From the Ground Up

Custom Home Design & Build Northeast Ohio

Retirement is all about relaxation, adventure, and pursuing the things you love. What better way to enjoy this new chapter than by building the home you’ve always dreamed of?

That’s exactly what our #FieldOfDreams client had in mind for her retirement plans. She decided to build a brand new home on her daughter’s beautiful horse farm in Northeast Ohio. This way, she’d have enough distance from the main house for privacy, but she’d be close enough for her grandkids to stop by after school. Ultimately, she wanted a home big enough to host her family for the holidays but still conservative in size and cost.

She initially came to us with just one inspiration image from Pinterest. With that picture alone, we created a beautiful custom design and build perfect for her retirement!

Designing and Building a Quaint, Custom Home

In addition to the image of a modern, white cottage, our client shared a list of several must-haves for her new home:

A large kitchen island to fit all of her grandchildren
An open floor plan with a large kitchen, dining room, and living space to seat the whole family
A screened-in deck in the back of the house overlooking the gorgeous view of the farm
A zero threshold shower, where there’s no step-up to enter
A small guest room on the main floor, so her grandkids could spend the night
A full primary suite with a bedroom, bathroom, and walk-in closet
An attached garage
A finished basement with high ceilings to fit an additional living room and enough space for storage

With our client’s ideal square footage in mind, we began our custom design and build process. Truthfully, most contractors can’t accommodate a long list of needs and design around a specific aesthetic. But because S. Flynn is a full design and build team, we brainstormed the best way to give our client everything on her checklist (plus a few special bonus features!) and achieve a stunning, custom home look.

Northeast Ohio Custom Home Kitchen & Hidden Walk-in Pantry

When it came time to design the kitchen, the homeowner shared that she had an affinity for white zellige tile and white trim. Otherwise, she allowed our designers’ imaginations to run wild, which gave her some unbelievably cool, unique features she would never have dreamed of on her own.

All the cabinetry was custom-built for this kitchen. We used a combination of solid wood and glass cabinet fronts to showcase a few cherished pieces. To further create a tailored look, we also mixed metals throughout the space. You’ll see a polished nickel sink faucet, brass wall sconces and drawer pulls, as well as brushed, matte appliances (they hide fingerprints).

Kitchen Before & After

We love incorporating special little details that make a big impact on our designs. Next to the fridge, we carved out a niche that functions as a small office space with our client’s antique, heirloom desk. We also custom-built a hidden walk-in pantry! At first glance, it appears to be a wall of cabinets. But once they’re opened, they reveal a complete pantry to store snacks and tuck away unsightly appliances.

Something you want to see in your space? Get it now from our online store.

Shop The Kitchen & Pantry

Shop The Writing Nook

Cozy Custom Design and Build Exterior & Living Room

We wanted the exterior of this custom design and build to look cohesive with the interior, and our client wanted a modern board and batten siding in a bright, welcoming white. For some subtle contrast, we chose a creamy, neutral paint for the trim.

We layered similar neutral tones inside the home to keep it feeling timeless. The walls are painted a soft, subtle brown that feels like a giant hug when you walk in. On the floors, we installed one of our favorite luxury vinyl planks that gives a hardwood look at a more economical price.

The arched oak front door we selected is quaint and modern without leaning too heavily on the cottage style. For consistency, we replicated those arches throughout the home, which you can see surrounding the fireplace.

Something you want to see in your space? Get it now from our online store.

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Custom Home Design and Build Primary Bath with Modern, Zero Threshold Shower

At S. Flynn Design + Build, we create high-style environments that are safe and comfortable for people of any age. For example, we always design our doorways to the minimum ADA standard with wheelchair accessibility in mind. For this home, our client specifically requested a zero-threshold shower with no step-up to enter. We gave her exactly what she wanted with an elevated spa-like aesthetic.

We’ll let you in on a little secret: You might not believe it from looking at these pictures, but this was the first time we designed and built a custom home from the ground up! We’ve drawn new builds and constructed additions many times before, but this was the first new construction home we designed and built to completion! Kyle and the team did a fantastic job, and our client was thrilled with the results!

Something you want to see in your space? Get it now from our online store.

Shop The Master Bath

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