Home Feature

WOODLAND Wonder

By Jennifer Dumke

Photos by Margaret Pennock

Over the river and through the woods lies a stunning two-story home that exudes beauty with its use of natural elements coupled with casual design. Built in 1999, the Johnsons fully planned on staying in their custom built home for a while. As time passes and new design trends come and go, the Johnsons knew it was time for some updates. “It’s been a while since we built it. We knew it was time,” she adds. Having previously worked with Michele Latham, senior designer for Montgomery’s, Johnson knew where to turn for design direction. Using inspiration from the lush outdoors, the duo got to work adding subtle design trends to the classic layout.

Filled with natural sunlight and breathtaking countryside views, the kitchen greets with glory. The neutral walls and ample windows offer full focus on design. Having raised their children in the home and are now enjoying their grandchildren, it was important to have a balance with both form and function. “The corduroy sofa is a family favorite,” adds Johnson when referencing the comfy couch in the main living area. But just adjacent to the area of relaxation you can easily spot an onyx toned tile backsplash with a metallic hue that blends with the custom cabinets. To keep the space open and bright, rich white quartz countertops with thick veins of dark grey and black were used along with triple pendant lights with unique brushed gold shades. A french door allows easy access to the outside where views of the landscape are present. Soft upholstered bar stools make for casual dining while a built-in cozy nook adds to the dining options. “This is probably one of my favorite

places in the home,” adds Latham. Custom window seats play double duty and blend with the dark grey upholstered chairs and distressed wood table. A simplistic yet elegant antique brass chandelier is the perfect finishing touch along with custom valances on the windows. Adding to the character is a curved front buffet perfect for storage.

Leading into the family room, dual arches on the ceiling offer architectural interest and highlight the space’s focal point. “I absolutely love the original features such as the fireplace,” adds Latham. “And mixing in some new with the old.” Johnson adds that there are no plans of changing anything on the stone-faced fireplace. Warm wood floors and trim flow throughout and are highlighted by large neutral area rugs and soft upholstery. Adding to the fusion of outdoor elements indoors is the round rawhide ottoman that doubles as a coffee table. “We used a lot of organic and transitional design elements,” says Latham. For added depth to the large space, the walls are painted a rich darker hue to contrast with the trim. “We don’t have a lot of wall space,” adds Johnson. “We just wanted to add to the original character of the home.”

Just beyond the spacious family room is the formal dining. “This truly is my favorite place in the home,” adds Latham. To make a statement yet keep with a minimalist theme, a grand butcher block style table is surrounded by soft, upholstered high back chairs. Mixing textures, the two chairs on the end are covered in distressed grey leather. A large brass brushed chandelier illuminates when needed and coordinates with the rest of the home. An arch top window allows for light control with a neutral Roman shade. Finishing out the formal dining room is a black lacquer grand player piano.

“A fun place to make a statement and be unique is in the powder bath,” says Latham. Taking a more formal turn, the main floor powder bath features unique floral wallpaper in tones of dark grey, silver and gold. A nod to the past, a traditional pedestal sink is the perfect finishing touch. Even the laundry room is fully customized with mosaic tile on the walls, grey custom cabinets and accents of metallic gold and silver. A drum style metal semi-flush light fixture ensures plenty of light in the cozy space.

The guest bedroom is light and airy with cream toned walls, soft carpet and recessed lighting. Adding contrast is the dark navy bedding and teal upholstered settee. A spare room offers additional space and features a unique curved window with a built-in workspace. “This is primarily for the grandchildren,” Johnson adds.

Senior designer Michele Latham prefers to design with a blend of old and new. Using the beauty of architectural elements and enhancing the space with some modern and organized touches keeps the space warm, sophisticated and timeless. Michele loves to dabble in all design styles and enjoys working with her clients to blend their personal lifestyle with unique and updated looks to create a space that they love to be in.

Complementing the rich navy tones of the spare bedroom, the master suite is grand with vaulted ceilings and a wall of built-in creamy white cabinets and a window seat. The arch top window attracts the eye with stationary fabric side panels and accent pillows. Velvet bedding blends with the black charcoal wood headboard while neutral walls and carpet keep things casual.

Warm tones of cream and beige flood the master bathroom. Plank style floor tile form a classic herringbone pattern as well as the white subway tile with dark grout featured on the walls. For added luxury, a freestanding soaking bathtub is the perfect place to relax while a walk-in shower makes a modern statement. Finishing off the space are dual sinks with creamy white cabinets, countertop and framed mirrors. Glistening chrome faucets and hardware give a traditional finishing touch. In keeping with the theme, the spare bathroom also features the same colors and products but on a smaller scale.

The perfect blend of natural products and timeless trends ensure this grand two-story home will stay in the family. “We really wanted something that will last,” adds Johnson. And thanks to their ongoing efforts, this home will truly stand the test of time and beauty. n