurious design with floating vanities from Dura Supreme Cabinetry. With Dura Supreme’s floating vanity system, vanities and even linen cabinets are suspended on the wall leaving a sleek, clean look that is ideal for transitional and contemporary design themes. Floating vanities are a favorite look for small bathrooms to impart an open, airy and expansive feel. For this bath, painted and stained finishes were combined for a stunning effect, with matching Dura Supreme medicine cabinets over a floating shelf. This double sink basin design offers stylish functionality for a shared bath. A variety of vanity console configurations are available with floating linen cabinets to maintain the style throughout the design. Floating Vanities by Dura Supreme are available in 12 different configurations (for single sink vanities, double sink vanities, or offset sinks) or individual cabinets that can be combined to create your own unique look. Any combination of Dura Supreme’s many door styles, wood species and finishes can be selected to create a one-of-a-kind bath furniture collection. The bathroom has evolved from its purist utilitarian roots to a more intimate and reflective sanctuary in which to relax and reconnect. A refreshing spa-like environment offers a brisk welcome at the dawning of a new day or a soothing interlude as your day concludes. Our busy and hectic lifestyles leave us yearning for a private place where we can truly relax and indulge. With amenities that pamper the senses and design elements inspired by luxury spas, bathroom environments are being transformed form the mundane and utilitarian to the extravagant and luxurious. Bath cabinetry from Dura Supreme offers myriad design directions to create the personal harmony and beauty that are a hallmark of the bath sanctuary. Immerse yourself in our expansive palette of finishes and wood species to discover the look that calms your senses and soothes your soul. Your Dura Supreme designer will guide you through the selections and transform your bath into a beautiful retreat. Request a FREE Dura Supreme Brochure Packet: http://www.durasupreme.com/request-brochure Find a Dura Supreme Showroom near you today: http://www.durasupreme.com/dealer-locator

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.

Floor: Soul White
Inspiration for a living room remodel in New York

Nestled in the charming city of Powell, Ohio, the "Serenity Flow" project transforms a conventional master bathroom into a luxurious retreat, featuring an advanced body spray shower system. This renovation focuses on creating a spa-like atmosphere, where functionality meets relaxation, crafting an escape within the comfort of home. Designed for homeowners seeking a sanctuary to unwind, this master bath offers the ultimate showering experience, combining modern technology with timeless aesthetics. Design Highlights: Body Spray Shower System: At the heart of the renovation is a state-of-the-art body spray shower system, designed to envelop the body in a comforting embrace of water. Adjustable body jets, combined with a rain shower head, deliver a fully immersive experience, customizable to each user’s preference for intensity and temperature. Elegant Aesthetics: The shower area is encased in frameless glass, accentuating the open, airy feel of the space. The walls and floors are adorned with premium marble tiles, creating a seamless look that elevates the overall design. Brushed nickel fixtures add a touch of sophistication, perfectly complementing the neutral color palette. Integrated Lighting: Soft, recessed LED lighting is strategically placed to enhance the serene atmosphere. Dimmable controls allow for adjustable lighting levels, ensuring the space can be tailored to various moods and times of the day. Functional Elegance: The master bath also features a double vanity with ample storage, a freestanding soaking tub, and a private toilet area. Each element is carefully selected to maintain the balance between beauty and practicality, ensuring the space is both inviting and efficient. Project Execution: The transformation of the Powell, Ohio master bath into the "Serenity Flow" oasis was executed with meticulous attention to detail. From the initial design phase to the final touches, every aspect was crafted to achieve a harmonious blend of luxury and comfort. The body spray shower system, serving as the centerpiece, required precise installation and integration with the bathroom's existing plumbing framework, showcasing the skill and expertise of our team. The Outcome: "Serenity Flow" emerges as a beacon of relaxation and rejuvenation. This master bath renovation in Powell, Ohio, redefines the concept of a private retreat, offering homeowners an exclusive spa experience every day. The combination of the advanced body spray shower system with the elegant design elements ensures this master bath is not just a functional space but a haven of tranquility. Reflections: This project illustrates the transformative power of thoughtful design and innovative technology in creating spaces that nurture the body and soul. The "Serenity Flow" master bath in Powell, Ohio, stands as a testament to our commitment to delivering bespoke living experiences, where every detail contributes to the well-being and comfort of the homeowners.

Nestled in the charming city of Powell, Ohio, the "Serenity Flow" project transforms a conventional master bathroom into a luxurious retreat, featuring an advanced body spray shower system. This renovation focuses on creating a spa-like atmosphere, where functionality meets relaxation, crafting an escape within the comfort of home. Designed for homeowners seeking a sanctuary to unwind, this master bath offers the ultimate showering experience, combining modern technology with timeless aesthetics. Design Highlights: Body Spray Shower System: At the heart of the renovation is a state-of-the-art body spray shower system, designed to envelop the body in a comforting embrace of water. Adjustable body jets, combined with a rain shower head, deliver a fully immersive experience, customizable to each user’s preference for intensity and temperature. Elegant Aesthetics: The shower area is encased in frameless glass, accentuating the open, airy feel of the space. The walls and floors are adorned with premium marble tiles, creating a seamless look that elevates the overall design. Brushed nickel fixtures add a touch of sophistication, perfectly complementing the neutral color palette. Integrated Lighting: Soft, recessed LED lighting is strategically placed to enhance the serene atmosphere. Dimmable controls allow for adjustable lighting levels, ensuring the space can be tailored to various moods and times of the day. Functional Elegance: The master bath also features a double vanity with ample storage, a freestanding soaking tub, and a private toilet area. Each element is carefully selected to maintain the balance between beauty and practicality, ensuring the space is both inviting and efficient. Project Execution: The transformation of the Powell, Ohio master bath into the "Serenity Flow" oasis was executed with meticulous attention to detail. From the initial design phase to the final touches, every aspect was crafted to achieve a harmonious blend of luxury and comfort. The body spray shower system, serving as the centerpiece, required precise installation and integration with the bathroom's existing plumbing framework, showcasing the skill and expertise of our team. The Outcome: "Serenity Flow" emerges as a beacon of relaxation and rejuvenation. This master bath renovation in Powell, Ohio, redefines the concept of a private retreat, offering homeowners an exclusive spa experience every day. The combination of the advanced body spray shower system with the elegant design elements ensures this master bath is not just a functional space but a haven of tranquility. Reflections: This project illustrates the transformative power of thoughtful design and innovative technology in creating spaces that nurture the body and soul. The "Serenity Flow" master bath in Powell, Ohio, stands as a testament to our commitment to delivering bespoke living experiences, where every detail contributes to the well-being and comfort of the homeowners.

Floor: Soul Bone Pulido
Living room photo in New York

Designing the space impels a décor that needs to appeal to varied tastes. This apartment in Surat, Gujarat redefines the concept of a designer home, using color accents in otherwise light interior décor. It’s a simple functional house with all minimal requirements and less maintenance house. As a part of interest our client was fond of paintings to be displayed so it played major role in designing aspect. As we enter the passage area the use of wooden slatted main door with Smoke grey PU finished walls, soft finishes and clean lines dominate these, with metallic gold text ‘MODI’S” representing with iconic design symbol carved in MDF with touch of green makes it more welcoming. Living space has an overpowering feature as the wooden cladded wall which highlights the space and marks the continuation into the dining area. The palette of the project is simple, defining the three main elements that make it up: Italian marble flooring changing as per the functionality of the space, Ash Wood defining the objects, and grey finish. The materials hold the space strongly with a particular color palette. On skinny metal legs, the furniture in this living room seems to be floating above the floor, bringing a sense of weightlessness to the space. This unique living space features Ash wood slatted panels on walls with a velvety finish rug matching the center table just right. The design of the furniture in wood and metal is tradition but is executed in a modern minimalist way. The Indian swing seating makes it as divider to the space between informal seating and dining area yet comprising the space equally. Bespoke furniture elements kept according to the client’s need.The furniture is a mix of contemporary with different design elements by our studio, which creates a classic and cozy atmosphere. The ash wood and the grey hue finish become the leaders of the colours and textures palette. The curved shaped edge ceiling designed according to functionality & also plays aesthetic role.The importance of them, almost visible from every spot. The deep sea velvety sofa makes an argument to this palette by focusing attention to it. A nonchalant elegance best describes the soul of the house. In order to make a dialogue between the contemporary with different textures, patterns and uniform colors have been used throughout the house. The parallel shaped kitchen with a high spec modern technologies and artificial stone counter top with fresh furniture in white and grey and sleek open breakfast counter is designed to be a light space that beautifully blends in. This volume integrates the access to the private area –bedroom, wash area and bathroom-, segregating this way the day area living and dining area. The Master Bedroom layout remodeled in accordance with contemporary trends and the client’s needs. The paintings which is inspired from the well-known artist and as strong believer in vaastu by the clients it has been displayed in right position which reflects good vibes. The seamless panel running through bed back having grooves on them which forms symmetrical pattern on wood. Using the same material by forming the side tables in circular pattern with round shaped metal supports. The Son’s bedroom is integrated with closet, TV unit and dressing table. The entire ceiling is connected with wood stripes panels running on the walls which starts from main door of the room and ends on the full height closet and subdivided by lime plaster in grey with grooves on it. The graphics now a days plays major role in every design aspect, so we tried customized different athlete position in game play captured in frames and be part of the focal point in room. Each details speaks the entire space is crafted with a confluence of contemporary art presented in a modern palette. You’ll find them throughout the home, right from the color, furniture selection, to the wall paneling style teamed up with modern artworks and artefacts. Each bedroom has a character of its own based on the user. This room was designed with a picturesque composition was made to create a backdrop to compliment the minimalistic furniture in entire space. The backdrop of the bed panel is veneer cladded in frame box placed in the form of Tetris. The geometric patchwork mosaic tiles placed in between the cladding so that it’s easy to maintain. Sleek handle details with full height closet and fine thin leg supports makes it more classic and modern. Thus, the apartment gained a contemporary atmosphere and it is ready to receive a new lifestyle, of a new generation and new values.

In hospitality design, no space carries as much weight or expectation as the hotel lobby. It is the handshake, the welcome note, the first frame of the guest experience. Within seconds of entering, guests form opinions not just about the space, but about the brand, the service, and the story. At its best, the hotel lobby isn’t just a transitional space; it’s a destination. A well-designed lobby invites, orients, calms, and excites, all at once. It acts as a stage where luxury is not merely seen, but sensed. In this article, Ar. Anil Badan, Founder and Principal Architect at Studio B Architects, shares how hotel lobbies go beyond functionality, becoming emotive spaces that leave a lasting impression from the very first step inside. Designing for Emotion, Not Just Function Every guest arrives with a subconscious expectation. Whether stepping into a serene resort or an urban boutique hotel, the lobby must immediately align with the tone of their stay. Lighting, for instance, isn’t just about visibility; it’s about setting mood. A warm, ambient glow suggests calm sophistication, while bold, sculptural fixtures can convey modern opulence. Seating arrangements must strike a balance between social energy and quiet retreat. Natural materials, wood, stone, and linen evoke authenticity and calm. These elements work collectively to influence how a guest feels within the first few moments. Branding Through Architecture A hotel lobby is also a silent storyteller. Every finish, curve, and fixture communicates something about the brand's identity. For us, design isn’t about imitation, it’s about interpretation. We interpret the soul of the property and translate it into spatial language. For instance, a curved wall might reference local landscapes. A palette of coastal hues might evoke a regional narrative. In doing so, the lobby becomes more than a threshold; it becomes an anchor of place and memory. Fluidity, Function, and Flow In luxury hospitality, the lobby is often a hybrid zone, part reception, part lounge, part co-working, part café. Designing for this fluidity means considering flow and flexibility. Wayfinding should be intuitive. Transitions between zones must be seamless, often achieved through changes in flooring, ceiling heights, or lighting zones. Materials must withstand footfall yet retain elegance. Every element must serve both beauty and purpose. Ultimately, a successful hotel lobby lingers in memory long after check-out. It is not just a space, it is a statement! One that says: you’ve arrived. And in a world where hospitality is no longer just about service, but about feeling seen, understood, and inspired, the lobby is where that promise begins!

Maximizing the functionality of this space, and coordinating the new kitchen with the beautiful remodel completed previously by the client were the two most important aspects of this project. The existing spaces are elegantly decorated with an open plan, dark hardwood floors, and natural stone accents. The new, lighter, more open kitchen flows beautifully into the client’s existing dining room space. Satin nickel hardware blends with the stainless steel appliances and matches the satin nickel details throughout the home. The fully integrated refrigerator next to the narrow pull-out pantry cabinet, take up less visual weight than a traditional stainless steel appliance and the two combine to provide fantastic storage. The glass cabinet doors and decorative lighting beautifully highlight the client’s glassware and dishes. Finished with white subway tile, Dreamy Marfil quartz countertops, and a warm natural wood blind; the space warm, inviting, elegant, and extremely functional. copyright 2013 marilyn peryer photography

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.

The small eat - in kitchen was designed with functionality in mind. The clients needed as much counter space as possible for cooking and prepping, as well as a dedicated spot for their many cookbooks. Soda Glass panels were used for the backsplash. The clients are able to write down recipes, weekly meal schedules and notes on the glass backsplash - making for a truly functional and personal kitchen. The extendable dining table was purchased to cater to their growing family. Treve Johnson Photography

photo credit: Company C LLC
Example of a trendy living room design in Boston

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.