News + Inspiration
Prairie Style Reimagined for Modern Living In WNC
Inspired by principles of prairie-style homes, we translated these themes for this home to fit the context of mountain living. We focused on simple materials, openness, strong lines and lots of light.
The exterior of this home, located at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove, uses a mix of textures anchored in the same neutral grey palette. Using a minimal color scheme allowed the different materials to integrate together, as well as into the surrounding landscape. The two-story gable entrance, featuring native stone piers and timber beams, welcomes guests inside.
Walking into the home prompts a sense of calm and repose. The owners desired a quiet, comfortable, spa-like respite to return to each day. The interior palette shifts to a lighter, softer tone and the architecture is cleaner and more refined to facilitate that feeling. Expansive windows throughout open the interior to mountain vistas and fill the home with natural light.
A two-story living space is revealed after making your way through the foyer and connects the main and upper levels, affording borrowed light between each space.
One of the most striking features of this home is a glass sculpture that hangs above the living room. This is a custom made piece by local crafts person, Hayden Wilson.
The homeowners love to entertain, so having a space to accommodate a crowd was a must. The living room opens up to the spacious eat-in kitchen. The focal point of the kitchen is the stunning black and white island that provides plenty of room to eat, cook and chat.
The recessed drywall reveals trace shadow lines throughout the main living spaces in place of traditional ceiling beams and coffers. These accents reinforce perspective views and translate large spaces into an approachable scale. This subtle detail is echoed on cabinetry door and drawer fronts.
Through a large sliding window, the kitchen opens up to a generous screen porch and outdoor terrace. This space was specifically oriented to enjoy a morning coffee while watching the sun rise. The screen porch has its own cooking and dining area, as well as a fireplace that allows for year-round enjoyment.
This project was a collaboration between Samsel Architects, Alchemy Design Studio and Glennwood Custom Builders.
To see more images of this project visit the project page.
