Truly urban in its setting, this NorthShore home retains its Traditional character with charming touches and private spaces.
By Candice Graham | Photography By Philip Slowiak
Architect: Taylor Bowers
Builder: Collier Construction
Courtyard Relaxation
A smart use of downtown space was implemented by Ethan Collier of Collier Construction when building this row of urban homes. “The idea was that there would be a truly urban, single-family residential development that is still detached,” Collier says. The row of homes 10 feet apart features front porches, center courtyards, and a perfectly urban-suburban feel. “Our question was ‘What should a house look like if it’s in the middle of downtown?’” Collier recalls. “It shouldn’t look the same as a home on the back of Lookout, a home on the lake, or a home in a neighborhood. It should look like a house that belongs downtown. That was really our goal with the choices we made.”
The private interior courtyard can be accessed from the living room, kitchen, and hallway. Resting atop the basement/garage, the interior courtyard provides a private respite for grilling and gathering, and it flows with the rest of the house when all doors are open.
See more from Collier Construction at collierbuild.com.
Shunning anything that would be superfluous, the design of the living room is accordingly minimalistic. Devoid of crown molding, the space feels clean and contemporary. Expanding the original floor plan to suit the homeowner’s needs allowed for ample space for plenty of plush furniture.
Glass-front cabinet: Smart Furniture | Trim and doors: East Chattanooga Lumber & Supply Co.
The staircase, an equipoise between industrial and rustic, features an accent wall of the same reclaimed wood used throughout the home combined with a metallic cable handrail. The reclaimed two-by-fours came from a demolished house in Highland Park and feature the natural aging patina of the wood.
Gray kitchen cabinetry and sleek silver hardware keeps the contemporary look intact, while unstained white oak floors exude warmth. Leaving the floors unstained allows their natural character and color variations to shine through. Another warm wood touch, century-old reclaimed wood is displayed throughout the home. Here in the kitchen, it’s used on the backsplash, on the sliding pantry barn door, and in the windowsills.
Appliances and fixtures: Ferguson | Cabinetry: Scarlett’s Cabinetry
Countertops and tile: Stone Source
Ample space in the master bedroom is an aspect that makes this downtown home feel more traditional. The carried through absence of crown molding continues the minimalistic theme, and classic furniture pieces blend with contemporary lines for an eclectic look.
Mocha-stained bathroom cabinetry meets neutral-hued granite countertops in the master bathroom. Mirrors are framed in more reclaimed wood, and gray floor tiles keep the look calm and subdued. Oversized gray subway tiles in the walk-in shower have a high-gloss finish that is accentuated by light from the shower’s window.
Countertops and tile: Stone Source
Another floor plan expansion was done atop the stairs on the second floor. Widening the hallway created space for the client’s home office. With a large second-story window, natural light floods the area and highlights the color variation on the wood floors.
Collier says he hopes this home and the ones surrounding it serve as an example of what downtown housing options can be. “When we’re downtown, we need a downtown-style house. I hope this inspires other developments like ours,” he says.
Other Suppliers:
Artisan woodwork: Jordan Schilleman
Carpet: Choo Choo Carpets & Floor Coverings
Flooring: Praters Hardwood Flooring
Flooring installation: Millwood Specialty Flooring
Lighting: Southern Lighting
Tile installation: B&B Tile Installation, Inc.
Windows: Pella Windows and Doors
