Creating Timeless Design
Integrating modern and traditional elements with just the right balance
Photography by Stovall Studio | Interior design by Victoria Jones of Studio James
People say they want to create a timeless design, but what does that mean in terms of design elements? This gorgeous 1,500 square foot guest addition to an existing home, built to accommodate visiting family, is an example of how a harmonious mix of old and new materials, as well as traditional and modern design elements, can create a timeless feel.
The traditional ranch style home, tucked into a hillside with spectacular 360 degree mountain views, features a material palette of reclaimed wood, stone, glass and wood shake roof which blend in with the natural surroundings.
The exterior of the new addition blends seamlessly with the existing home, while the interior, featuring an open plan living/dining/kitchen area, bedroom and bunk room with separate bathrooms and laundry, is reflective of the owners’ clean and classic, but cozy, contemporary style.
The vernacular roof forms and materials on the exterior of the guest space relate to the more traditional existing home, while the clean lines of the steel harmoniously incorporate the more modern aesthetic which the client desired for the interior.
The transparency of the refined, industrial steel windows in the open living room contrast to the stone and wood-clad gabled elements, creating a simple but powerful aesthetic mixing modern and traditional architecture.
The theme of meshing modern and traditional elements continues with the cleanly detailed steel paneling at the fireplace juxtaposed to the rustic reclaimed wood beams on the ceiling. The white painted trim, doors and walls throughout evoke a modern feel which is complimented by the stained, wide-plank oak floors.
The cabinets in the kitchen area straddle the modern vs. traditional aesthetic with a traditional, painted white finish executed with very clean lines.
The aesthetic carries through to the bedrooms and bathrooms, combining the clean white palette and warm wood cabinetry with touches of industrial steel on the windows, light sconces and framed mirrors. The flooring transitions into the private space with soft wool carpet and modern grey marble tile underfoot.
With its marriage of sophisticated modern elements, rustic natural materials and traditional forms, this home addition project by Berglund Architects, accomplishes the goal of timeless design with a casual elegance.
Hans Berglund is the owner of Berglund Architects, an Edwards, Colorado-based firm that specializes in custom residential and commercial design for the mountain environment. View their profile or contact Hans at 970.926.4301.
Content for this article provided by Berglund Architects.
