The client’s request was quite common - a typical 2800 sf builder home with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, living space, and den. However, their desire was for this to be “anything but common.” The result is an innovative update on the production home for the modern era, and serves as a direct counterpoint to the neighborhood and its more conventional suburban housing stock, which focus views to the backyard and seeks to nullify the unique qualities and challenges of topography and the natural environment. The Terraced House cautiously steps down the site’s steep topography, resulting in a more nuanced approach to site development than cutting and filling that is so common in the builder homes of the area. The compact house opens up in very focused views that capture the natural wooded setting, while masking the sounds and views of the directly adjacent roadway. The main living spaces face this major roadway, effectively flipping the typical orientation of a suburban home, and the main entrance pulls visitors up to the second floor and halfway through the site, providing a sense of procession and privacy absent in the typical suburban home. Clad in a custom rain screen that reflects the wood of the surrounding landscape - while providing a glimpse into the interior tones that are used. The stepping “wood boxes” rest on a series of concrete walls that organize the site, retain the earth, and - in conjunction with the wood veneer panels - provide a subtle organic texture to the composition. The interior spaces wrap around an interior knuckle that houses public zones and vertical circulation - allowing more private spaces to exist at the edges of the building. The windows get larger and more frequent as they ascend the building, culminating in the upstairs bedrooms that occupy the site like a tree house - giving views in all directions. The Terraced House imports urban qualities to the suburban neighborhood and seeks to elevate the typical approach to production home construction, while being more in tune with modern family living patterns. Overview: Elm Grove Size: 2,800 sf, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms Completion Date: September 2014 Services: Architecture, Landscape Architecture Interior Consultants: Amy Carman Design

Daniel Kelly Photography
Example of a transitional backyard custom-shaped natural hot tub design in Houston

Photography by Linda Oyama Bryan
Design ideas for a traditional front yard flower bed in Chicago.

Large transitional l-shaped dark wood floor kitchen photo in Chicago with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, multicolored backsplash and an island

Example of a transitional dark wood floor kitchen design in Milwaukee with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, blue backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

The master bedroom of this home is full of exciting colors and textures. The dark walls allow the bed to stand out while the rug and pillows add pops of color and texture. Brad Knipstein was the photographer.

Photography: Megan Chaffin
Mudroom - transitional dark wood floor mudroom idea in Chicago with beige walls

A young family moving from NYC tackled a makeover of their young colonial revival home to make it feel more personal. The kitchen area was quite spacious but needed a facelift and a banquette for breakfast. Painted cabinetry matched to Benjamin Moore’s Light Pewter is balanced by Benjamin Moore Ocean Floor on the island. Mixed metals on the lighting by Allied Maker, faucets and hardware and custom tile by Pratt and Larson make the space feel organic and personal. Photos Adam Macchia. For more information, you may visit our website at www.studiodearborn.com or email us at info@studiodearborn.com.

Photography by Linda Oyama Bryan
Design ideas for a traditional front yard landscaping in Chicago.

This entry way makes a bold statement right when you walk through the doors. The bookshelves are filled with family keepsakes and natural greenery. There are two paint colors with a subtle but noticeable difference that compliment each other and help define the large space. Brad Knipstein was the photographer.

Darlene Hall
Farmhouse bathroom photo in Columbus with an undermount sink and soapstone countertops

This master bathroom has everything you need to get you ready for the day. The beautiful backsplash has a mixture of brown tones that add dimension and texture to the focal wall. The lighting blends well with the other bathroom fixtures and the cabinets provide plenty of storage while demonstrating a simply beautiful style. Brad Knipstein was the photographer.

This family room provides an ample amount of seating for when there is company over and also provides a comfy sanctuary to read and relax. Being so close to horse farms and vineyards, we wanted to play off the surrounding characteristics and include some corresponding attributes in the home. Brad Knipstein was the photographer.

Living room library - transitional living room library idea in Milwaukee with a wood stove

Photography: Megan Chaffin
Transitional dark wood floor and brown floor laundry room photo in Chicago with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, beige walls and beige countertops

Example of a bedroom classic girl pink floor and carpeted kids' bedroom design in Boston

Inspiration for a mid-sized country single-wall porcelain tile and brown floor wet bar remodel in Columbus with gray walls, an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash and white countertops

QPH Photo
Inspiration for a timeless medium tone wood floor and brown floor family room remodel in Richmond with beige walls, a ribbon fireplace, a wood fireplace surround and a wall-mounted tv

Inspiration for a timeless yellow two-story exterior home remodel in Chicago with a clipped gable roof