Design Diary: Peaceful Pines Project
Every project has its defining details, and Peaceful Pines is one I won't forget. This couple was relocating to the Carolinas to build their retirement home, and they came with a very clear vision: contemporary, monochromatic, and lots of gray. They loved the sleek feel of a neutral palette, but pulling it together with touches of warm, coastal-toned wood was the clutch move that kept the home feeling grounded and livable.
They also had a strong love for LED lighting, which gave the house that modern edge they wanted, and they weren't shy about statement moments. The pool bathroom became the ultimate pop of color, while the powder bath featured a dramatic tile accent wall that's as striking as it is unexpected.
One of the biggest feats of the build was the quartz-wrapped range hood. Quicksilver and their team brought the muscles (and the custom bracing!) to make that design possible, and we paired it with a textured tile inlay the clients had specifically requested. It's a detail that set the tone for the entire kitchen.
Here are a few highlights that made this project stand out:
Monochromatic palette with layers of gray, balanced by warm wood tones.
LED lighting throughout, adding sleek, modern definition.
Bold statement spaces, like the colorful pool bath and the powder bath accent wall.
Quartz-wrapped hood with tile inlay, a collaborative feat of design and build execution.
Our goal with Peaceful Pines was to keep the budget forecasting tight without limiting design. By mapping allowances early and keeping communication clear, we were able to support Erica's and our clients' vision while delivering a seamless build for them, even out-of-state.
Beyond the design itself, the process is what truly made this project special. Quicksilver's amazing budget forecasting kept every allowance and finish in check, which meant we could design without limitations while keeping the project on track. Their communication was spot-on, and the teamwork between their crew and our design vision ensured this out-of-state couple had the home they dreamed of—even from miles away.
This project pushed me outside my comfort zone in the best way. Working with a couple who loved gray, brushed nickel, and all things contemporary challenged me to stretch creatively and still deliver a home that felt warm, cohesive, and personal to them.
In the end, Peaceful Pines is proof of what happens when a builder, designer, and clients work in sync: a home that's both deeply personal and beautifully built. For me, it was a reminder that design doesn't always have to fit into my usual style lane to be rewarding—sometimes the best work comes when we stretch.
