Compellingly Contemporary

Builder: Ethan Collier, Collier Construction

Interior designer: Jimmy Adams,
Nell’s Home, Gifts, & Interior Design

Architect: Matt Winget, Elemi Architects, LLC

Ethan Collier of Collier Construction and Jimmy Adams of Nell’s Home, Gifts, & Interior Design crafted this unique masterpiece with contemporary styling. Together with architect Matt Winget and superintendent Chris Stenberg, the team harnessed the beauty of natural materials to carry minimalistic, authentic designs throughout the home’s stunning architecture and décor. Flowing floor plans carry the clean and impressive aesthetic from spacious interiors to multiple outdoor living spaces in this suburban standout. 

By Katie Faulkner

Photography By Beacon Imagery

The exteriors are strategically proportioned with the heaviest material, Tennessee field stone, on the bottom, followed by stucco and ipe wood siding. “The ipe really gave the exteriors a warmth that was needed,” Collier says. The materials are consistent throughout the house to reinforce clean minimalism. Multiple patios serve as distinct outdoor spaces divided by a large covered pavilion that leads toward the boat dock and extends the homeowners’ outdoor livability. “The sightlines and unobstructed views we were able to achieve with the terracing is something I’m proud of,” says Winget.

Grand Scale Architecture

Two distinctly impactful features draw attention in the great room, and they work collaboratively rather than competitively. An enormous field stone  fireplace with a custom-cast concrete mantle and hearth and a fully windowed wall both form grand floor-to-ceiling focal points. Both also reflect their natural surroundings – the fireplace by using the same Tennessee field stone, and the windows by showcasing the home’s environment, including the nearby river.

“As part of the contemporary design, everything in this home serves a purpose – there’s really nothing fake about it. Those beams that run across the ceiling and down the window wall are actually structural – they support the load of all those windows, in a wall that has no other framing,” Collier explains. In this home, functional items are designed with visual appeal as well. See more from Collier Construction at collierbuild.com.

Taking his lead from two stunning focal points in the great room, Adams worked to create a natural flow for the seating area. “We faced the sofas toward each other and incorporated tons of other seating options, so no matter where you sit, you have a great view, and the conversation isn’t impeded,” Adams says.

Surrounded by blue velvet klismos chairs, the dining table is a contemporary, round, glass-top table with a metallic gold base. The aesthetic of the base is mirrored in the enormous, spherical light fixture, which adds geometric interest and can be seen from far outside the home. “I’m so glad we went with these chairs,” says Adams. “The way they wrap around your back, they really are very comfortable. Plus they blend perfectly with the home’s contemporary style.”

Spacious and contemporary, this kitchen is flanked by bold, unembellished, floor-to-ceiling alder cabinetry that immediately cultivates a functional yet attractive appearance. Ample cabinetry and counters facilitate large-scale entertaining while simultaneously creating a strikingly stylized kitchen. “One of the distinguishing factors of this custom-built home is that everything is finished to the ceiling,” says Adams of the home’s elemental enormity.

Two marble-topped islands were incorporated in the kitchen  by Adams to improve room-flow. The smaller one can serve multiple purposes – it works as a casual dining area for the homeowners, a serving station when entertaining, or as an extension of the nearby dining room. The larger island is part of the kitchen prep area. See more from Nell’s Home, Gifts, & Interior Design at nellsathome.com.

Countertops and vanity tops: Stone Source Inc.

Lumber supplier: East Chattanooga
Lumber & Supply Co.

Trim and doors: Interior Trim & Supply, Inc.

Also, on the main level, the master bedroom continues a clean, contemporary design. The bed is anchored by a floating wall. “We used that wall in many ways. It disguises extra storage and hides the master closet door,” says Adams. Collier adds, “It also helps break up the large space, and it allowed windows and doors to be placed anywhere without having to account for the furniture arrangement.” Peacock blue adds an element of richness to the unencumbered space, while symmetry and light tones keep the overall vibe of the space tranquil. Mid-century modern, silver-leafed Bernhardt end tables, topped with twin cobalt blue lamps, emphasize symmetry and simplicity.

The master bathroom contains the same, clean-lined alder cabinetry as the kitchen, a fully encased steam shower, and a sleek Victoria and Albert soaker tub. Windows all the way into the shower ensure that no view of the river is wasted.

Other Suppliers: Cabinetry: Mike Smith Designs  |  Concrete: Sequatchie Concrete |  Fence: River City Fence, Inc.
Fireplace, fire table, and bar top: Set in Stone  |  Flooring: Praters Flooring  |  IPE material: Stein Construction
Landscaping: Green Valley Landscaping  |  Lumber supplier: Juniors Building Materials  |  Metal roofing: The Roofing
& Supply Co.  |  Shingles: Best Distributing  |  Shower glass and mirrors: Hubbuch Glass Company, Inc.
Windows: Pella Windows and Doors

The pool area provides a last glimpse of the home’s clean lines and functional minimalism,  which are elevated by artistic architectural designs and styling. “I think the seamless flow from inside to outside is a major accomplishment,” says Winget. In this alcove, the house’s stunning and authentic natural materials are reflected in the blues and greens of the water. Collier continues, “It really is architecture that is timeless.”

Pool: Master Pools by Artistic Pools

Stone: Acme Brick, Tile & Stone