When we set out to design this home, we knew we wanted our custom home exterior to feel like it had always been there, timeless, welcoming, and perfectly settled into its surroundings. We didn’t want something overly trendy or stark . We wanted timeless character, rich materials, and thoughtful details that told a story. The result is a home that blends old-world charm with modern function, full of layers and intentional design.
We believe great design doesn’t start with square footage or trendy finishes — it begins with intention, inspiration, and a sense of place. Our home sits in the heart of Tennessee, and the stunning mountain views were non-negotiable in our design process. From the first sketch to final material selections, everything was chosen to honor the land, embrace texture, and create a story that feels deeply rooted with our style here at Plank and Pillow.
Our Design Process and Inspiration
We always start by asking ourselves: How do we want this home to feel? With this build, we envisioned a space that feels warm, timeless, and rooted in character. We found inspiration in the charm of European cottages, the kind of homes where every corner tells a story, and imperfections only add to their appeal.
We also looked to some of our favorite architects who are masters at layering textures, incorporating natural materials, and creating designs that feel both refined and comfortably lived-in. The goal was to craft a home that feels as though it has evolved over time, blending old-world craftsmanship with thoughtful modern touches.
Must Haves Behind Our Design
Limestone Surround and Arched Door
One of the key inspirations for our custom home exterior came from the timeless work of Peter Block Architecture. His designs capture a sense of history and craftsmanship that aligns perfectly with our vision.We were especially drawn to the cast stone door surround — a detail that brings weight, presence, and refined elegance to the front entry.
Paired with an arched front door, this soft curve adds an old-world charm that immediately makes a home feel storied and rooted. Together, these elements help set the tone for a home that feels both welcoming and enduring.
Copper Guttering and Stone Exterior
This image from Steve Tiek’s work instantly caught our eye ! Not just for its overall beauty, but for the details that elevate it. The aged stone exterior feels timeless and grounded, with natural texture and variation that gives it so much character.
We were especially drawn to how the copper guttering adds warmth and quiet sophistication, aging gracefully over time and complementing the stone perfectly. These two elements , authentic stonework and copper details have definitely influenced our own design decisions as we think about materials that will add both beauty and longevity to our home.
Large, Statement Windows and Dark Exterior
This photo has been a major source of inspiration for our build, especially as we think about how to take advantage of the Tennessee mountain views. The contrast of the dark exterior with the warmth of the interior lighting creates such a striking, sophisticated look that feels both modern and timeless.
We love how the large, grid-style windows become a dramatic design feature while also framing the landscape beautifully and is something we hope to echo in our own way. While our home will be smaller in scale, this idea of blurring the line between indoors and outdoors through generous windows and a bold, dark exterior finish really resonates with us.
The Vision in Action
As you can see in the inspiration photos above, our goal is to marry old and new combining craftsmanship with comfort. This is not a home that shouts; it whispers with quiet confidence. Each material, line, and proportion was chosen with care to create something meaningful and enduring.
We hope this home tells a story. One of history, family, and timeless design, from the very first glance.
Stay tuned as we continue to bring this vision to life, one layer at a time
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