Griesbach House
Some projects start with a floor plan and end up feeling like home before the first piece of furniture even arrives. This one is a ground-up new build for a family of four — two busy professionals and their two sweet little daughters — set on a sun-filled lot with a walk-out basement and just over 5,000 square feet to work with. The brief was refreshingly clear: modern, but never stark. Timeless over trendy. Fun without sacrificing function. And storage — lots of it — for a family whose life is full in the best way.
Starting from nothing
Building from the ground up means every decision gets made twice — once on paper, once in the room. With this much square footage and a walk-out basement pulling light down through every level, our job was to make sure the house felt generous without feeling cavernous, and personal without feeling precious. Big, sun-filled rooms need warmth and intention behind them, or they risk feeling like showrooms instead of homes.
A little architectural drama
One of our favorite moments so far is a pair of arched, black-framed glass doors — made in partnership with our friends at Iron Elements — that divide the basement living space from a built-in home office. The steel-framed grid pattern and arched top bring in a bit of old-world character against an otherwise clean, modern shell, while the glass keeps sightlines and natural light moving through the house rather than boxing any one room in. It's the kind of detail that photographs beautifully, but more importantly, it's functional: a real divide between "on" and "off" spaces for two parents who need both.
Living spaces built for real life
In the main living room, deep navy ceiling paint anchors a soft, neutral palette below — sheer drapery softens the wall of windows, a built-in fireplace wall brings warmth and texture, and furniture is layered in that easy, lived-in way that makes a large room feel intimate rather than formal. It's proof that "modern" doesn't have to mean cold: this space is calm, grounded, and unmistakably a place where a family actually gathers.
A girls' bathroom with personality
Upstairs, the shared bathroom for the two daughters is shaping up to be an absolute delight. A dusty pink accent wall sets a playful tone, paired with a scalloped quartz backsplash detail that turns a simple counter into something a little whimsical — the kind of feature that makes brushing your teeth feel like an occasion. Underfoot, a penny-round tile floor in an olive tone is dotted with sweet little daisy accents, a detail that's subtle enough to grow with them and joyful enough to make bath time fun. It's a space designed with two little girls in mind, without ever tipping into anything twee.
More to come
This build is still very much underway — furniture and drapery installation is happening now, tile and finishing details are coming together room by room, and we can't wait to share the fully furnished, professionally photographed reveal once it's complete. For now, consider this your behind-the-scenes look at a house that's shaping up to be exactly what this family asked for: modern, warm, a little playful, and built to hold a busy, full life.
