Inside an Architect’s Dream Home in a Hidden Mission Hills Canyon

Chasitie and Mike Walden embarked on a journey to construct a new family home in Mission Hills, drawing inspiration from a unique house they encountered in Atlanta, Georgia. Their vision was realized over three years, culminating in a contemporary residence that skillfully integrates traditional elements, making it a comfortable retreat during the 2020 pandemic shutdown. The exterior, designed by Mark McHenry with McHenry Schaffer Architecture, features crisp white stucco juxtaposed with ashlar masonry, and steel-framed windows and doors are complemented by classic carriage-house lanterns, blending modern aesthetics with neighborhood tradition. Inside, interior architect Oliver Carter orchestrated a dynamic interplay of styles. The double-height entry showcases classic black-and-white marble tiles and traditional balusters, modernized by an oversized brass-framed mirror and a sleek bench. The elevated music room, a vibrant space, hosts a timeless black baby-grand piano and a striking Dale Chihuly chandelier, exemplifying the home’s bold approach to design. Interior designer Debbie Cansler of Trapp and Company joined the project to streamline the selection of finishes and furniture, ensuring a cohesive and functional design. Among the most cherished spaces is the living room, featuring grass-green tuxedo-style sofas with white bases flanking the fireplace, anchored by a graphic geometric rug. The custom Porter Teleo wallpaper is highlighted as a central artistic element. Adjacent to the living room, and separated by glassed-in wine storage, the dining room offers a cozy and richly colored environment, perfect for entertaining. It is adorned with antique crystal chandeliers and a custom Eric Thomas-designed rift-sawn white-oak table that can accommodate fourteen guests. Mike’s office, a sanctuary during lockdown, combines a serious atmosphere with dark woodwork and law journals, lightened by Hunt Slonem’s Abraham Lincoln painting and a whimsical “honest lawyer” pillow. The kitchen was conceived as a casual and low-maintenance space, essential for a family with two children and three dogs. It features double islands topped with polished white Panda marble, providing ample room for family activities and meal preparation, with Ann Sacks tile adding a dramatic touch to the backsplash. The primary suite serves as a serene escape, characterized by deep blue Phillip Jeffries shagreen wallcovering, a custom wingback leather-upholstered bed, and a plush hand-knotted Stark rug. The en-suite bathroom is a luxurious oasis, boasting an expansive floor of honed Grigio Delcato marble tiles, custom vanities with calacatta quartz tops, and a freestanding tub set against a backdrop of Artistic Tile water-jet mosaic. The Waldens express immense satisfaction with their home, a sentiment echoed by its popularity on the recent Kappa Kappa Gamma tour, confirming Cansler's success in creating a home that resonates with the family's desires. #MissionHillsHome #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #ContemporaryHome #HomeDecor #CustomInteriors #LuxuryLiving #FamilyHome #KansasCityRealEstate

Architect David Bailey, Principal Architect at HASTINGS, designed his personal residence, known as Sycamore House, in Green Hills, Tennessee. The design process began in 2014 when Bailey acquired a specific lot, driven by his belief that location is paramount to successful architectural design. His vision for the Sycamore House was to create a modern, ground-up design that seamlessly integrated with its natural surroundings while incorporating sustainable practices and reflecting personal history. The house's design was significantly influenced by Bailey's childhood memories of growing up in East Tennessee, particularly his connection to sycamore trees and exploring creeks. This personal connection led to the home being named Sycamore House, and the distinctive mottled bark of the sycamore trees even inspired the selection of brick for the exterior, giving it a handcrafted texture. The region's limestone bluffs further shaped the architectural language, influencing the exploration of exterior materials, linearity, stacked volumes, and carved corners, aiming for the house to adapt to its site and surroundings with the sycamore trees as a central element. A key aspect of the Sycamore House is its emphasis on connecting indoor and outdoor spaces. Bailey meticulously considered the sun's path throughout the year, which guided the placement of windows, the design of shaded areas, and the orientation of rooms. This approach ensured abundant natural light and transparency while maintaining privacy, particularly by elevating the two-story portion of the home behind a dense tree line. The elevation also reoriented the front yard, enhancing privacy from the street. Sustainability was a core principle in the home's construction and design. Sycamore House features a white membrane roof designed to reflect solar heat, improving thermal energy performance. The property also boasts a comprehensive rainwater harvesting system, collecting 10,000 gallons annually for irrigation. Geothermal systems are utilized for all heating and cooling, drawing from nine 350-foot deep wells, and gas is completely avoided for water heating and cooking. Additionally, solar panels, optimally positioned on high and mid-level roofs for southern exposure, contribute to the home's energy efficiency, with plans for a future living green roof. Interior design choices also underscored sustainability. Claudia Lofton, Director of Interiors at HASTINGS, ensured the use of FSC-certified wood, LED dimmable lighting, and materials with low chemical content. The interior palette focused on warmth and consistency, utilizing only three primary wood types: teak for the exterior (chosen for its weathering properties and connection to the sycamore tones), white oak for all interior floors, and walnut for cabinetry, interior window frames, and walls. The soaring walnut veneer in the foyer, stretching to the second story, was meticulously choreographed to create visual movement and tie the spaces together. Furnishings in the Sycamore House blend modern aesthetics with a nod to the midcentury ranch that previously occupied the site. The selections balance sleek, modern structures with warmth, reflecting the homeowners' inviting personalities. Plush seating areas are complemented by midcentury-angled furniture, and visual interest is added through contrasts in textures, such as leather paired with soft rugs on oak floors, and a thoughtful interplay of light and dark finishes. The overall design narrative balances memories, present place, modernism, and warmth, creating a formidable yet light-filled and connected living space under the sycamore trees. #ArchitecturalDesign #SustainableHome #ModernArchitecture #GreenBuilding #InteriorDesign #TennesseeHomes #ResidentialArchitecture #EcoFriendlyDesign #LuxuryHomes

The Dowell family, consisting of Rebecca, Jeremiah, and their sons Deacon, Wyatt, and Ryder, along with their boxer Rookie, recently relocated to La Grange's Heather Ridge neighborhood to be closer to Oldham County Schools due to their sons' involvement in football and other sports. Jeremiah, a Realtor at Keller Williams Louisville East, had long admired the five-level Avery model by Fischer Homes. The family purchased a four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom, 3,229-square-foot multi-level home built in 2023, which offered the ideal blend of shared and private living spaces. The Dowells undertook several customizations to personalize their new home. They installed luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout and equipped the kitchen with GE Café appliances. A significant change involved moving the fireplace from a corner to the center of the great room, opting for a gas fireplace. This tan brick fireplace, extending to the 18-foot ceilings, is complemented by a matching column in the basement office and an entryway arch, creating a cohesive design. Trim and sconces were added to frame the fireplace, creating symmetry, with a frame TV displaying a black and white family photo when not in use. Jeremiah emphasized the desire for the room not to be solely focused on the television. Rebecca, an independent travel advisor, established an in-home office in the basement. This space features a large, T-shaped desk with two chairs, shelving, and his-and-hers display cases. Rebecca's side showcases whimsical travel and childhood mementos, while Jeremiah's side displays award plaques and framed degrees. A wall-mounted TV in Rebecca's office streams live views of various locations, like New York, beaches, and castles, adding light and an outdoor ambiance to the space. The opposite side of the lower level is dedicated to a workout area, with a discreet entry to a large storage space. The family's love for football is evident in the rec room, which includes a large TV, ample seating, an NFL Blitz arcade game, and a wall adorned with a mural of the Caesars Superdome, reflecting Rebecca's New Orleans roots. The room also features dozens of mini football helmets, which previously were scattered in the children's rooms. The 10-foot ceiling in the rec room was a major selling point for the family, as it provided an expansive feel typically not found in basements and connected seamlessly with the kitchen. Exterior customizations were also undertaken. Initially, Rebecca found the original brown exterior with shutters too busy. After consulting an artist on Etsy for exterior renderings, they chose Sherwin-Williams Oyster Bay, an algae-hued neutral paint with slate-blue undertones, to enhance the home's curb appeal. Jeremiah, being in real estate, considered resale value in all their modifications. While the Dowells anticipate moving again in the future, they are currently enjoying their customized home, particularly its open floor plan, which facilitates family gatherings and entertaining, as exemplified by a Derby party where Rebecca could remain engaged with guests while in the kitchen. Key distinctive elements of the home include an entryway with a tan brick archway made with German schmear, quartz countertops, large kitchen cabinets with trim to the ceiling, a custom pantry mirroring the kitchen with a mini-fridge, and a second pantry for dry food and appliances. The first floor features custom luxury vinyl plank flooring. Other notable features include floor-to-ceiling trim in the great room and entryway, a custom mudroom, a renovated basement with an office, gym, bathroom, large framed TV, and ample hidden storage. The primary bedroom boasts a brick wall, a custom 4K electric fireplace, tiled bathroom floor, custom vanity, and custom closet. The backyard includes custom pavers and a gas fireplace, while the garage has an epoxy floor. The Dowells enlisted various professionals for these customizations, including Fischer Homes, Andreanna for LVP flooring, Olde Town Chimney for the gas fireplace, Wes Stutz for fireplace installation and trim work, Wes Stutz and Chris Barber for storage solutions, Jeff Hancock of Triple Trade for electrical and plumbing, Coronado Stone for the primary bedroom brick wall, Kilo’s Painting for interior and exterior painting, Earthscapes LLC for pavers, and Epoxy Dude for garage flooring. #HomeDesign #CustomHome #MultiLevelHome #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #FischerHomes #OldhamCounty #FamilyHome #HomeCustomization

This article highlights a modern Paradise Valley home, a collaboration between RMB Luxury Real Estate, Tomecak Design, and Bellflower Design. The initial architectural inspiration for the home came from Mark Tomecak, whose Serbian background influenced a simplistic and European modern styling. Debra Richardson, the interior designer at RMB Luxury Real Estate, designed a floor plan that prioritizes a spacious, family-friendly residence with extensive indoor and outdoor entertainment options. The core focus of the design team was to maximize every square foot to create a modern-marvel entertainer’s dream home. A key design priority was to emphasize the stunning sunsets and views of Camelback Mountain. This was achieved through the incorporation of ten-foot-high sliding doors that open on both sides, creating a seamless transition between the interior and exterior spaces. The home was sold during the drywall stage, allowing the buyers to provide input on the finishes. Lead designer Richardson employed a palette of pure whites, soft grays, and bold blacks, while secondary areas featured softer, warmer tones. The new homeowners desired a residence that matched the high-end features found in luxury properties in the Los Angeles area, particularly seeking the flexibility to transform the space into a 'swanky nightclub' for entertaining. To meet this request, an intricate sound system with multi-colored LED lighting was installed both inside and outside, creating a dynamic visual and auditory experience. The exterior entertainment area is lavish, featuring a 70-foot pool, a 12-person jacuzzi, and various seating arrangements. Key design elements and resources used in the home include Arizona Tile for kitchen countertops, island, fireplace accents, bathroom tiles, and outdoor flooring. ET2 Contemporary Lighting provided fixtures for the entryway, dining room, and primary bedroom, while Modern Forms supplied kitchen lighting. McKenzie Custom Built Cabinets crafted the kitchen cabinetry. RH Modern furnished the living room with couches, accent tables, and rugs, and the bedrooms with beds and dressers. Sherwin-Williams paints were used for the walls, and Simplicity Home Automation was responsible for the LED lighting system. The flooring in the living room is Arizona Tile’s Super White imported porcelain, complementing the RHM furniture. The finished home was well-received, even earning approval from reality television personalities Tarek El Moussa and Heather Rae Young during a tour, who praised its finishes and clever design. #ParadiseValleyHome #ModernDesign #LuxuryRealEstate #EntertainersDream #InteriorDesign #OutdoorLiving #ArchitecturalDesign #HomeAutomation #CustomFinishes

The Designer Show House, a biennial event sponsored by the Village Improvement Association in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, showcases diverse interior and exterior design inspirations across its 6,000 square feet of space and nearly an acre of outdoor areas. This event serves as a platform for regional designers to present their expertise and offers visitors a wealth of ideas for their own homes. One featured space is a sunken living room, designed by Kate FitzGerald-Wilks of Timeless Design in Landenberg, Pennsylvania. This room embodies a West Indies aesthetic, characterized by bold lines, soft sandy hues, and rich textures. Key elements include vintage stick bamboo chairs painted black, adorned with Kuba cloth and Ralph Lauren zebra-stripe pillows on a slipcovered camel-backed sofa. A mid-century hutch is repurposed as a cocktail bar, complemented by sculptural metal and glass console tables flanking the fireplace. Wood mirrors with faux tortoise shell lean against textured wallpaper, while modern sculptures and art blend with antique books and global treasures. FitzGerald-Wilks also designed the dining room, aiming for a dramatic effect with a backdrop of 200 wine bottles and a striking Dolcetti chandelier crafted from shells and crystals, evoking sea glass. An 8-foot-long reclaimed wine rack sits atop a buffet. The room's color palette consists of soft creams and tans, punctuated by emerald green accents in the chandelier and wine bottles. Windows are framed with woven ikat print panels. An airy sunroom, conceived by Alfred Wolf Home (a new venture from Design Center of Rehoboth or DCOR), was designed to create a light-filled, contemporary transition between the house and garden. This involved removing existing French doors and window grills, painting the room in various shades of white and French gray-green, and incorporating textural elements of white canvas, iron, and marble. The family room, also by DCOR, maintained the warmth of its original paneling and fireplace stone, setting the foundation for a soft khaki and cream palette. The room is furnished with herringbone, tweed, and leather fabrics, offset by tortoise shell wood finishes and local tidal scene artwork. Mary Stewart of M. Stewart Interiors in Bear designed the upstairs hobby room, named "Just Us," intended as a shared family space for various pastimes like painting, photography, reading, chess, and Lego building. The room features updated cherished family heirlooms and is painted simply white to highlight paintings by Nadia Zychal. Nile Johnson of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, designed the second-floor paneled library, drawing inspiration from Rehoboth's laid-back yet cosmopolitan atmosphere. This space offers an updated interpretation of a classic library, decorated in layers of sandy tans. Cyndi and Ron Oronzio and Cathie Sheetz of Dreamweaver Interiors of Rehoboth Beach decorated a bedroom and bath, inspired by vibrantly patterned fabrics. They utilized Robert Allen fabrics as wallpaper for an accent wall, building the room's design around this print. The team selected fabrics for their depth, crisp patterns, contrasting textures, and detailed embroidery, incorporating a bright coral pink accent color and rhinestone embellishments for a feminine touch. Brenda Carder of blcINTERIORS of Rehoboth Beach designed a small guest bedroom, combining natural cotton and linen fabrics with metal and reclaimed wood. Crown moldings add formality. To compensate for limited sunlight, the room was kept light and bright, with a deep navy blue accent wall and touches of bright yellow for warmth. The second floor features art by Libby Zando of Zando Designs and Art Affects in Milton, alongside works by award-winning regional artists. Boardwalk Builders of Rehoboth transformed a hallway into a gallery space by adding wainscot paneling, creating an updated cottage aesthetic that visually broadened the hallway. Mark A. Polo of The Urban Dweller in Boonton, New Jersey, designed the master suite, aiming for comfort with soft textural colors ranging from taupe to blue. The furniture is upholstered to enhance the room's softness, featuring taupe draperies of embroidered sheer linen and silk edged in leather and freshwater pearls. Blonde floors are softened by a long-fiber rug. Outdoors, Erin Walls and Justin Bartels of Bella Terra Landscaping in Lincoln repurposed existing flagstone patios and walkways, adding new stones to create a Celtic-inspired design. The layout divides the space into a grand area for social gatherings and secluded nooks for quiet retreats. Creative Concepts Furniture of Lewes and Ocean View furnished the patios as outdoor rooms with bright coastal colors, including a sectional, loveseat, dining area for six, and lounge chairs, inviting visitors to envision themselves in the setting. #DesignerShowHouse #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #RehobothBeach #DelawareDesign #LuxuryInteriors #OutdoorLiving #DesignInspiration