Forest Ridge Iowa City | Downsized Retirement Dream Home
Interior Designer Emily Hughes worked closely with H&H Builders on the finish selections and overall design of this custom home, focusing on creating a space that would suit the homeowners’ needs as they downsize. With an eye on future retirement, the goal was to design a home that would be functional, comfortable, and adaptable to their evolving lifestyle. The result is a carefully crafted space that combines both aesthetics and practical considerations, ensuring the homeowners can enjoy it for years to come.
The homeowners aimed to infuse character into their custom home by incorporating unique elements that would enhance its charm and warmth. Rustic wood beams, finished in a light tone, were strategically placed to add an inviting and organic feel to the space. Painted wainscoting in a bold pop of color further contributed to the home’s personality, offering a playful yet refined touch.
The white stone surrounding the great room fireplace and adorning the exterior added a neutral, textured element, balancing the warm wood tones and providing a timeless appeal. To complement the relaxed and cozy ambiance, thoughtfully selected light fixtures were chosen to elevate the overall design with an understated sophistication, seamlessly blending style with comfort. Together, these design elements created a space that feels both elegant and welcoming, perfect for the homeowners’ retirement years.
Design Team: Emily Hughes
Home Builder: H&H Builders
Lighting: Illuminate North Liberty
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Principal Interior Designer
Emily Hughes
Emily favors a layered look that mixes modern, vintage, and personal pieces, creating interiors with depth and personality. Adept at interpreting her clients’ wants and needs, she is eager to initiate a design concept that captures their personality and design aesthetic. Emily incorporates the latest trends in unique, durable finishes into all of her designs. Creative at combining a mix of products at varying price points, Emily is driven to provide exceptionally stylish and financially accessible interior design for all.
In her free time, Emily enjoys getting outdoors and exploring new places with her son, Max and husband, Scott. She also loves painting and getting lost in a good book.
How to reach Emily // emily [at] themixhome [dot] com
Follow Emily on Instagram // @emilyhughesinteriors
More from Emily
LET'S WORK TOGETHER
YOUR TASTE + OUR EXPERTISE
The approachable design team at Mix Home Design Studio creates refreshingly modern and timelessly classic interiors for residential and select commercial new builds and remodels. We thrive on developing lasting client relationships and strive to capture your personal style through thoughtful collaboration.
We’d love to design with you! The first step for new clients is to complete our New Client Questionnaire. Once submitted, we will review your answers and be in touch within a week or two to schedule an initial meeting.
Please note: Due to high demand and full schedules, we currently have a 15-45 day wait list for new clients, depending on the scope of your project.
PORTFOLIO
Hamptons Organic Modern
Rempel Iowa City New Build
H&H New Home Construction
Project Shagbark
Custom Build – Poplar Street
Forest Ridge Iowa City
Modern Traditional Homestead
Skogman Parade Home Staging
H&H Remodel
Lakeridge Estates
Timeless Contemporary
Modern Vintage Farmhouse
Buresh Cedar Rapids Remodel
Cedar Rapids Custom Home
Modern Traditional – Cullen Drive
Kitchen + Great Room Remodel