2014 Home Design | Page 2

T H E S I Z E O F T H I S FA M I LY — two adults plus five young adults — continually expands and contracts. They needed a home that could accommodate a crowd of students, friends, visiting family and, at other times, just mom and dad. “We go from being near-empty nesters to having  everyone here,” says homeowner Laura. “We needed space to enjoy each other but also private space to get away. We wanted lots of gathering space to entertain and not feel packed in, but at the same time wanted it to feel intimate when there’s just the two of us.” The design/build team at Meridian Design Build dove into the challenge and created a home with open spaces that flow perfectly but, at the same time, are warm and intimate. “We designed the interior with an open floor plan but defined areas with details for adequate separation so it doesn’t feel like one big warehouse,” explains Alex Mitchell,  co-owner of Meridian Custom Homes. This 3,500 square-foot home is a unique blend of styles that achieves a singular, comfortable look, influenced by the Craftsman shingle style but with cleaned up, minimalist touches. “We chose a timeless look with both big and small  design elements. There’s nothing that’s so trendy that in a year or five they’re going to regret it. It’s a nice combination of familiar, more traditional details with a fresh approach so it doesn’t look like just a repeat of old good ideas,” says Mitchell. Outdoor entertaining space was a must-have for this  social family. In the back, Meridian incorporated a mahogany deck and a bluestone patio to provide ample seating and surrounded them with picturesque plantings. With an idea of plants that Laura liked, along with a desire for low maintenance, the homeowners relied on Hesford Landscaping to pull it all together. “Scott Hesford did a tremendous job with design and installation,” she says. ➳ 88 | HOME DESIGN 2014 088_Home Design 14_Meridian.indd 88 © 2016 Rhode Island Monthly Communications, Inc 11/6/13 11:28 AM