Personalizing modern homes through architectural details
Many clients come to me looking for a modern home that still feels personal and true to their own style. There’s a misconception that modern design has to feel cold, and helping people see how it can be warm and inviting is where I make the biggest impact. I could design a beautiful home on my own, but the real reward comes from shaping each space so it feels uniquely theirs—where the true essence of the home emerges.
For example, suppose a homeowner’s goal is to create a calm, relaxing oasis. In that case, that vision guides every decision—from the overall flow of the home and its connection to the surroundings, even down to the smallest details, like the color of the kitchen cabinets.
Bringing vision to life
At the same time, even the tiniest details can spark big design ideas. Let’s look at Golden Vista, a new build that is just about finished in construction. The HOA required roof overhangs, but we didn’t want to do something typical. So, we designed a unique-shaped overhang with a hidden, integral gutter. We loved the direction this set so much that we carried the angled form into other areas of the house, like the fireplace surround, while continuing to balance clean modern lines with decorative touches.
In Hilltop Modern, the homeowners wanted something completely fresh that stood out and reflected their eclectic tastes. This vision informed every choice, carrying through from the steel-clad exterior to the surprising pops of wallpaper inside. On the exterior, board-formed concrete and exposed steel channel fascias blend modern and rustic elements. Inside, a custom railing reinterprets a timeless form with a modern twist, while heavy floor-to-ceiling drapery brings the warmth and character of a classic home.
It’s all about balancing simplicity with character when you’re personalizing a modern home. Thoughtful selection of lighting, fixtures, texture, detail and color is a key tool. Individuality can be added without disrupting a modern framework through creativity—a custom wood paneled bed wall or tiles inspired by the homeowner’s travels. Elements like a steel hood or staircase can infuse bold character, while built-ins—whether bookcases, window benches, or fireplace surrounds—layer in both function and personality. A client drawn to organic forms might love a flowing pendant above the dining table or kitchen island, where someone who favors bold patterns might want a dramatic stone backsplash in the kitchen.
As Mies van der Rohe famously said, “God is in the details.” Nowhere is this more evident than in residential design, where subtle choices create a home that truly reflects its residents’ personality and lifestyle.
If you dream of a modern home that feels unmistakably yours, we’d love to help you weave your personality into every detail. Reach out today.
