Imbue Design builds Red Hawk Residence in Utah around a courtyard

This article highlights an award-winning outdoor living space in Houston, recognized as the "Best Outdoor Living Space Winner" in Houston's Design 9 competition. The homeowner collaborated with McDugald Steele Landscape Architects & Contractors to realize a vision of maximizing green space and minimizing paving within a 13,000-square-foot area. The design focused on creating a lush, verdant paradise that harmoniously integrates with the natural surroundings. A key aspect of the front garden's design was the preservation and showcasing of significant existing elements, including a 75-year-old Live Oak and several Crepe Myrtles. Low plantings were strategically incorporated around the Crepe Myrtles to maintain open views and prevent the space from feeling enclosed, thereby enhancing the sense of expansiveness. The objective was to create a garden that felt natural and inviting, rather than overly manicured or confined. The project involved a team of specialized professionals. Dillion Kyle Architects contributed to the overall architecture, while McDugald Steele Landscape Architects & Contractors were responsible for the landscape architecture and execution, focusing on the intricate details of the green spaces. Windham Builders served as the builder, ensuring the structural integrity and aesthetic quality of the hardscape elements. Interior design was handled by Peggy McGaughy of Reflections Interior Design, suggesting a cohesive design language between the indoor and outdoor environments. Stirling Electric & Irrigation managed the lighting design, aiming to illuminate the garden effectively and create ambiance, alongside implementing an efficient irrigation system. Several key resources were utilized in the creation of this outdoor sanctuary. Alamo Stone provided the materials for the pathways, contributing to the natural and integrated feel of the design. San Jacinto Stone was responsible for the courtyard planters, adding structured green elements to specific areas. Brilliance LED and Lumien Lighting supplied the garden and courtyard planter lighting, respectively, highlighting features and ensuring usability after dark. An advanced Hunter Hydrawise irrigation system was installed to efficiently manage the watering of the extensive plantings. Plantings were sourced from Tree Source Wholesale Nursery and Wholesale Gardens, ensuring a diverse and healthy selection of flora for the expansive garden. The final outcome is an outdoor living space that not only won an award but also provides a serene and beautiful environment for the homeowner. The design successfully integrates natural elements with sophisticated landscaping, creating a refreshing and harmonious extension of the home. The collaborative effort of various design and building professionals resulted in a visually stunning and functionally sound outdoor area that emphasizes greenery and natural beauty. #OutdoorLivingSpace #LandscapeArchitecture #HoustonHomes #GardenDesign #HomeDesign #LuxuryInteriors #GreenSpace #DesignAwards

Jill Elkins and her husband, Jerry, in Leesburg, decided to construct an in-law suite addition to their existing 6,513-square-foot home during the pandemic when Jerry's mother, Patsy Pfeifer, moved in with them. The goal was to provide Pfeifer with a private living area while ensuring she remained connected to the family. This addition, managed by Aaron McCleary of CaseCo Homes, transformed their "cookie-cutter Stanley Martin home" located in a golf course development. The 1,900-square-foot addition connects to the main residence through an outdoor, covered colonnade, which itself is a sophisticated entertaining space. McCleary emphasizes the high quality of this outdoor area, detailing its features including space heaters, ceiling heaters, a grand fireplace, and a gabled ceiling with stained tongue-and-groove paneling. The pool and patio utilize mosaic tile designed to resemble stone. Additionally, a large TV is installed above an outdoor fireplace, and retractable screens, which disappear into a beam, were custom-made, making it an ideal setting for outdoor entertaining. A full outdoor kitchen further enhances the functionality of this area. Inside the in-law suite, Sallie Lord of GreyHunt Interiors was tasked with designing a space that harmonized with the existing home's interior while catering to everyone's preferences, particularly Pfeifer's. Lord, known for her expertise in high-contrast schemes, opted for a softer approach in this project. She focused on integrating natural wood stains with creamy decor and finishes to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The design aimed to establish a juxtaposition between off-whites and rich wood tones, employing various textures and grays to achieve a cohesive and cozy feel throughout the space, ensuring continuity between the new addition and the original home. The design process involved collaborative decision-making among the homeowners, Pfeifer, and Lord. Elkins acknowledged that reaching a middle ground could be challenging at times, but Lord's logical approach facilitated common decisions. Both Elkins and her husband expressed great satisfaction with the outdoor area, particularly enjoying the heated space and the pool. Pfeifer also shared her contentment, stating that the new space feels like home, offering the perfect balance of privacy and proximity to her family. The project was featured in the February issue of Northern Virginia Magazine. #HomeDesign #InLawSuite #OutdoorLiving #LeesburgRealEstate #CustomHome #InteriorDesign #ResidentialArchitecture #FamilyLiving

The Garrison Residence, a 3,800-square-foot house initially built in 1987, underwent a significant rebuild to transform it from a dark and enclosed space into a bright, ultra-contemporary home. The project, led by architect Patrick Tighe, aimed to maximize natural light and ocean views given its prime beach-adjacent location. The owners, Mark and Jane Garrison, a doctor-turned-entrepreneur and an animal-rights activist respectively, desired a design that reflected their modern lifestyle and vegan principles. Tighe's design incorporated a series of hexagonal windows, which served a dual purpose: complementing the building's scale and introducing a unique pattern. These six-sided shapes were manipulated vertically and outward, culminating in a prominent, eye-catching 'eye' feature on the smooth white plaster-coated facade. This architectural element not only enhances the exterior aesthetics but also plays a crucial role in bringing ample sunlight into the interior spaces. Adjacent to the main structure, a new gray tower was added, providing a contrast to the white facade. This tower houses a staircase featuring open risers and glass circles embedded into the landings. A central wire mesh screen along the staircase contributes to the home's artistic flair by creating a dynamic interplay of shadows, adding visual interest. For accessibility, an elevator connects the garage to the various levels of the house, including the ground-level bedrooms, the public living spaces above, and a study located on the top floor. The interior furnishings were handled by David Dunn, who prioritized maintaining Tighe's minimalist aesthetic. An example of this approach is the living area's sofa, designed to be lean and low, measuring 8 feet in length with a 14-inch seat height. The upholstery chosen was vintage chartreuse velvet, providing a pop of color while adhering to the sophisticated, understated design. Reflecting the owners' strict vegan lifestyle, all fillings used in the furnishings were man-made. The project team for Patrick Tighe Architecture included Evelina Sausina, Michael Ho, and Michael Nesbit, all contributing to the successful realization of this award-winning small house design. #GarrisonResidence #PatrickTigheArchitecture #SmallHouseDesign #ModernArchitecture #HexagonalWindows #MinimalistInterior #VeganFriendlyDesign #InteriorDesignAward

The increasing popularity of second homes has led many Nashville residents to seek serene retreats outside the bustling city. One couple discovered Overton Retreat, an exclusive gated community in McMinnville, Tennessee, situated on the edge of the Cumberland Plateau, near a lake and forest. This upscale mountaintop community on Long Mountain is less than two hours from Nashville, offering proximity to the Caney Fork River and Fall Creek Falls. This particular home, designed by Interior Anthology, exemplifies a fusion of rustic cabin charm and modern sophistication. The craftsman-style residence spans over 7,000 square feet, featuring five bedrooms and six bathrooms. Its interior design prominently embraces the biophilic trend, evident in details like woven rhododendron handrails and a grand stone fireplace. The home's soaring ceilings and natural aesthetic draw inspiration from Yellowstone National Park's Old Faithful Inn. Jennefer Guthrie, owner of Interior Anthology, explained that the design consistently maintained its initial rustic mountain home concept, with some elements evolving during the process. An interior elevator with a hidden access door highlights the home's blend of remote tranquility with advanced amenities, underscoring its thoughtfully curated features and subtle design details. Guthrie dedicated years to sourcing decor, art, and accessories, often finding unique pieces during trips to Asheville with the intention of incorporating them into the mountain house. Her involvement extended to selecting everything from the exterior stone to the doorknobs, demonstrating extensive procurement for the project. In the kitchen, custom stools with a branch and twig motif complement a curved island, designed to enhance elbow room for guests. A unique artistic backsplash, custom-made by a pottery collective in Philadelphia, serves as a prominent focal point upon entering the home, creatively addressing the lack of space for traditional wall art. The dining room features floor-to-ceiling windows, maximizing natural light, and smaller rectangular windows that pay homage to the craftsman style. A custom chandelier, recreated by an artisan after the client discovered a vintage piece, boasts wire and crystal globes. The owner's bedroom, the largest in the home, provides ample space and a sunset view. Its en-suite bathroom includes a curved shower and birch tree-adorned wallpaper, designed to evoke the feeling of being immersed in nature. The grand entryway features an overhead catwalk leading to an expansive great room dominated by a Tennessee fieldstone fireplace. Notable details include columns with bark inlay and rhododendron railings, both sourced from Asheville, NC. The fireplace mantel is a reclaimed wood piece from Littlebranch Farm, and the local stone for the fireplace was sourced from a nearby quarry. An art piece by Emily Leonard above the fireplace adds warmth and depth. The great room is further enhanced by a striking, six-by-six-foot handmade light fixture from Wish Designs. The catwalk, adorned with rhododendron branch railings from Mountain Laurel Handrail, connects different sections of the upstairs. Reclaimed barn wood creates an inset on the hickory floor leading to the great room. The front entry features an ornate antique bench, personally acquired by Guthrie and now a prominent design element. Thoughtfully curated collections, such as a hall table with a mirror and twig sconces, create engaging vignettes throughout the house. Guest accommodations include a serene “Couple’s Suite” with moody blue walls, a birch bed from La Lune Collection, and a sophisticated chandelier from Troy Lighting. A Navajo-inspired rug by Ralph Lauren adds texture, while an original oil painting by Jason A. Saunders provides a touch of color. Upstairs amenities also include a wine and snack bar, an exercise area, and a billiard room for entertainment. The home also boasts approximately 2,200 square feet of decking, encompassing a sunporch and a master suite deck, offering impressive views. Other guest rooms include a bunk room with custom-made bunks from La Lune Collection and a faux antler light fixture. Its adjacent bathroom features whimsical stag wallpaper from Kravet and a mirror from Pottery Barn Kids. An office space, deemed essential by the semi-retired client, provides a handsome and productive oasis. The powder room is considered one of the most unique spaces, featuring a tree trunk vanity base from Littlebranch Farms, handmade birch panels from Arden Creek, and custom floor tiles from Karen Amies of MacMillan Amies Studio, which incorporate acorns and other natural motifs. A screened-in porch with a fireplace and a custom porch swing from La Lune Collection offers a cozy spot to enjoy the views year-round, even after reupholstering the original furniture. This custom-designed home provides a luxurious, nature-inspired retreat, meticulously crafted for comfort and aesthetic appeal. #ElevatedRusticDesign #OvertonRetreat #CustomHome #InteriorDesign #BiophilicDesign #LuxuryHomes #TennesseeArchitecture #MountainHome #SecondHome