When it comes to designing a dream home, it makes sense to begin with a blank canvas.
This level of freedom allowed John and Lisa Farrier to dream big when planning their new home. Their previous place had several interesting design features that they loved, but that didn’t fully capture their family’s modern sensibilities.
A designer’s dream
After finding the perfect neighborhood in Troy, Ohio, the Farriers first needed to find a balance between the traditional feel of their new neighborhood and their modern vision.
Luckily, time was on their side. “We spent almost two years on designs and revisions, so we gave ourselves time to think through the decisions,” John explains. “It was an essential way for us to avoid decision fatigue.” John, a local business owner, leveraged his design propensity to lead the design process for their home.
He was ready to dream big but also understood the practicalities that come with modern living. “We love all of the modern styles—like concrete walls and flooring—but wanted our home to be a place we could actually live in instead of feeling like a museum piece.”
To help bring his vision to life, the Farriers partnered with Dwight Goodin of Siebenthaler’s, an expert landscape designer who understands the intricacies of modern architecture. He describes John’s designs as the perfect blend between midcentury modern and prairie style, pointing to the strong horizontal lines, deep eaves, and overhangs typically associated with each.
The inside of the home is no exception, as it’s accentuated by a nearly entire glass wall in the dining area, rich gray cabinetry, and stacked tile as opposed to the traditionally staggered placement.
Functional fantasy
One of the many luxuries their new home offers is space, namely in the living room, dining room, and kitchen. “Like most people, the kitchen is where we spend the most time,” says Lisa. “We wanted it to be a ‘do anything’ space.”
That ‘do anything’ attitude is exemplified by the kitchen island, a space that was built intentionally wide to account for every family activity, from late-night homework sessions, to elaborate serving spreads, to even a homemade pasta workstation.
The island was custom built from a large piece of quartz and only touts a prep sink to maximize working space. The prep sink doubles as a cooler and has an attached disposal, keeping functionality top-of-mind for every activity.
Another surprise favorite are the unique light features incorporated throughout the downstairs level, especially the recessed ceiling lights and statement pieces in the kitchen and dining area. The recessed lighting continues to the covered porch, lending itself to a seamless day-to-night transition year-round.
Take it outside
The outside layout and landscape are where Goodin’s talents could really shine. A landscape designer with a deep affection for architecture, Goodin takes a methodical approach to his work, often beginning by identifying the hardscape skeletal structure of a space and then making the ideal plant selections to complement the layout.
“We had to be very intentional in our choices,” Goodin explains. “In a house like this, you don’t want different sizes, colors, and textures fighting with each other. It’s about selecting the ones that not only thrive but enhance the overall environment.”
The entire back yard is punctuated by annual flowers, limelight hydrangeas, and Japanese maple trees, all of which lend themselves to the Farriers’ desire for peace and privacy. The showstopper is undoubtedly the centerpiece bed garden, which was raised off the pool level for additional dimension. The garden also doubles as a sitting wall, offering extra seating for guests without obstructing the view of the pool.
While incredibly aesthetic, the landscape selections also serve a strong functional purpose. John, an avid griller, expressed interest in something that would block the sun during meal preparations. Goodin’s solution: slender silhouette sweet gums, which are known for their tall, narrow shape, and add vertical interest to open spaces.
A place for everyone
The Farriers’ new home was built with the whole family in mind, including the interests of their two teenagers. The pool is an obvious favorite, designed along with the pool house to mimic the rest of their home’s look and feel.
The pool itself features a concrete rim inside, as well as easy seating on either end. The pool house comes with its own set of luxuries, including additional couch seating, an entertainment center, and, of course, the grill.
Not only are the outdoor areas equipped with lighting and ceiling fans, but they also have built-in heating to serve as the ideal three-season space. The Farriers intentionally built a number of separate areas for their back yard, including a long picnic table and fire pit. It’s easy to select the perfect place for entertaining loved ones, or even a relaxing afternoon nap.
A bold statement
Today’s modern homes tend to be accompanied by rich neutral color palettes, but the Farriers didn’t want to limit themselves. “We used a lot of grays, but we didn’t necessarily want to live in the gray,” Lisa explains. John gives full credit to Lisa’s keen design eye for incorporating bold pops of color throughout their home.
Reds quickly became their colorful throughline, showcased through single chairs at the dining table, outdoor pillows, flower selections, and even John’s grill. Each strategically placed, these bright pieces add bold personality without compromising their home’s elevated design.
The end result perfectly captures the Farrier family, blending their modern tastes with the comfort of everyday living. When reflecting on their new home, John has just one word that comes to mind, “It’s comfortable.” He adds, “It has a place for all of us and has all the places we want to be.”
RESOURCES
Landscaping Dwight Goodin, Siebenthaler’s
Family room interior design Randy Luken, Luken Blunt Design Group
Article by Sydne Santo | Photos by Dawn M Smith
Article originally appeared in September 2025