This modern minimalist is what we are looking for in new contemporary construction today.
Builders are responding to our new needs by providing plenty of getaway space while still managing to offer enough of that open-plan space we love. It’s tricky, but that’s what makes this home so unique.
Architect John Garvey, the founding partner of the architect-led design/build company Create, is the brains behind this modern minimalist in Walnut Ridge.
You may remember Candy told us a few years ago that this part of town was rapidly changing. If you grew up here, you would never recognize the neighborhood now, but you’d certainly want to move back!
Clean Lines And Natural Light
“We wanted to keep this home simple, with clean lines, lots of natural light, and a good connection to the outdoors,” Garvey said.
Ipe, a hardwood from Brazil, was used as an accent and wraps the center tower, adding just the right amount of warmth. If you are not familiar with ipe, it’s an amazing product that is as hard as steel, eco-friendly, and resistant to everything you can imagine.
It’s the use of both exterior and interior wood accents that sets this modern minimalist apart, in my opinion. So many modern homes can feel cold, and it’s generally down to an absence of wood.
The other smart design element I think anyone remodeling or building a modern home needs to steal is the opaque glazing on the garage doors. Often site position and design needs necessitate a front-facing garage. This is the way to do one with style.
This modern minimalist sits on almost half an acre with 5,448 square feet, so there was plenty of space to pull out the design stops, from an enormous, dramatic entrance with a 14-foot fireplace to the rich wood accent wall in the family area.
This home has sold me on the concept of how a home opens into a space. Why did we ever have tiny foyers? This is usable space and makes so much more sense for how we live today.
The evidence of logic in the design of this modern minimalist is everywhere.
For instance, the half waterfall kitchen island makes perfect sense, but it’s certainly not something I’ve considered before. Remember, we generally see a full waterfall, but this design allows for more seating while keeping the integrity of the sleek design. That feature, along with the seamless Belmont cabinetry, and you’d barely know you are in a kitchen.
Of special note is that the walk-in pantry was built to double as a safe room. With our crazy Texas weather, this is yet another smart move.
There are five bedrooms and five bathrooms, with the owner’s suite, office, and a private patio on the east side of the house. Two guest suites, the laundry, and mudroom are on the west side. The second floor hosts the third living area, an intimate second owner’s suite, and two additional ensuite guest rooms.
The principal bathroom features a wall of marble with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the south view of the property.
“John Garvey did an amazing job with the design of this home,” Allie Beth Allman listing agent Kimberly Ashmore said. “There is functional use of every inch of space. The walls of glass wrapping around the property connecting the indoors with the outdoor living and the use of windows in uncommon places create an array of natural light throughout the home. There is also a lot of storage!”
When Garvey designed the house, he wanted to ensure there was an area for a pool while maintaining enough green space. The present owner added a gorgeous pool to complement the loggia area with a kitchen and fireplace. And yes, there’s still plenty of room to play football.
Ashmore knows a staged home makes it a lot easier for potential buyers to understand how a home lives. She called on the terrific team at George Bass Stage & Design to infuse this modern minimalist with life. Even the architect was impressed!
“They did a great job furnishing the home,” Garvey said. “It shows beautifully.”
Ashmore has 4420 Ridge Road listed for $2.45 million.
