Shakers are renowned for their minimalist design and unstinting quality that rests on principals of honesty, utility, and simplicity. This can sound quite cold and programmatic. Or simplistic. Architect Hope Dana ensured it wasn’t - bringing together a focus on utility and a celebration of beauty through unadorned lines, a clear focus on craftsmanship, and quality of materials

The design lets the materials lead the conversation. Unexpected variations of the wood that clads the walls add warmth and wonder. The blue stone hearth brings color and texture and further connects the interior to its natural surroundings.

A quest for light and rejection of unnecessary ornament is also at the core of the Shaker viewpoint expressed throughout the home.

“The overall design was really in service of the light and the views,” says Dana.

Close your eyes and conjure up a vision of a Shaker kitchen. Frame and panel cabinet doors jump to mind. Not what Henrybuilt and Dana designed. The two collaborated to create a kitchen that one could argue is closer to the principals of utility, simplicity, and quality than the aesthetic oft associated with Shaker kitchens.

The design focused on overall form and proportions - graphic arrangements and multipurpose pieces to add visual interest without resorting to pure decoration. A singular long steel shelf. Expressed panels on the back of the island. Clean lines were further expressed through flat front storage. A reframe of the idea of the Shaker kitchen.

Hidden under the aesthetic considerations, the utility built into Henrybuilt’s system supported the design and living ethos.

“The things that can feel complicated in a kitchen are quietly integrated into Henrybuilt’s system,” says Dana. “It is intuitive to use.” Performance without pomp.

Not forgetting that this was a mountain getaway, a quality of warmth and comfort was also at hand. “At the time we were designing, everyone was talking about Hygge,” says Dana. Adding a quality of coziness and comfort was a natural match. Scandinavian meets Shaker. Contentment, comfort and connection.

No where was that more important than the guest bedrooms where Dana’s design turned over as much space as possible to living. This meant no built-in closets. Yet, having a place to put things that felt and looked good was imperative.

Henrybuilt worked with Dana to create functional storage that, even when empty, looks like it belongs to the room. This was managed through careful placement of forms and materials. A storage shelf that reflects the graphics of the windows. Intentional integrated hang rods. Drawer storage that doubles as bench seating. Luxurious for guests without feeling like it is trying to be.

The architects designed the rooms for consistency in size, shape, and feel. All created equal so guests would feel special regardless of which room they landed in.