Designing a newly built home that embraces an organic modern aesthetic is a journey that intertwines creativity with nature. Situated on a stunning, untouched two-acre plot of land in Armonk, this home is a testament to the seamless integration of natural surroundings into modern design. The expansive mountain views significantly influenced every design decision, creating a living space that is both stylish and deeply connected to its environment.
Embracing Nature in Design
Maximizing Natural Views
The layout of the home was meticulously crafted to maximize views of the surrounding mountains. Large windows were strategically placed throughout the home to create a seamless connection between the indoors and the outdoors. This design choice not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the home but also promotes mindfulness and a sense of tranquility for the homeowners. The continuous visual access to the majestic mountain vistas helps in creating a serene and calming atmosphere within the living space.
In addition to the psychological benefits, these expansive windows allow for abundant natural light to flood the interior spaces, creating a dynamic environment that changes with the daylight. The interplay of light and shadows throughout the day adds warmth and a unique character to the home, making it feel more inviting and connected to nature. By maximizing natural views, the design blurs the boundaries between the indoor and outdoor living spaces, fostering a deep sense of harmony with the natural landscape.
Organic Materials and Textures
The trend towards nature-inspired designs is evident in the use of organic materials and textures, which play a crucial role in creating an authentic and grounding atmosphere within the home. Becky Shea, the interior designer behind this project, took this concept a step further by incorporating indigenous stone found on-site into both the home’s exterior and interior design. This innovative approach not only anchors the home to its natural surroundings but also provides a unifying, organic feel that resonates throughout the entire living space.
The use of locally sourced materials, such as the indigenous stone, brings an added layer of authenticity and sustainability to the design. By repurposing the stone found on-site, the project minimizes its environmental footprint and strengthens the connection between the home and its surrounding landscape. Alongside the stone, organic materials like natural wood and raw textures are thoughtfully incorporated into the interiors, enhancing the cohesive, nature-inspired aesthetic. These elements work together to create a harmonious and visually compelling environment that reflects the beauty of the natural world.
Overcoming Design Challenges
Rocky Terrain and Excavation
One of the significant challenges faced during the design and construction process was the rocky terrain of the location. This difficult terrain led to delays during the excavation phase, as the crew had to navigate and remove substantial quantities of rock to lay the foundation. However, rather than viewing this challenge merely as an obstacle, Becky Shea and her team saw an opportunity to turn the situation to their advantage.
The excavated stone was ingeniously repurposed for the home’s stone exterior, creating a cohesive and natural look that seamlessly blends the structure with its surroundings. This approach not only added a unique and organic touch to the home’s design but also reduced the need for importing materials from external sources, thereby enhancing sustainability. The use of repurposed stone brought a sense of continuity and cohesion to the home’s aesthetic, ensuring that the exterior feels deeply rooted in the local landscape.
Reclaimed and Locally Sourced Materials
The exterior design of the home is described as a “labor of love,” featuring reclaimed weathered wood from the Hudson Valley and locally sourced stone. Each beam, repurposed from old barns and factories, carries its own history and weight, contributing to the overall sense of authenticity and warmth that permeates the home. The thoughtful selection and use of these materials not only align with the organic modern aesthetic but also add a layer of texture and storytelling to the home’s design.
By incorporating reclaimed materials into the exterior design, Becky Shea successfully created a space that feels both timeless and contemporary. The weathered wood, with its natural patina and unique imperfections, adds character and warmth to the home’s façade, creating a welcoming and inviting atmosphere. This intentional approach to material selection ensures that every element of the design contributes to the overall aesthetic and narrative of the home, resulting in a cohesive and visually compelling living space.
Interior Design and Aesthetic
Cozy and Lived-In Feel
The completed interiors maintain a cozy, lived-in feel while embracing various interior design styles. The design concept balances transitional elements, blending organic modernism with rustic industrialism. Large windows throughout the home offer unique vantage points, keeping the occupants continually connected to the outdoor scenery. This visual connection to nature enhances the sense of serenity and mindfulness within the living space, creating a calming and restorative atmosphere.
The carefully curated interiors feature a mix of materials, finishes, and thoughtfully selected decor that add depth and character to each room. Natural wood, stone, and textured fabrics are used extensively to create a warm and inviting environment. The balance of modern and rustic elements ensures that the space feels both contemporary and timeless, offering a comfortable and stylish living experience. The integration of nature-inspired design elements throughout the home reinforces the overall aesthetic and creates a harmonious and cohesive living space.
Color Palette and Materials
The interior color palette mirrors the home’s natural surroundings, with neutral tones, earthy hues, and deep blue accents creating cohesion and balance. This carefully chosen palette enhances the connection between the home and the landscape, creating a seamless flow between the indoor and outdoor environments. The use of natural colors and materials further emphasizes the organic modern aesthetic, ensuring that the interiors feel warm, inviting, and grounded.
Each room’s layered feel arises from a mix of materials, finishes, and thoughtful decor, enhancing the sense of character and history infused into the home. The combination of these elements creates a visually compelling and textured environment that feels both luxurious and lived-in. The thoughtful selection of materials and finishes not only adds aesthetic appeal but also ensures that the home is functional and comfortable, providing a welcoming space for the homeowners and their guests.
Highlighted Interior Spaces
Office Lounge
The office lounge stands out with its 25-foot-high ceilings, brick walls, shou sugi ban beams, and reclaimed wood. This space is designed for relaxation and creative work, embodying the comforting, lived-in vibe that Becky Shea aims for in her designs. The high ceilings and large windows allow natural light to flood the space, creating a bright and airy atmosphere that is conducive to productivity and creative thinking.
The use of reclaimed materials in the office lounge adds a sense of history and authenticity to the space. The brick walls and shou sugi ban beams create a rustic, industrial feel that is balanced by the warmth and texture of the reclaimed wood. This combination of materials and design elements ensures that the office lounge is not only functional but also visually appealing, offering a comfortable and inspiring environment for work and relaxation.
Kitchen Design
The kitchen offers a different feel, combining various design styles into a unique, cohesive, and custom scheme. It integrates raw, natural materials with sleek, utilitarian design, exemplifying transitional design principles. Every detail in the kitchen was meticulously conceptualized and designed, making it a functional yet thoughtfully curated space. The use of natural wood, stone, and metal creates a balanced and harmonious environment that feels both modern and timeless.
The kitchen’s layout and design ensure that it is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. The combination of open shelving, custom cabinetry, and high-end appliances provides ample storage and workspace, while the thoughtful selection of materials and finishes adds depth and character to the space. The result is a kitchen that is not only a joy to cook in but also a beautiful and inviting space for family and friends to gather.
Mudroom Practicality
The mudroom introduces moody and dark tones that provide a sense of coziness while maintaining the color palette of the rest of the home. Practicality is a key feature here, with carefully planned flooring and storage solutions, including a hidden steel doggy door for the homeowners’ pet. The use of dark, earthy tones and natural materials creates a warm and inviting atmosphere that is both functional and stylish.
An antique bench adds a timeless contrast, reflecting the balance between functionality and soul that is a hallmark of Becky Shea’s design philosophy. The mudroom’s design ensures that it is not only practical but also a visually appealing space that fits seamlessly into the overall aesthetic of the home. The thoughtful selection of materials and finishes, combined with practical storage solutions, creates a mudroom that is both beautiful and functional.
Integrating Nature into Every Aspect
Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Living
The connection to the outdoors is a standout feature of this home, with expansive exposure that creates a seamless indoor-outdoor living experience. The numerous windows frame the surrounding landscape beautifully, allowing natural light to pour through the home, changing throughout the day to add warmth and a dynamic quality to the living spaces. This design approach makes the home feel inviting and intimately connected to its natural environment.
The seamless indoor-outdoor living experience is further enhanced by the use of natural materials and textures throughout the home. The integration of stone, wood, and other organic elements ensures that the interior and exterior spaces feel cohesive and harmonious. This thoughtful design approach creates a home that is both stylish and deeply connected to its environment, offering a unique and enriching living experience for the homeowners.
Thoughtful Design Approach
Creating a newly built home that embraces an organic modern aesthetic is an exciting journey that merges creativity and nature. This particular home, set on an untouched two-acre plot in Armonk, serves as a prime example of how modern design can blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings. Carefully constructed to make the most of its expansive mountain views, every design decision was heavily influenced by the spectacular environment.
The house features open spaces that flow effortlessly from one area to another, using large windows and natural materials to bring the outdoors in. The aim was to construct a living space that is both stylish and deeply connected to its picturesque setting. By incorporating elements such as wooden beams, stone accents, and natural light, the design reflects a harmonious balance between contemporary living and the serene landscape.
This approach to design not only pays homage to the natural beauty of the location but also caters to a modern lifestyle. It demonstrates that with thoughtful planning and execution, it is possible to create a home that is both visually stunning and in tune with nature’s charm.
