Friends, prepare for major eye candy — a new build where soothing neutrals, timeless finishes, and comforting textures brilliantly intersect, creating a modern organic retreat. Our clients (we’ll call them Mike and Allison) began their journey of building a new home after finding the perfect lot situated on a pond in a brand-new development.

With their busy jobs, an active toddler, and a second baby on the way, Allison and Mike knew exactly what they needed: a calm and peaceful haven, perfect for unwinding after hectic days. However, they quickly ran into a decision-making process that was anything but soothing.

When trying to choose between home models, Mike and Allison felt very overwhelmed. Each option looked appealing, but they couldn’t decide which would be right for their lifestyle, or how to personalize it.

This was the moment when they hired me to join their team. I was able to step in and offer guidance to support and streamline the process, ensuring their home would be everything they dreamed of…and more! First order of action? To collaborate with their builder…

Collaborating with the Builder for a Customized Experience

Many builder homes are pre-designed, so if customization is something you’re after, be sure to discuss the opportunities with your builder. For the most part, we were confined to working within the specific finishes the builder offered (which made our design process slightly different from the process of a home renovation).

However, we still found a way to personalize their home with unique details and finishes, giving it a truly custom touch! That’s the benefit of working with a designer. So… are you ready to join me for a tour through their new, gorgeous home? Come on in!

Timeless, Modern, & Bright Kitchen Design

Ahhh…this kitchen feels like a breath of fresh air, doesn’t it? All white can sometimes seem overwhelming in a kitchen, but paired with mixed metals and luxurious leather barstools, the classic and modern elements effortlessly complement one another to create a flawlessly timeless space. Let’s take a closer look at these swoon-worthy details…

The gorgeous waterfall edge on the island was one of the features that Allison and Mike pushed for, and I’m SO glad they did! The veining in this marble-looking quartz instantly elevates this crisp space. 

One of the recurring themes in Allison’s inspiration photos was a mix of black and brass fixtures. Staying true to her vision, we combined modern black hardware to contrast beautifully with the bright white detail of the cabinetry. The gentle pop of brass on the white pendants gives the space a sense of refined warmth necessary for that relaxed and welcoming vibe.

Before we move onto the next room, let’s meander into the casual and cozy breakfast nook…

I can already envision Mike and Allison enjoying family meals at this inviting table, perfect for a family of four. Neutral window treatments complement an organic modern feel. Black wishbone chairs effortlessly pair with the classic round pedestal table, finished in a natural wood that complements the next room on our tour…

Soothing and Comfortable Living Room

Can’t you just feel the calming effect when looking at this space? You’ll notice our neutral color palette and natural wood elements continue here, and we played up texture in a BIG way. Dark leather chairs, a soothing gray upholstered ottoman, and soft neutral throws and pillows you could just sink into.

As we were working on the design for this living room, Mike and Allison decided that they didn’t want to sacrifice style and comfort by using their old furniture pieces – and they shouldn’t have to! Instead, they opted to incorporate their previous furniture into secondary rooms and source brand-new furnishings for this living room. The result? A comfortable and gorgeous style that perfectly fits the vision for their home.

Fortunately, this living room was a success story from start to finish. We were well aware of lengthy lead times for procurement (thanks, COVID), so we ordered the new furniture as soon as construction began. After the furniture was delivered and the family finished unpacking, we worked our magic and brought in the final touches that transformed this house into a home.

Soft and Sophisticated Dining Room

The warm, modern organic vibe extends into this show-stopping dining room, where floor-to-ceiling wall paneling, crown molding, and plantation shutters add an abundance of character. Natural woods pair with neutral upholstery to provide delightful and comforting textures, perfect for hosting neighborly dinners. To amp up the formality of the space, we selected a stunning teardrop chandelier.

Did you notice the photograph in the background? We selected this stunning photograph of the Italian coast from Juniper Print Shop to commemorate one of Allison and Mike’s favorite trips! (P.S. When our team finalizes art locations, we bring in a professional hanger to hang the frames, so there’s never a need to search for a step stool, worry about height, or find the proper hardware. Easy!)

Quiet and Peaceful Bedroom Retreat

This gorgeous bedroom was designed specifically to provide a quiet and peaceful haven, a necessity for new parents – or any parent, for that matter! With soft curves, neutral furnishings, and abundant natural light, the understated elegance of this space makes it the perfect retreat to enjoy a quiet moment away from the kiddos whenever it’s needed. No judgment. ;)

Allison and Mike opted for privacy shades in the living spaces and blackout shades in the bedrooms, ensuring everyone gets the best rest possible – regardless of the sun’s position. In addition, we opted for certain shades to be motorized so that they can raise and lower with the click of a button. Talk about a simple luxury!

Soothing Bathrooms with a Customized Touch

As I mentioned earlier, the builder of this home only offered specific finishes. In the case of the bathrooms, they were not up to our standard, so we opted to do them on our own. We upgraded the towel bars, hooks, and added accessories. The result? A stand-out, unique, and customized space perfect for self-care and daily rituals. This addition was welllll worth the effort.

Helllloooo, adorable powder room! I am in love with this newspaper-themed wallpaper designed by Joanna Gaines. Small details often make the most significant impact when it comes to making your home your own, and this wallpaper was no different. It instantly brought this tiny powder room to life and added interest.

Bold and Relaxing Media Room for the Whole Family

In the media room, Green Black (by Sherwin Williams) walls make a bold statement and offer a perfectly cozy space for a good family movie night. The neutral hues of the carpet, huge sectional, floor lamps, and console cabinet bring the perfect amount of contrast to balance the room perfectly. 

I don’t know about you, but I can totally imagine stretching out on this sofa for a night of binge-worthy shows after the kids go to bed. Yes, please.

The Final Word

And there you have it! A gorgeous and comfortable new build with an understated sense of sophistication. Mike and Allison love their new space — and their new baby has arrived to enjoy it! Mission accomplished.

Are you hoping to build your dream home, too? Even when working with a builder who offers limited options, it is still possible to get unique, custom results that you will LOVE. 

If you’d like some design guidance with your new home, reach out to me here. I can’t wait to chat about bringing that dream to life.