A few weeks ago I did my final visit to this new build country home not too far from where I live. It has stunning views from all exposures and is nestled in across the field from my clients parents.

Driving in down the winding country lane soothes your soul and allows for a moment of reflection every time. If you’re lucky, you’ll see the horses nearby. I will say, this last trip in I found the lane to be in the best of shape. There were the times when I didn’t know if my little car would make in through the typical construction mud, pot holes and rocks.

This very special family worked side by side and cared for each other to help my client reach her goal of a new home for her young son and herself. Returning home from another country was a big move, and in my opinion, the best move in so many ways.

Early Construction Phase

When I was contacted last March to help with a colour palette and finishes, the house was well under way. The main structure was up, the roof was on, windows were in and the framing was all but complete.

my favourite photo of my hands on client hard at work

The Design Brief Wish List

The summary from the initial consult where I meet with the client for an in depth chat about the project is called the design brief.

We talk about the scope of the project and the specific help they are wanting from me, the desired design style, the look and feel of the space.

We start the process of creating a colour palette. It continues to drill down until I get a clear understanding of the design path we’ll we walking together.

It’s also where I layout my process, we talk about the budget and how we will move forward.

Here is a quick bullet list of my client’s wishes for her new build country home.

clean, open, clutter-free
blond wood flooring
natural light
hard working kitchen - she loves to cook and entertain
9 foot kitchen island
symmetrical design with clean lines
no to brass or gold
yes to stainless or silver
light toned countertop with just enough veining - not too much movement
likes blues, soft greens, off white and beige neutrals - Scandinavian style
use existing artwork where possible - liked suggestion for gallery wall feature
stone flooring for laundry and bathrooms

The Colour Palette

This palette came together quite quickly once my client and I got to looking at fan decks and samples after a lovely design chat over tea and muffins. These tones were perfect for creating the Scandinavian look and feel my client was looking for.

Project Site Visit Walkthrough

My initial walkthrough on any project is always an exciting day for me. Seeing this home in real life after looking at the drawings was pretty great. My client has a passion for home designing and she brought her ideas and vision to life with the help of a local architect.

Have a look at her space in these early days of construction.

New Build Construction Site Visit

Much work was done over the next several months with a few tweaks to finishes. My client and her son finally moved in to their new home near the end of July. The busy summer flew by. Then Thanksgiving celebrations in the new house. Then the hard and sad news of my client losing one of her most cherished dogs at the end of October.

Country Home Final Walkthrough

We made plans for my final site visit that had been rescheduled several times. Life just kept getting in the way as it always does. I can’t say it enough - the resilience and incredible work ethic of this girl along with the love and help of her family was a joy to see.

I enjoyed tea and fresh scones with my client and her mom in the new kitchen before shooting the video. Look for a special whimsical yet functional feature my client designed in her son’s bedroom. I’m sure it will make you smile. I’m thrilled to share this after video of the completed project below.

The completed new build country home tour