When Bev and Dave began considering their next chapter as empty nesters, they knew they wanted a home that combined modern simplicity with warm livability. After evaluating whether to renovate their previous Georgian home, they instead chose to build new—pursuing an open, contemporary ranch that would feel connected to nature and remain adaptable for years to come.
Having enjoyed a seamless experience during a prior kitchen remodel, the Orren Pickell Building Group was the only call they needed to make. “We were so happy with our prior working relationship that we made a conscious effort not to shop builders,” Dave shares.
Modern Ranch Form Meets Prairie-Inspired Lines
Set within a quiet Highland Park neighborhood surrounded by nature preserves and winding streets, the newly built home features long, low rooflines and strong horizontal geometry—an understated nod to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie Style. While the exterior offers a clean architectural profile, the interior reflects a refined and modern sensibility shaped through close collaboration between the homeowners and Pickell’s architecture and design teams.
A Cohesive Interior Palette
One of the first things guests notice is the home’s calming color palette. Bev selected warm grays and whites from the same tonal family to avoid compartmentalization and create a connected, serene environment. Artwork introduces subtle color without overwhelming the flow of the space.
A Kitchen Designed for Gathering
In the kitchen, darker tones anchor the island and cabinetry, complemented by a striking quartzite countertop that serves as both prep surface and entertaining hub. Wolf appliances and a concealed Sub-Zero refrigerator maintain a streamlined look, while a nearby butler’s pantry doubles as a daily coffee station with garden views.
Living Spaces That Bring the Outdoors In
Large windows and glazed doors draw natural light into the main living spaces, reinforcing the couple’s desire for indoor-outdoor connection.
A screened porch extends the home’s living footprint and maximizes seasonal use.
The screened porch provides a relaxing buffer between indoor living and the surrounding landscape.
Quiet Universal Design for the Future
Subtle universal design features—including wider hallways, a curbless shower with bench, continuous flooring transitions, and shallow exterior steps—support aging in place without compromising aesthetics. “We designed an environment that will promote our independence as we grow older,” Bev explains.
Solving the Unexpected Together
No custom build is without surprises; excavation revealed an unrecorded ten-inch water main beneath a corner of the foundation. Pickell’s team implemented a temporary reroute to keep construction moving while the homeowners collaborated with their association on a long-term solution.
Today, nearly a year and a half after moving in, Bev reflects, “We love the house—we love the look and how it all evolved.”
