Case study: Whole Home Design, New Construction
New construction gives homeowners lots of options to define how spaces relate to each other
Summary
In Eugene, this design project started with the client demolishing existing structures, clearing most of the site, and building a single family dream home. We were involved early, shaping the spaces alongside the architect, Rob Thallon Architecture, and doing regular onsite checkins during construction with the contractor, Stonewood Construction. The end result is a superb example of what many talented people can co-create.
Before & After
Before: The property location was superb, with easy access to town and plenty of sunlight coming from the southern orientation of the lot. The architect draped the house mass across the topography line, to minimize digging into the hillside while at the same time maximizing light exposure. (Plenty of natural light is important to get through Oregon winters with a smile!)
After: The finished home is refined, sharp, and very practical. It’s a host’s dream, for easily throwing intimate dinner parties and great flow for large scale summer parties. The most expensive design choices all lean on natural materials and classic shapes, for a timeless result. The house should require very little - if any - remodeling work for the next 40 years of its life and will bring immense pleasure to its owners.
Project Goals
Craft a loving and inspiring home for their young family of 2 adults, 2 kids, and 2 cats.
Use space intelligently, so no room is wasted or rarely used.
Support a variety of regular activities, such as cooking, dinner parties, board games around a fire, Friday night movies, and holiday parties.
Make material and finish choices that would age gracefully and stay pleasurable to use decades down the road.
Incorporate a lot of art and color; some rooms should show restraint, while others could be joyful and immersive.
Key Design Elements
Layout & Flow: How the plan was improved for function and connection.
Materials & Finishes: Signature choices (e.g., natural stone, custom cabinetry, polished metals).
Lighting: How layers of light elevated the mood.
Furnishings & Art: The role of curated pieces in creating character.
Details: Small but powerful touches (e.g., hardware, textiles, or bespoke millwork).
Client Experience
Throughout the project, we guided our clients through each step with clarity and confidence. The design process felt streamlined, and decisions came easily, because every option was curated to their vision and presented in a sequential manner.
For example, on the first floor, we guided decision making through these basic steps:
Decide windows and doors. These needed to be ordered first by the contractor, as these items had the longest lead times to get onsite.
Decide primary flooring. They wanted natural wood everywhere, with tile in the half bath and wet area of the kitchen (tile was selected later).
Decide cabinetry material. We recommended natural wood cabinets, as it’s easier to fill in dings and scratches so they visually disappear. But the wood needed to complement the chosen flooring and also fit their budget.
Decide countertop material. They wanted natural stone, so we shopped within their budget range, going back to the stone yard multiple times to find just the right tonal quality of the raw slabs.
Decide tile flooring. We aimed to find a harmonious selection that would come across like natural stone but be porcelain for budget reasons and be a supporting player to the stone countertops.
Decide wallpaper. The client was very excited about making the drinks nook special through the application of a fun yet calm wallpaper.
Decide fireplace. We chose a specific wood burning stove that looks great while also offering practical use in winters during power outages.
Decide lighting finishes.
Decide paint color. Finally, to tie it all together, we chose a neutral white that would look good in both summer and winter light, alongside all the other choices already made. It was especially important for the paint to work elegantly where it touches the edge of the wallpaper.
The construction phase of the project went very smoothly, lasting only 12 months. Stonewood did an excellent job managing the overall timeline, and was aided by thoughtful and timely choices tee’d up by Rory Everitt Design just ahead of when decisions were required.
The Result
The finished home balances modern luxury living with practical applications of materials and space. The resulting impact feels both fresh and timeless, and proves that great design doesn’t just look beautiful — it elevates everyday living.
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