PROJECT HOUSE 2021: LET’S START AT THE VERY BEGINNING

Project House designer Kara Christensen gives us the inside scoop on what is involved with designing a new construction build.

Get the inside scoop on what’s involved in designing a new construction build.

It’s time to start planning. We mentioned in our last issue that this year’s Project House will include both a farmhouse renovation and a guest cottage new build. We asked designer Kara Christensen of Garden Gate Homes to give us information about her design process and her vision for the guest cottage.

WHERE TO BEGIN

When starting a new construction project, Kara and Matt study the location of the land and plan the overall style of the house. “We specialize in in-fill lots, so I start with a good look at the streetscape to see what style would fit the best,” says Kara. “We want our homes to match the character of downtown Franklin, and varying architecture styles is one way we do that.”

Choosing one of the many talented architects in town is the next step to ensure their vision can be brought to life. Kara always tries to make design selections that will help the home appear aged, such as using reclaimed stone for an exterior chimney or incorporating a vintage front door. “It’s all in the details,” she says.

DESIGNING THE DETAILS

If there are homeowners involved, Kara and Matt will have meetings to get the homeowners’ input. If not, they are free to design the layout and floor plan to their own preferences. “When it’s new construction, it requires a whole new vision, whereas a renovation already has a starting point,” says Kara. “We always try to marry function with beauty.”

Mood boards are a good place to start with the details—or in Kara’s case, a mood table. “I like to have physical things I can touch, like fabrics and décor,” she says. Start with an “anchor” or inspiration piece (Kara is using a stained-glass window the homeowners love for this project) and place it on a table. Then add pictures, material samples, fabric swatches and décor items with your color scheme, for a 3D mood board that you can play with.

WISH LIST

Another way to keep focused during a new build is to have an end vision and wish list to keep in mind. “I designed a small vestibule at the entrance to enhance the appeal when entering the cottage,” says Kara. “I’m still looking for a pair of antique double doors to be used for it, but if I don’t find them soon, I’ll order new doors (which will make it a lot easier on Matt since old doors need some work to be able to open and close properly).

I have an old cast-iron sink that I’m hoping we can add to their mudroom; I’m super excited to see if it works there!”

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES

With every new construction job come challenges, and the team is ready to face them. The main challenge in this project is ensuring the cottage complements the farmhouse but has its own unique elements. “I plan to give the cottage the same color scheme as the farmhouse, but I’ll vary the accent details,” says Kara. “And it’s always a challenge to make a new construction house look old, but that’s what we love to do. This is especially important here, though, as it sits right next to a circa 1900 farmhouse.”

Thankfully, cottage style is diverse enough to include a wide range of preferences and pair well with other styles. “Cottage style is authentic— it’s not too perfect, not overly trendy,” says Kelly McMaster, senior editor of Cottages and Bungalows. “It allows ‘wiggle room’ to create your own unique look with charm and personality.”

FOR MORE ABOUT THE RENOVATION SIDE OF THE PROCESS, SEE THE APRIL/MAY ISSUE OF AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE MAGAZINE.

FAMILY FUNCTION. A significant part of Kara’s job is to make a new/restored house feel like home for the new owners. “We’ve moved so many times over the years that I’ve gained a lot of experience with making a house into a home quickly for my children,” she says. “How we have lived in our homes through all the different stages of life as a family inspires my designs because the functions of the rooms are so important.”

|ABOVE LEFT| CHARMINGLY MODERN. Another example of Kara’s style mixing, this office project showcases a modern-style floor lamp and sofa, while the shelves are decorated with vintage candlesticks and a vintage oil painting. The result is a unique combination that blends modern function with old charm. “And since this little cottage will be used as a place for guests to stay, I can mix in a little more color and a little more fun,” she says. “We want guests to pull up, smile and leave feeling blessed.” |ABOVE RIGHT| TRAINING UP. Kara’s family converted their personal front parlor into an office, featuring a large farmhouse table. “With all of us working from home now, we needed a designated space to work,” says Kara. “My oldest is working for us full time, and my youngest already has a talent for design. I’m still training them.” From left to right, it’s Alexa, Chloe and Kara.

|ABOVE LEFT| PERSONAL TOUCHES. Details help make a home charming, whether it’s a renovation or new build. When designing the exterior of this home, Kara and Matt included an awning above the garage and a flower box under the upstairs office window. |ABOVE RIGHT| MIX IT UP. Rather than favor a single style, Kara likes to mix designs. The rattan oversized pendant and the modern sconces on this past project’s kitchen demonstrate her ability to seamlessly blend different styles. “I don’t want anyone coming into my home and describing it as one style like boho, farmhouse, traditional or modern,” says Kara. “To me, each person is a unique creation of God with their own unique story to tell, so our homes should be unique to us as well.”