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.

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.

After successfully designing the main levels of their new home, our Canadian clients were ready to tackle the design and remodeling of their 1200sf basement. They wanted to utilize the lower level of their home for family gatherings and entertaining guests - yet have it cozy enough for just the two of them to watch a movie and enjoy a glass of wine. Working remotely, their wish-list was addressed by creating defined zones in the space to include: a wine cellar, wine lounge, game room, and media area. The design plan was created with a sexy Vegas nightclub vibe as inspiration and using a black and white color scheme. We carved out space for a new wine cellar in an adjacent ‘cold room’ and filled it with dramatic elements, making it the true showpiece of the room. Our makeover required mostly all new furnishings that could easily be rearranged, depending on the occasion. We added unique lighting, dimensional custom cabinetry, rugs and décor. Antique mirror was added in the wine cellar, above the pool table (where adding a light fixture was not possible) and also was used to cover the unsightly support posts. This feature alone elevates and brings harmony to the room to the point you can hardly believe you’re in a basement. The clients complete trust in our bold design decisions is what made this project a success. The results exceeded their expectations and this room is now their favorite place in the home.

When our long-time VIP clients let us know they were ready to finish the basement that was a part of our original addition we were jazzed and for a few reasons. One, they have complete trust in us and never shy away from any of our crazy ideas, and two they wanted the space to feel like local restaurant Brick & Bourbon with moody vibes, lots of wooden accents, and statement lighting. They had a couple more requests, which we implemented such as a movie theater room with theater seating, completely tiled guest bathroom that could be "hosed down if necessary," ceiling features, drink rails, unexpected storage door, and wet bar that really is more of a kitchenette. So, not a small list to tackle. Alongside Tschida Construction we made all these things happen. Photographer- Chris Holden Photos

After successfully designing the main levels of their new home, our Canadian clients were ready to tackle the design and remodeling of their 1200sf basement. They wanted to utilize the lower level of their home for family gatherings and entertaining guests - yet have it cozy enough for just the two of them to watch a movie and enjoy a glass of wine. Working remotely, their wish-list was addressed by creating defined zones in the space to include: a wine cellar, wine lounge, game room, and media area. The design plan was created with a sexy Vegas nightclub vibe as inspiration and using a black and white color scheme. We carved out space for a new wine cellar in an adjacent ‘cold room’ and filled it with dramatic elements, making it the true showpiece of the room. Our makeover required mostly all new furnishings that could easily be rearranged, depending on the occasion. We added unique lighting, dimensional custom cabinetry, rugs and décor. Antique mirror was added in the wine cellar, above the pool table (where adding a light fixture was not possible) and also was used to cover the unsightly support posts. This feature alone elevates and brings harmony to the room to the point you can hardly believe you’re in a basement. The clients complete trust in our bold design decisions is what made this project a success. The results exceeded their expectations and this room is now their favorite place in the home.

When our long-time VIP clients let us know they were ready to finish the basement that was a part of our original addition we were jazzed and for a few reasons. One, they have complete trust in us and never shy away from any of our crazy ideas, and two they wanted the space to feel like local restaurant Brick & Bourbon with moody vibes, lots of wooden accents, and statement lighting. They had a couple more requests, which we implemented such as a movie theater room with theater seating, completely tiled guest bathroom that could be "hosed down if necessary," ceiling features, drink rails, unexpected storage door, and wet bar that really is more of a kitchenette. So, not a small list to tackle. Alongside Tschida Construction we made all these things happen. Photographer- Chris Holden Photos

When our long-time VIP clients let us know they were ready to finish the basement that was a part of our original addition we were jazzed and for a few reasons. One, they have complete trust in us and never shy away from any of our crazy ideas, and two they wanted the space to feel like local restaurant Brick & Bourbon with moody vibes, lots of wooden accents, and statement lighting. They had a couple more requests, which we implemented such as a movie theater room with theater seating, completely tiled guest bathroom that could be "hosed down if necessary," ceiling features, drink rails, unexpected storage door, and wet bar that really is more of a kitchenette. So, not a small list to tackle. Alongside Tschida Construction we made all these things happen. Photographer- Chris Holden Photos

When our long-time VIP clients let us know they were ready to finish the basement that was a part of our original addition we were jazzed and for a few reasons. One, they have complete trust in us and never shy away from any of our crazy ideas, and two they wanted the space to feel like local restaurant Brick & Bourbon with moody vibes, lots of wooden accents, and statement lighting. They had a couple more requests, which we implemented such as a movie theater room with theater seating, completely tiled guest bathroom that could be "hosed down if necessary," ceiling features, drink rails, unexpected storage door, and wet bar that really is more of a kitchenette. So, not a small list to tackle. Alongside Tschida Construction we made all these things happen. Photographer- Chris Holden Photos

When our long-time VIP clients let us know they were ready to finish the basement that was a part of our original addition we were jazzed and for a few reasons. One, they have complete trust in us and never shy away from any of our crazy ideas, and two they wanted the space to feel like local restaurant Brick & Bourbon with moody vibes, lots of wooden accents, and statement lighting. They had a couple more requests, which we implemented such as a movie theater room with theater seating, completely tiled guest bathroom that could be "hosed down if necessary," ceiling features, drink rails, unexpected storage door, and wet bar that really is more of a kitchenette. So, not a small list to tackle. Alongside Tschida Construction we made all these things happen. Photographer- Chris Holden Photos

When our long-time VIP clients let us know they were ready to finish the basement that was a part of our original addition we were jazzed and for a few reasons. One, they have complete trust in us and never shy away from any of our crazy ideas, and two they wanted the space to feel like local restaurant Brick & Bourbon with moody vibes, lots of wooden accents, and statement lighting. They had a couple more requests, which we implemented such as a movie theater room with theater seating, completely tiled guest bathroom that could be "hosed down if necessary," ceiling features, drink rails, unexpected storage door, and wet bar that really is more of a kitchenette. So, not a small list to tackle. Alongside Tschida Construction we made all these things happen. Photographer- Chris Holden Photos

When our long-time VIP clients let us know they were ready to finish the basement that was a part of our original addition we were jazzed, and for a few reasons. One, they have complete trust in us and never shy away from any of our crazy ideas, and two they wanted the space to feel like local restaurant Brick & Bourbon with moody vibes, lots of wooden accents, and statement lighting. They had a couple more requests, which we implemented such as a movie theater room with theater seating, completely tiled guest bathroom that could be "hosed down if necessary," ceiling features, drink rails, unexpected storage door, and wet bar that really is more of a kitchenette. So, not a small list to tackle. Alongside Tschida Construction we made all these things happen. Photographer- Chris Holden Photos

When our long-time VIP clients let us know they were ready to finish the basement that was a part of our original addition we were jazzed, and for a few reasons. One, they have complete trust in us and never shy away from any of our crazy ideas, and two they wanted the space to feel like local restaurant Brick & Bourbon with moody vibes, lots of wooden accents, and statement lighting. They had a couple more requests, which we implemented such as a movie theater room with theater seating, completely tiled guest bathroom that could be "hosed down if necessary," ceiling features, drink rails, unexpected storage door, and wet bar that really is more of a kitchenette. So, not a small list to tackle. Alongside Tschida Construction we made all these things happen. Photographer- Chris Holden Photos

When our long-time VIP clients let us know they were ready to finish the basement that was a part of our original addition we were jazzed and for a few reasons. One, they have complete trust in us and never shy away from any of our crazy ideas, and two they wanted the space to feel like local restaurant Brick & Bourbon with moody vibes, lots of wooden accents, and statement lighting. They had a couple more requests, which we implemented such as a movie theater room with theater seating, completely tiled guest bathroom that could be "hosed down if necessary," ceiling features, drink rails, unexpected storage door, and wet bar that really is more of a kitchenette. So, not a small list to tackle. Alongside Tschida Construction we made all these things happen. Photographer- Chris Holden Photos

When our long-time VIP clients let us know they were ready to finish the basement that was a part of our original addition we were jazzed, and for a few reasons. One, they have complete trust in us and never shy away from any of our crazy ideas, and two they wanted the space to feel like local restaurant Brick & Bourbon with moody vibes, lots of wooden accents, and statement lighting. They had a couple more requests, which we implemented such as a movie theater room with theater seating, completely tiled guest bathroom that could be "hosed down if necessary," ceiling features, drink rails, unexpected storage door, and wet bar that really is more of a kitchenette. So, not a small list to tackle. Alongside Tschida Construction we made all these things happen. Photographer- Chris Holden Photos

When our long-time VIP clients let us know they were ready to finish the basement that was a part of our original addition we were jazzed, and for a few reasons. One, they have complete trust in us and never shy away from any of our crazy ideas, and two they wanted the space to feel like local restaurant Brick & Bourbon with moody vibes, lots of wooden accents, and statement lighting. They had a couple more requests, which we implemented such as a movie theater room with theater seating, completely tiled guest bathroom that could be "hosed down if necessary," ceiling features, drink rails, unexpected storage door, and wet bar that really is more of a kitchenette. So, not a small list to tackle. Alongside Tschida Construction we made all these things happen. Photographer- Chris Holden Photos

After successfully designing the main levels of their new home, our Canadian clients were ready to tackle the design and remodeling of their 1200sf basement. They wanted to utilize the lower level of their home for family gatherings and entertaining guests - yet have it cozy enough for just the two of them to watch a movie and enjoy a glass of wine. Working remotely, their wish-list was addressed by creating defined zones in the space to include: a wine cellar, wine lounge, game room, and media area. The design plan was created with a sexy Vegas nightclub vibe as inspiration and using a black and white color scheme. We carved out space for a new wine cellar in an adjacent ‘cold room’ and filled it with dramatic elements, making it the true showpiece of the room. Our makeover required mostly all new furnishings that could easily be rearranged, depending on the occasion. We added unique lighting, dimensional custom cabinetry, rugs and décor. Antique mirror was added in the wine cellar, above the pool table (where adding a light fixture was not possible) and also was used to cover the unsightly support posts. This feature alone elevates and brings harmony to the room to the point you can hardly believe you’re in a basement. The clients complete trust in our bold design decisions is what made this project a success. The results exceeded their expectations and this room is now their favorite place in the home.

When our long-time VIP clients let us know they were ready to finish the basement that was a part of our original addition we were jazzed, and for a few reasons. One, they have complete trust in us and never shy away from any of our crazy ideas, and two they wanted the space to feel like local restaurant Brick & Bourbon with moody vibes, lots of wooden accents, and statement lighting. They had a couple more requests, which we implemented such as a movie theater room with theater seating, completely tiled guest bathroom that could be "hosed down if necessary," ceiling features, drink rails, unexpected storage door, and wet bar that really is more of a kitchenette. So, not a small list to tackle. Alongside Tschida Construction we made all these things happen. Photographer- Chris Holden Photos

When our long-time VIP clients let us know they were ready to finish the basement that was a part of our original addition we were jazzed, and for a few reasons. One, they have complete trust in us and never shy away from any of our crazy ideas, and two they wanted the space to feel like local restaurant Brick & Bourbon with moody vibes, lots of wooden accents, and statement lighting. They had a couple more requests, which we implemented such as a movie theater room with theater seating, completely tiled guest bathroom that could be "hosed down if necessary," ceiling features, drink rails, unexpected storage door, and wet bar that really is more of a kitchenette. So, not a small list to tackle. Alongside Tschida Construction we made all these things happen. Photographer- Chris Holden Photos

When our long-time VIP clients let us know they were ready to finish the basement that was a part of our original addition we were jazzed, and for a few reasons. One, they have complete trust in us and never shy away from any of our crazy ideas, and two they wanted the space to feel like local restaurant Brick & Bourbon with moody vibes, lots of wooden accents, and statement lighting. They had a couple more requests, which we implemented such as a movie theater room with theater seating, completely tiled guest bathroom that could be "hosed down if necessary," ceiling features, drink rails, unexpected storage door, and wet bar that really is more of a kitchenette. So, not a small list to tackle. Alongside Tschida Construction we made all these things happen. Photographer- Chris Holden Photos