In 2024, elements of rustic design are poised to become a staple in homes across the world. This year, it’s all about warm hues, cozy furnishing and authentic pieces, and antler art pieces fit seamlessly into these trends.

Here, we address the 2024 design trends of layered finishes, neutral tones, artisanal designs and handmade features and how antler art, at the intersection of modern aesthetics and traditional craftsmanship, is a perfect fit.

Courtesy of Untitled Architecture

Meet Leo Naegele and Brent Sikora, the ambitious duo behind Untitled Architecture, whose elegant, understated and timeless designs are garnering attention not only in the Jackson Hole area but across the Mountain West. Read on to learn what motivates them, what informs their design, and what makes them unique.

For nearly a decade your work has been focused in Jackson, Wyoming, and the Rocky Mountain West. How has this unique environment informed your designs?

We have developed a deep-rooted respect for and understanding of the regional ecology and natural environment. Rather than design buildings that compete with the natural beauty of our Western landscape, we seek to create spaces that complement it or disappear within it. Architecture should not be a monument or sculpture but a place of habitation to direct focus outwards.

Courtesy of Untitled Architecture

In addition to honoring a sense of place, what lies at the heart of your design philosophy?

We operate under the premise that architecture is for people. Therefore, our process is dedicated to understanding and designing around who our clients are and how they live and/or work. We heavily design for the interior experience of architecture. Rather than think of the architecture as strictly a form in the landscape, we look at each building as a sequence of habitable spaces with unique interior experiences that are strung together to form a cohesive, singular construct that best serves each client.

Finally, we’re simply intrigued by your company’s name. Tell us how it came to be.

We chose Untitled Architecture as our name to direct the focus to our work rather than our last names. “Untitled” suggests an approach to design without preconceived notions or convictions while “Architecture” puts the emphasis on the work rather than those who worked on it.

Courtesy of Untitled Architecture

UNTITLED ARCHITECTURE
Leo Naegele, Co-founder & Partner
Brent Sikora, AIA, Co-founder & Partner
307-264-1504 | Jackson, Wyoming

Photo Nathan Kirkman, Courtesy of La Cornue

FRENCH CHEF – A culinary classic with Julia Child bona fides, the La Cornue range ranks as celebrity darling, on display in boldface-name kitchens from Ellen Pompeo to Drake. But its chic, vintage-inspired surface belies workhorse functionality premiered in 1908 by Albert DuPuy, whose world’s-first convection oven featured a vaulted ceiling for a quicker, more uniform cook.

That tradition of state-of-the-art technology continues, as does La Cornue’s craft manufacturer status, hand-building its creations in its Saint-Ouen-l’Aumône workshop outside Paris for more than a century. Our style-meets-substance pick for kitchen crown jewel, the 43”- wide, dual-oven, five-burner CornuFé 110 is offered with gas or ceramic-glass induction cooktop, in three metal trim combos and 11 mountain-home-friendly colors, in shades evoking white snow through bluebird skies to jet-black alpine rock. Shown in Pure White with stainless steel and polished brass, $21,100; Williams Sonoma

A pretty patio overlooking Whitefish River is outfitted with sculptural ebony rattan chairs and a rounded, polished- concrete table painted a faded indigo. | Photo Heidi Long

Necessity may be the mother of innovation, but it turns out it’s also the key to a pretty extraordinary granny flat. That’s the lesson a couple learned while relocating their vacation home to Montana. “We found the greatest place in the world by accident in Whitefish, Montana, back in 2015,” says the homeowner. “This property kept popping up in our lake house internet searches for almost three years. It’s totally unique—Whitefish Lake is 7 miles long and 1 mile wide. We call it a ‘personal lake’ because it’s a very nice size. At the end, there’s a piece of property that’s 12 acres surrounded by Lazy Bay. We knew we had to buy it as soon as we saw it in person.”

The brand-new structure was designed to look like it had a long history of farming use before being repurposed into a jewel- box-like guesthouse. | Photo Heidi Long

The paradisiacal plot also came with a quintessential Montana log cabin with exceptional views. “Most lake properties have 50 to 100 feet of frontage; this one has 3,000 feet,” says the home- owner. And while the home also boasts plenty of interior square footage, it was important that extended family and friends—specifically grandparents—felt welcome to come and stay awhile. The best way to do that, the homeowners figured, was to build a one-bedroom, one-bath granny flat right on the lake and outfit it with soaring ceilings, two-story-tall windows, a well-equipped kitchenette, a cozy loft and plenty of outdoor living space.

Guests have everything they need in the “great room,” including a kitchenette furnished with gorgeous globe lighting, fir cabinetry and honed limestone countertops and a living area featuring Noir chairs upholstered in a graphic fabric arranged around a coffee table from Arteriors. | Photo Heidi Long

Because the couple wasn’t interested in duplicating the timber- frame construction of the main house, they collaborated with architect Rich Graves of Altius Design Group to create a totally unique structure that stayed true to the surroundings. “They wanted something very simple—new construction that looked like it could have been an old agricultural building or loafing shed for horses that had been repurposed into a jewel box,” says Graves. “The clients came with photos of a Sonoma winery that had these beautiful steel trusses in the roof system. Because we have big snow loads here, the trusses had to become more structural and a bit more robust. When you look at them, it’s evident they’re the real deal and actually support the roof.”

: The upstairs loft provides the perfect perch to take in the views thanks to a large window seat piled high with pillows. | Photo Heidi Long

Whitefish-based interior designer Hunter Dominick has worked with the couple on multiple homes around the country, so it only made sense to call her in to make their vision for a dreamy abode a reality. “They asked for a combination of rustic and modern, with streamlined, clean materials,” she says. To that end, she mixed finishes like barnwood, plaster and steel with sculptural lighting, luxurious fabrics, quartz, limestone and even a beautiful blush..

No square inch is wasted here—designer Hunter Dominick carved out room for a built-in, bar cart and even a dog bed tucked beneath the stairs. | Photo Heidi Long

THE GUEST (HOUSE) LIST

Designer Hunter Dominick and her clients share their tips for making extended stays exceptional.

ADOPT AN OPEN-DOOR POLICY The homeowners don’t expect their guests to work while staying here—and that includes toiling in a kitchen. “All we needed here was a spot to make small snacks and breakfast, so they can walk over and eat lunch and dinner with us at the main house,” says the homeowner. To that end, Dominick outfitted the flat with a bar area complete with a sink, small refrigerator, ice machine and basic appliances like a coffee maker, toaster oven and microwave.

The designer says the project began with wood selections, finishes and the grand fireplace, which combines plaster with a steel hearth. “From there, we moved on to the furniture and functionality. Above all, we wanted it light and airy,” explains Dominick.| Photo Heidi Long

THINK PINK Dominick created a spa-like primary bathroom that also leaned into the surroundings with a mix of refined and rugged materials like an alder vanity, Salvatori stone on the walls and textured limestone countertops. She also brought in a little surprise: Sherwin-Williams Quaint Peche SW 6330 paint. “The contractor told us, “I’ve never painted a pink ceiling before,” says the homeowner. “But the whole time, Hunter said, ‘Trust me, it’s going to look great with the barnwood,’ and she was right!”

The bedroom feels extra special thanks to reclaimed wood-clad walls, and a vanity area complete with a custom slab and a cowhide pouf. | Photo Heidi Long

KEEP THE FLEX SPACE FLEXIBLE While guests have everything they could ever need on the first floor, the upstairs loft can accommodate both grown-up business and kid-friendly fun thanks to a small sitting area and two extra-long window seats piled high with custom pillows.

Visitors survey the lay of the land from comfy chairs placed high above in the loft. | Photo Heidi Long

CREATE PLENTY OF LIGHT-BULB MOMENTS The designer devoted extra time to choosing just-right fixtures for overhead, task and moody moments. “We were successful in accenting and highlighting the simplicity of the structure and all the materials,” she says. The homeowners also opted to add LED uplighting to the trusses, which makes the entire house glow from the outside once night falls.

The homeowner loves the mixture of fabrics and neutrals, including a super-soft rug, supple leather chairs and black accent walls surrounding the fire feature that create a cozy sanctum. | David Papazian

A homeowner put her family top-of-mind when she purchased a home overlooking the river fed by Lake Coeur d’Alene in northern Idaho. Like many parents of an older teen, the homeowner found herself looking for a way to connect with her 18-year-old daughter. The home, intended as a vacation retreat, would be a draw for her daughter and friends to take a timeout from their daily lives. “I wanted this to be a house my daughter wanted to come back to,” she says. “I envisioned the teens gathering in the living room and outside in the backyard enjoying river views. I just love Idaho’s scenery, and the neighbors are incredible. I can pop over and go for a walk with them or enjoy a glass of wine; there is true connection here.”

Custom sofas in lustrous camel mohair add the comfy factor the homeowner was striving for. | David Papazian

At first glance, she thought the home only needed redecorating. She called her longtime interior design firm, Maison, Inc. to take a look. Principal designer Joelle Nesen had already renovated two previous homes and one in the process in different cities for her, so there was a high level of trust in the relationship they had built over the years. “The house was beautiful, but brighter and lighter than what I wanted,” the homeowner says. “I was looking for warm, cozy and inviting—a place to hang out, settle in and linger. As Maison brought the options to me, I began to see it as a disjointed home that needed a total renovation.”

Bifold glass doors open the living room onto outdoor spaces overlooking the river. “I hosted a graduation party for my daughter. With the doors fully open, there are lots of spaces where people can congregate inside and out,” the homeowner says. | David Papazian

“We aimed for casual elegance, with snuggly textures that are warm and comforting,” says Nesen. “We needed to unify the materials and colors to calm the existing spaces.” Working with Morgan Thomas, senior designer, Nesen gave key areas such as the kitchen, primary suite, guest bathrooms and laundry a total renovation. “The former kitchen looked a little preppy and trendy,” Nesen says. She added drama by including black elements, a color that became the home’s motif.

A Hoku mirror by McGuire and an Allied Maker pendant continue texture and warmth in the powder room. | David Papazian

It introduced elegance in the main rooms and, along with wood tones and a camel color, makes the rooms feel like a haven while keeping the sex appeal high. An ebony- stained rift oak island topped with a black leathered-granite countertop and a custom steel vent hood are in keeping with the theme. Along with the dramatic black fireplace nearby in the living room, it is, in the words of the homeowner, “a huge, glorious room that is cozy despite high ceilings.” She adds, “The couch’s mohair fabric and leather chairs lend texture and depth. You just want to settle in and put your feet up on the coffee table.”

A second-floor media room features laid-back vibes with a Roche Bobois Préface sectional, a kick-up-your-feet Verellen Olive coffee table, and a built-in bar and separate lounge. | David Papazian

The upstairs media room is where her daughter and friends choose to snuggle in and hang out on a large U-shaped sectional, where they talk and watch movies on a screen that drops down from the ceiling. A built-in bar and lounging area are steps away to complete the in-house entertainment options. Recreational space continues outside in a multi-level backyard reimagined by Alderwood Landscaping. A covered patio with a remodeled outdoor kitchen and a bar is just outside the main living room. A set of steps leads to a seating area with a fire feature on an open patio. From there, another set of hewn boulder-steps beckon to loungers and a fire pit overlooking the river.

An ebony-stained rift-sawn white oak island topped with black Vermont leathered granite, custom metal pendants and a bronzed vent hood bring the dark and moody drama. A lighter Mont Blanc honed quartzite covers the perimeter countertop and backsplash for balance. | David Papazian

“The homeowner made conscious choices, so the home ended up beautifully timeless,” says Nesen. But after the renovation, the homeowner changed her mind. “This is more than a vacation home,” she says. “Maison nailed it. They know who I am and what I want. When people come here, they settle in and linger. I now split my time equally between this home and my place in Arizona. Everything has exceeded my expectations.”

RENOVATION RECOMMENDATIONS

Both the homeowner and the designer share their wisdom about the key considerations when undertaking an extensive home renovation.

“Be realistic about what is affordable, and hire a team that reflects the best version of that price point,” says designer Joelle Nesen of Maison, Inc. “Remember that saving a penny now will cost you a pound later. Do it right the first time.” Combine an accomplished construction and design team with the homeowner’s input and ideas to leverage the full benefit of each person’s skill set. “After you have chosen the designer and articulated your ideas, you must trust her and the design process,” says the homeowner. “A vision board is the starting point, but a good design team is not offended by your opinions.”

In this case, trust was an easy component of the project since the designer and homeowner were working on their fourth renovation together. “The best project is when a client doesn’t micromanage,” Nesen adds. “An effective combination of team members results in a house that feels like your home even though you know you would never be able to pull it off on your own,” the homeowner says.

A stunning Italian Calacatta Mink marble from Ann Sacks wraps the vanity with veins of creamy shades of gray. | David Papazian

PHOTOS – DAVID PAPAZIAN

INTERIOR DESIGN – MAISON INC.

CONSTRUCTION – EDWARDS SMITH CONSTRUCTION

As featured in ML’s March/April 2024 Issue

The entry features a dramatic cantilevered roofline and picture- framed views of Bald Mountain and Deer Valley. Glass bridges connect the sections of the home; The jewel-box dining room is to the left. | Steve Wilson Photography

This Los Angeles-based couple started coming to Utah almost 25 years ago for the Sundance Film Festival and haven’t missed one yet (except during the pandemic). But it was a quite-by-chance visit in the “off season,” that enchanted them. “We won our kids’ school raffle, and the prize was a few days in Utah in the summer,” the homeowner says. They hiked and fished during the day. The air was fresh, and they camped out under a blanket of stars in the clear night sky. “We could see ourselves putting down roots here.”

Sustainable materials—stone, reclaimed barnwood and heavy timbers—bring outdoor elements into the home. “The fumed oak paneling shows off the grain pattern and gives the walls a weathered look,” says interior designer Stacey Beck. | Photo Laura Bruschke

Before long, they were looking for property on which to build “a kind of sanctuary to protect us from life’s stresses, a place where we can re-energize and forget about time, a place to be with our loved ones.” As far as the actual style, the homeowners didn’t have a clear idea initially. “We wanted something traditional that felt organic to the environment, but with a modern edge,” says the husband. They also wanted something that “looked like it belonged in nature.”

The kitchen is an informal place for family dining with seating at the counter for children. “We do love cooking,” says the husband, “and the large kitchen gives us another area in which to gather.” | Photo Laura Bruschke

Cobus van den Berg, principal of Park City-based Berg Design Architecture, understood immediately. As the homeowners talked, he sketched. “I believe in traditional and emotional values related to design and architecture, and like putting pencil to paper,” he says. One by one, the drawings revealed a home that was a blend of modern lines and mountain vernacular—clean, timeless and elegant, yet anchored to the land. “Part of the idea was when a group of people go into the wilderness, they set up a primary shelter as a central gathering area … surrounded by individual smaller and more intimate shelters to which they can retreat,” he says.

Two wall ovens allow for cooking multiple dishes that require different temperature settings. Cabinets are rift-cut oak. Countertops and island are a durable Mont Blanc quartzite. A prep sink is conveniently located in the kitchen island. | Photo Laura Bruschke

The homeowners found a suitable property at Victory Ranch, a private development, with views to the Wasatch Range, the Jordanelle Reservoir and the Provo River. The two-level, 6,600-square- foot home mainly conforms to the contours of the land, but the architect did “a little tweaking” to focus on the views. “When they open the front door, there’s a picture-framed view of Bald Mountain and Deer Valley straight through the house,” says van den Berg.

The dining room has glass-globe lighting and window walls on two sides. | Photo Laura Bruschke

A dramatic entry with cantilevered tent-like rooflines defines the structure of the main house. “The big steel beams that carry the roof structure are hidden inside the roof cavity,” says Jason Groscost, of Park City-based Kent Construction. Gray quartzite was used to bring outdoor elements into the home. Dark-stained timbers and reclaimed barnwood ceilings extend to the soffits to provide a seamless harmony between indoor and outdoor spaces.

“The ergonomically designed step-down- into tub has glass on three sides…and offers panoramic and uninterrupted views,” says interior designer Stacey Beck. “The marble is honed and that gives it that little bit of texture to make it slip resistant.” | Photo Laura Bruschke

Glass corridors linking the main section of the home with the wings are another of the home’s unique architectural features. One corridor is a jewel-box dining room with double-sided views; the other is a breezeway that connects to the ultra-private primary wing.

The main bedroom has a modern-moody look with shou sugi ban-style walls, soft furnishings and, on the window wall, woolen draperies and cotton sheers. | Photo Laura Bruschke

For the interiors, the homeowners collaborated with Stacey Beck of Park City-based Beck & Engle Design. “They are creative thinkers with a bit of a playful streak and were super-attuned to the life their home would create for themselves, their family and multitude of friends,” she says. “They would tell me, ‘Here’s the look we want,’ and we worked backwards from there to make it happen.”

Marble floors in the main bathroom show off a large-scale herringbone pattern. Twin mirrors are custom from Urban Electric. | Photo Laura Bruschke

A large working kitchen was a priority not only for cooking but also gathering and socializing—even to the point of “bumping” the original structure out to gain an extra 10 feet—a change that was made after the homeowners stood in the space during construction. It was a costly choice but one they do not regret. Both husband and wife love cooking. “The truth is that my wife is a great cook, and I’m her sous-chef,” the husband confesses.The home radiates warmth and welcome. “I want to look back and say, ‘Happy lives were built here,’” the husband says.

FOOD, FUN AND FUNCTION

Interior designer Stacey Beck of Park City, Utah-based Beck & Engle Design asks her clients several questions before designing a new kitchen or undertaking a remodel. She shares her tips here.

HOW WILL YOUR IDEAL KITCHEN FUNCTION?

Everyone has a different workflow, and that will determine everything from positioning appliances to the placement of trash cans. Who will be using the kitchen? Only you? You and your spouse? An entire catering crew? Have you considered “door swings”?

Oven, refrigerator, dishwasher and cabinet doors need space around them when their doors swing open. Do you have adequate room between your island and the perimeter cabinets to maneuver when a door is open? What kind of a cook are you? Do you make fresh bread every week, or only use the stand mixer once a year to make gingerbread cookies?

Asking these questions will tell you if small appliances belong on the counter or in under-counter storage. Do you have small children or pets? If you do, you might consider a wall oven for safety and peace of mind. Do you reheat leftovers? An oven with a steam function will infuse your food with moisture and provide a better outcome than a microwave. Do you have room for a butler’s pantry? It can function as a secondary kitchen, a space for food prep with coffee and smoothie stations that’s away from the main kitchen. It can also serve as clean-up area (maybe with a second dishwasher).