WRITTEN BY: Bek Mitchell-Kidd
INTERIOR DESIGN: WRJ Design
ARCHITECT (REMODEL): Vera Iconica
GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Todd Witek, With the Grain
PHOTOGRAPHY: WRJ Design
Located not too far from Jackson Hole, a four-bedroom, five-bathroom log residence was brought back to life last year through a collaboration of interior designers WRJ Design, architects Vera Iconica Architecture and the clients.
Built in 1993, the more than 4,600-square-foot home was dark and dated and in need of a remodel to match its owners’ active lifestyle and love of entertaining.
While little was needed in regard to updating the exterior, the entry point was one of the first and most dramatic changes of the remodel.
Veronica Schreibeis Smith, CEO and Founding Principal at Vera Iconic Architecture, says, “The exterior and site work were in good condition. However, the log structure was heavy, with austere, solid wood exterior doors. We redesigned the front entry to add light to the interior spaces, making the first impression of the home inviting and open.”
The new entry door is 3.5 by 9 feet and made from reclaimed wood and decorative steel bolts. The now light-filled entryway also includes seating designed by Poltrona Frau and Heidi Jung’s “Seaweed Study III” in Sumi ink, charcoal and pastel on a Mylar panel.
As you transition into the living room, you get a sense of sophistication without stuffiness, feeling welcomed without any pretense. Lead interior designer Sabrina Schreibeis of WRJ Design describes the design as “elegant meets rustic.” Sabrina used a color palette of neutrals and grays. “White, black and gray tones are the client’s favorite colors which are reflected in everything, including her stylish wardrobe and throughout her home.”
Both WRJ Design and Vera Iconica Architecture describe the remodel as a fun and collaborative process with the clients.
When reflecting on the project Sabrina finds herself in the living room, enjoying “the comfortable textures welcoming you to relax and enjoy the view.” The view includes a deck that runs the full length of the house with an unobstructed line of sight of the landscaped meadow, pond and creek, and of course the beautiful Teton Range as a backdrop.
The living room features a coffee table designed by WRJ and custom-built by Packsaddle Road and custom sofa fabric and pillows. The area also includes furniture selections from Verellen, Bolier and Co. and Four Hands. Hanging on the commanding stone wall fireplace is Bradford Stewart’s “Planets.”
Another customized upgrade made to keep pace with the owners’ lifestyle was the mudroom.
Sabrina says, “The homeowners are a very active couple and take advantage of a variety of outdoor activities in the Jackson Hole area. They enjoy skiing, fishing, cross country-skiing and biking.” Specifically designed to accommodate their active lifestyle, the mudroom has multiple cubbies made of wood with metal mesh doors. There is a dedicated space to house the gear for each of their sports-based passions. Conveniently the mudroom is accessed from both the garage and front porch.
The clients love to entertain, and their residence is often considered “home base” for their friends after events and activities. A natural place for folks to gravitate during entertaining, and every day, is the kitchen. Custom cabinetry was added to the kitchen as was a bar and wine refrigerator. The cabinets were designed with lighted glass doors to display the owners’ china collection. The countertops are quartzite.
Veronica states, “The kitchen renovation—hands down—made the biggest impact on daily living. It is the heart of the home and is visited multiple times throughout the day. Our architectural team knew it was important to brighten the space while updating it with classic white cabinetry. Both the layout and millwork details were carefully customized to reflect our clients’ lifestyle and their preference for clean, well-organized spaces where every item has a home. Simultaneously, we streamlined their daily rituals, such as morning coffee and evening entertaining, to ensure all tools and products had a place within arm’s reach.”
And it seems the clients feel the same way. “We love the kitchen and dining area because it is fresh, open, easy for entertaining and brings the outdoors in with the coziness of the fireplace in the room. The living room is comfortable for many people to gather together with the warmth of the fireplace.” The connecting dining room features a chandelier from the owners’ previous residence and artworks “Waves, Dune Grasses” and “Waves Off Pier” by Lee Carlman Riddell.
WRJ Design embraced the specific context of the historic vernacular of a log cabin and instilled fresh serenity through subtle layering of tonal colors, lush fabrics, clean silhouettes and striking art…a cabin revival at its finest.
