For the builder, Amber Clark of Driftbank Builds, the goal from the start was to create a timeless structure that felt right at home in the historic neighborhood while still offering something fresh, requiring Clark and her team to carefully study the scale, proportions, and materials of nearby houses to design something respectful yet distinctive. While crafting a custom home in a historically significant neighborhood is no small feat, Clark welcomed the obstacles. “One of the biggest challenges was working within the guidelines of a historic neighborhood,” she shares. “There’s a thorough review process – and rightfully so – but it means every design decision, especially anything visible from the street, has to be extra thoughtful. Cassie at featherlane led in helping bring that balance of timeless and unique to life in the finishes and overall aesthetic.”
The buildable width of the lot was just 31 feet, requiring clever spatial planning to achieve the desired scale and proportions. Still, the exterior strikes the perfect balance between blending in and carving out its own identity.
To see more from Driftbank Builds, visit driftbankbuilds.com.
Upon entering the home, guests are met with soft, neutral hues accompanied by rich textures and inviting layers, and plush upholstery in earthy tones complements an understated color palette. At the center of the space, a rustic wood coffee table grounds the room, while curated accessories add visual interest without overwhelming the airy aesthetic.
A defining feature of the living room is the use of windows to bring the outdoors in and create a seamless connection to the surrounding mountainous landscape. “We leaned into 10-foot ceilings and packed the walls with windows to bring in natural light,” Clark describes, “and we were really intentional with the floor plan to make sure the home still felt open and functional.”
The emphasis on openness continues with subtle yet impactful design decisions. Everything, from the streamlined furniture selections to the natural materials, works in concert to create an atmosphere of serene sophistication.
Doors, trim, and windows: East Chattanooga Lumber & Supply Co.
Flooring: Tom’s Carpet & Flooring Outlet
In the kitchen, sculpted simplicity takes center stage. Warm wood tones and creamy neutrals create a relaxed, refined space where beauty meets function. Custom white oak cabinetry flows seamlessly into matching floors, while scalloped wicker pendants add organic texture and softness to the streamlined architecture. Rich leather barstool cushions and a bowl of fresh oranges punctuate the neutral scene with coordinated color.
“The kitchen is packed with custom features,” says Clark. “We had two panel-ready dishwashers finished out in the white oak cabinetry and appliance garages – a blind corner optimizer, cutlery drawer inserts, and fluted panels on the end of the island.” While the minimalist kitchen reveals much at first glance, its most surprising element is cleverly tucked away. “One standout is the scullery,” Clark describes. “It’s hidden just off the kitchen but fully functional, with additional custom cabinetry to match the kitchen and prep space. It makes entertaining feel seamless, and it’s one of those features that feels both luxurious and practical.”
“When Cassie and I were working through the floor plan, we knew we wanted the layout of the home to be intentionally designed with a circular flow, seamlessly connecting the formal living room, scullery, kitchen, dining room, and front entry. We were purposeful about avoiding any dead ends – because thoughtful design should always keep you moving forward.” –Amber Clark, Driftbank Builds
A minimalist canvas is expertly brought to life in the dining room through careful layering of intriguing shapes and textures. Smooth, beige suede chairs with rounded backs soften the strong angles of a sleek, gray granite dining table, while a candle-style chandelier crowns the setup. Wainscoting along crisp white walls adds architectural dimension to the space, balancing the simplicity of the furnishings. Meanwhile, three grid windows symmetrically frame the layout, providing visual structure that mirrors the home’s carefully balanced proportions.
Carrying the home’s sculpted, earth-toned elegance into the private quarters, the primary bedroom is an oasis of calm. Thoughtfully layered linens, a tufted headboard, and subtle textural accents in soft neutrals cultivate a restful environment, while floor-to-ceiling drapes frame large windows that flood the space with natural light. Underfoot, a vintage-inspired rug in muted blush and taupe tones anchors the room, tying together its warm palette and refined, collected feel.
The primary bath continues the theme of understated sophistication. Light gray fluted cabinetry, sleek countertops, and understated tilework speak to the home’s fusion of modern practicality with timeless finishes. Every detail is considered – from the his-and-hers vanities to the subtle interplay of light and material – creating a luxurious yet livable retreat.
Upstairs, a dramatic bonus room drenched in Boothbay Gray offers a playful departure from the home’s neutral palette. “We created a bonus room with almost 16-foot ceilings and anchored it with these amazing chandeliers,” Clark says. “We actually designed the whole room around the statement lighting. It turned out to be such a fun, dynamic space.”
Outdoors, a private fireplace courtyard offers a hidden retreat. The design centers around a sculptural stucco fireplace with integrated wood storage and a warm, herringbone brick firebox that draws the eye. Framed by an extended masonry wall, the space achieves a sense of enclosure and intimacy.
From the curated vignettes to standout architectural features, every corner of this home was designed with purpose and care. “Quality was huge for me,” Clark notes. “Every finish in the home – from the stone on the countertops of marble, quartz, and honed granite, to the unique light fixtures and high-end plumbing fixtures – was chosen to reflect that. Cassie and her team at featherlane design co. truly understand the level of craftsmanship I aim for in each build, and she helped make sure the design told a cohesive story throughout the home.”
Other suppliers:
Appliance and plumbing fixtures: Ferguson
Architect: Wilder Roots Interior Design
Cabinetry: Cambium Craft
Countertops: Rocky Tops Custom Countertops
Hardscaping and landscaping: The Backyard Nursery
