Southern Hospitality
Though residents of New England for many years, a young family brought a dose of Southern charm to their newest home, designed by Catalano Architects and built by Soderholm Custom Builders. The couple’s Texas roots inspired a new build that blends classic symmetry with contemporary materials for a comfortable and stylish home for their family of four.
“They didn’t want another traditional New England house. They wanted something cleaner and more contemporary,” says Tom Catalano, President of Catalano Architects. Though the property maintains its sense of place within its classic New England surroundings, the crisp black and white façade offers a breath of fresh air.
The carefully curated exterior features white-painted brick, dark slate roofing, lead-coated copper accents, and wrought-iron gray window sashes. “We wanted to see it all together before committing,” says the homeowner, referencing the importance of testing materials and colors through mock-ups. “Ultimately, the clients opted for a clean exterior façade with stucco and white-painted brick,” says Sam Soderholm, President of Soderholm Custom Builders, who was brought on board early in the process, accompanied by Catalano, architect Elena Stancheva, and interior designer Melanie Morris.
“The project took well over a year just in permitting,” notes Soderholm, referencing the extensive work needed to replicate a naturalized wetland stream, which required creative engineering to create usable outdoor space. Poor soil conditions also necessitated elevating the house, a move achieved subtly through terraces and gradual landscaping while preserving the site’s mature oak trees. “We doubled the size of the yard by moving the stream to the edge of the property,” Catalano says. “It was a heavy lift from a permitting standpoint.”
With construction taking place during the COVID era, rising material costs made smart decision making and efficiency paramount. “Working collaboratively with the client, designer, and architect to simplify elements while maintaining the quality and result we were going for was key,” Soderholm notes.
Inside, the home’s modern and functional layout supports the family’s dynamic lifestyle, blending indoor-outdoor living, entertaining, and Southern-inspired details. “The spaces are unique and extraordinary to be in, but they also connect beautifully, making transitions between rooms feel natural and intentional,” says Catalano. Having the advantage of living just a few blocks away during construction, the homeowner played an active role in shaping the design. “Texas can be laid back but also casual with a little flair and fun,” the homeowner shares. “We loved mixing and matching more formal details with more casual accents in this house.”
At the heart of the home, a sculptural, free-floating staircase, designed in collaboration with Arcways, anchors the foyer as a striking centerpiece. “I wanted that staircase to be the focal point right when you walked in the door,” says the homeowner. Equally stunning is a speakeasy-style lounge featuring a mini vaulted ceiling, curved built-ins, and vibrant stone details sourced by Cumar, creating a jewel-box effect.
Curvature continues in the dining room, where a scalloped plaster ceiling pairs with a wavy-edged table, while integrated tray lighting and a contemporary chandelier provide soft illumination. In the kitchen, a bold Italian-sourced Brescia marble backsplash and countertops are a perfect pop against an abundance of oak.
Maximizing indoor-outdoor living was also central to the home’s design. “We tried to get as many of the ground-floor rooms as possible to open directly onto that outdoor space,” explains Catalano. Thoughtful features such as large overhangs allow seasonal adaptability, while radiant heaters and snowmelt pathways ensure year-round use. The backyard, complete with a pool, pool house, and outdoor kitchen perfect for Texas-style barbeques, offers a true escape.
Inside the pool house, cracked limestone floors, louvered oak walls, and vibrant penny-round tiles with racing stripes create a serene yet dynamic retreat. Rounded edges on the bar and island, inspired by European design, add a layer of sophistication. The pool house flooring, inspired by the family’s travels to the south of France, showcases a marble mosaic designed in practical yet elegant patterns, perfectly suited for wet feet. “At first, I thought a pool house might not be necessary…but I find myself going out there weekly,” the homeowner admits with delight.
Blending classic New England elegance with Southern warmth and contemporary design, the home celebrates family, teamwork, and vision. “Everyone brought something so different and exciting, but it was all very cohesive,” the homeowner reflects. “The collaboration between everyone was seamless.”
Architect: Catalano Architects, Builder: Soderholm Custom Builders, Interior Designer: Melanie Morris, Photography: Warren Patterson
