Timeless by Design

8/2/2019

[Samson Construction + Monica Hart Interior Design]

Story by Tracy Nicholson
Photography by Dan Francis Photography

From the brick and stone exterior to the interior's intricate columns, corbels, and crown molding, this is a family home that goes above and beyond, hitting every dream house goal. Built by Chad Samson of Samson Construction, the 4,000 square foot home features floor to ceiling, timeless craftsmanship and finite details curated through a collaboration of the homeowner's vision and expert direction from Monica Hart Interior Design.

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Although a younger builder, Chad Samson has perfected his skills over the last 15 years and has proven himself an old pro when it comes to building spacious and stunning homes. After over a year of planning and finalizing blueprints, the home broke ground in April of 2017 and closed at the end of March 2018. "Our contract for this project was 12 months but we finished and closed in exactly 11 months," said Samson. In preparation, about one year before starting construction, the homeowner contacted Monica Hart Interior Design to help lead them through the process of choosing finishes and staying in line with the more traditional, classic design goals the family of five wanted to achieve.

Creative Collaboration

"This was definitely a collaboration," said Hart. “The homeowner had so many great ideas and just needed support from me throughout the process. She would pull things together and we'd discuss all of the options - we were a really good team. She was probably one of the most organized clients I've ever had; normally it's just me that creates a binder with all of our finishes and selections, but this time, she had her own very detailed binder. Working with them was delightful, they were very much on the same page with what they wanted."

"As an interior designer, I really loved all of the traditional aspects that were done; to have a client who recognizes and appreciates that type of classic and timeless detail was really fun."

Monica Hart, Monica Hart Interior Design

Welcome Home

Appropriately, for a home emanating elegance, the foyer greets guests with a breathtaking chandelier by Restoration Hardware, walnut flooring, and custom painted and stained stairwell. Throughout the home, Monica Hart worked closely with the homeowners to choose each room's lighting features with an emphasis on classic design. "I would say the home is classic-traditional," said Hart. "There's crown molding in each room, detailed arches, taller, six-inch base boards with an additional one-and-a-half inch top - it's definitely a more elaborate and timeless design."

Family Friendly Elegance

Just beyond the foyer, the floorplan opens to the main family room and floor-to-ceiling fireplace by Home & Hearth. Throughout this space, the homeowners opted for eight-foot doors, Amazing Gray wall paint with Alabaster white shiplap, and Restoration Hardware lighting - elevating the eye to its custom, vaulted ceiling. To complete the hearth's aesthetic, the homeowner and Hart chose classic elements like custom corbels and columns, finishing with a smaller-scale, marble tile to frame the insert.

Powder Room Perfection

The main floor powder room strikes the perfect balance of bold and beautiful with a classic, framed mirror, pedestal sink, and textured, vinyl wall covering by Monica Hart Interior Design.

Culinary Craftsmanship

At the heart of the home is a stunning chef's kitchen with a traditional mix of Alabaster white and stained, inset maple cabinetry designed by Terry Braaten of Mill Creek Custom Cabinets. Regal ceiling details and two tones of quartz countertops give way to a spacious prep island with ornamental column legs and a counter island seating eight. The home also features a hidden sub-zero refrigerator and a raised, hidden dishwasher with a walk-in pantry.

"We are a custom builder that will cater to any style or budget our clients want for their project," said Samson. "This build is different than our past builds only because rarely do we see a home that is as timeless as this home. What I mean by ‘timeless’ is that the finishes selected won't scream, ‘Update me in seven years.’ The hints of warmth in the floor and island unit, mixed with the Alabaster painted doors, custom trim, large baseboard, paneled walls, columns, and wood ceilings will stand the test of time and trends. The style and finishes of this home will look as great in 20 years as they do today."

Doggy Door Design

Leading from the kitchen to the back mudroom and drop zone, the home features a custom half-door designed to accommodate the family's two dogs, Bella and Boxer.

Destined for Dining

Creating a formal dining destination meant framing the space with custom columns and crown molding by Mill Creek Custom Cabinets, along with coordinating wainscoting by Samson Construction. Completing the room is a handcrafted dining table with seating for 12 by Grain Designs and an elegant duo of caged chandeliers by Valley Lights.

The Trophy Room

Big game hunting has never been more beautiful. "This is a favorite for me; I enjoyed every step and stage of that room; from framing and designing the custom bar with the platform top and paneled ceiling, installing the ceiling beams, seeing the stone on the 15-foot fireplace, to hanging the homeowner's elk on the walls before closing," said Samson. "I like how it feels, like you step down into another world from the main floor of the home. It has its own warm, outdoors-lodge style that's completely unique and different from the rest of the home."

"When we were planning this room, we did extend it, making it bigger," said Hart. "When I drew this up, we planned that if they ever wanted to put any mounts up on top of the bar, they could easily do that; so it's built very sturdy to hold the extra weight. The bar is at 10-feet while the rest of the room's ceiling reaches 15 feet with maple beam details."

The room's full wet bar is set apart with striking wood columns and stone bases created with a collaboration between Samson and Nitz Masonry. The bar offers plenty of party space with its own TV, quartz countertops, tile backsplash, a hammered nickel sink and a beverage fridge with cabinetry by Mill Creek Custom Cabinets.

Mastering the Suite

Designing the perfect master suite meant creating a full circle experience, starting with the gorgeous master bedroom, leading to a massive bath, walk-in closet, then finally the laundry room.

Inside the bedroom, the homeowners opted for custom built-ins with a posh lounge area showcasing elaborate crown molding, a tray ceiling and a beautiful golf course view. Although the furnishings were found at an array of local stores like Northern Home Furniture and McNeal & Friends, other pieces, like the master bed were found at Restoration Hardware.

The master bath is a lesson in classical design with heated porcelain tile, double sinks, built-in beverage fridge, soaker tub, spa-inspired tiled shower and a custom-designed makeup vanity.

Leading the way to the master closet, designed by Ursula Hegvik of Smart Spaces, is a custom-built shoe wall with enough space to house 27 pairs. The closet cabinetry, built by Mill Creek Custom Cabinetry features three glass enclosures, plenty of varied height hanging and a center island with quartz top.

Nearly completing a full circle from the master bedroom, bath and closet, is the laundry room with Repose Gray cabinetry, built-in dryer racks, and a shimmering, textured vinyl wall covering from Monica Hart Interior Design.

Classic Curb Appeal

Using the Houzz app for inspiration, the homeowners came across a picture they loved and Samson got to work recreating it. "The entire exterior is all brick and stone. I love both materials, and when the two properly mix it makes a bold statement," said Samson. Beyond the curb, the backyard features a covered patio with cedar detailing, a custom fire pit, outdoor TV and hot tub, with landscape design by A&L Landscaping.

Perfecting the Process

"Sometimes when a client hires me, they hire me to give the ideas, put forth the design - but, with these homeowners, I just wanted to help make their project goals a reality," said Hart. "She had the vision and her own ideas, so she knew what she wanted; I just helped her get to that point, which was really fun. I love working with clients in all different ways, whether I need to take charge or I'm just helping make that project's vision come to life. Also, I really appreciated Chad's professionalism; he is such a good builder, he communicates so well and made a longer, detailed process like this go very smoothly."

"I enjoyed the entire process of working with the clients, from the drawing stages throughout the entire build," said Samson. "They had a great vision of what they wanted in their home. We stay in touch and it has gone from a business relationship, to a lasting friendship, and I feel that is how it should be. Working with Monica Hart for the interior design was a breeze; she was very organized and easy going. She has a great eye for design and everything that she helped with was done, ordered and to the job site in a timely fashion which is critical in a smooth build."

Feedback from the Homeowner:

"Monica and Chad were both great to work with. I was very opinionated, but Monica was honest and would tell me right away if she didn't think something was going to work. Chad had a lot of good ideas and he was full of energy. I tend to have expensive taste, so he always made sure I understood which things were going to be more costly. Initially, we were going to meet with Samson Construction, then a few others, but when my husband and Chad met, they really hit it off; now they've become friends. We never even looked at another builder; it was his personality, his enthusiasm and his character."

"I never imagined the house would be this detailed and this special to us. It's everything I've ever wanted in a house; I can't really even say I have one favorite room, this is our dream home and we love it all."

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