A talented team (including Ashton Klomp Interiors, McEwan Custom Homes, architect Joe Carrick of JCD Homes, Northland Design Group and more) forges a magnificent family getaway in the mountains of Midway.

Pastures sprawl in front, the Provo River flows in back and alluring design delights at every turn. Lynn and Susie Kershaw’s handsome Midway home knows how to impress, yet that’s the last thing it was created to do. 

Charming painting reference pastoral views seen from the home. Paintings by Allie Zeyer (top) and Debra Russell (bottom). both from Relics Gallery.

“Lynn and Susie simply wanted to build a mountain family retreat, a place where they could gather with their children and grandchildren to create special moments and memories,” says interior designer Christy Klomp. She and design partner Kathryn Ashton teamed with McEwan Custom Homes’ Matt McEwan and Devin Dye to deliver this and more. 

Built-in bunks by Columbia Millworks offer sleeping quarters for eight grandchildren. A framed print of a quote from a favorite children’s book adorns each bunk. The ticking stripe wallpaper is by Clarke & Clarke, the plaid carpet is from Artifacts and the room is painted in Benjamin Moore’s Boothbay Gray.

From the beginning, Susie favored a light-and-bright coastal style, while Lynn preferred something more rustic. The phrase “modern farmhouse” was bandied about early on, but the designers rejected this of-the-moment style. Instead they responded with a traditional heritage farmhouse characterized by time-honored mountain materials, inviting spaces and a timeless décor that reflects the home’s pastoral setting, yet feels fresh, light and blissfully lived in. “It was a balancing act, a push and pull throughout the project,” Ashton says. 

Views of the Wasatch Mountains and Provo River flow through the home to the front entry. Wisconsin limestone and locally sourced Douglas fir trusses and beams frame the impressive entry. The custom 14-foot, glass-and-steel door was fabricated in Mexico. Landscape design by Northland Design Group.

Case in point: the front entry. In keeping with  Lynn’s craving for rustic mountain elements, the home’s exterior features rugged limestone, peaked rooflines and hefty beams. Typically, a mountain home’s entry would boast dark, vaulted timbers framing a massive wooden door. Here, however, the beams are arched and light toned, the door is glass and the entry is spanned by an expansive, arched wall of steel-framed windows. Mountain views flow directly from the back of the house and through the interior to this transparent entrance. “Here and throughout the home, we took traditional elements and executed them in contemporary ways to create a fresh, timeless style,” Klomp explains. 

Set on layered, hand-knotted rugs, a pair of linen-dressed chairs furnishes a cozy loft that overlooks the living room below. Spectacular Douglas fir beams and a wood-clad ceiling crown the living room space.

Inside the home, warm shades of light greige, mixed wood tones and accents of varied blues create a palette that flows seamlessly throughout the interior, creating a comforting sense of continuity.

In the back pantry, potted herbs thrive in a greenhouse window, while two-tones cabinetry offsets painted brick walls. Leathered limestone countertops and limestone floors from European Marble and Granite; Ashley Norton hardware from Mountain Land Design.
Blue Ocean, vein-cut travertine forms the floors and wall beneath the window of the lux master bathroom. the free-standing tub sits in front of a cabinet by Hickory Chair. “The chest creates more character than wall-to-wall built-ins would,” Klomp explains.

The painted finish that enriches the kitchen cabinets recurs in a number of the home’s bathroom vanities.

The study’s deep gray-blue wall color reappears on the side entry’s dutch door and the limestone that dresses the entry and pantry floors forms hand-carved accent tables. The list goes on. “Repetition creates harmony and makes the décor feel effortless,” Klomp points out. So, too, does layering, something Ashton and Klomp masterfully executed. 

“Layers create a comfortable, lived-in look,” Ashton explains. There are plenty to go around: a Hermès throw casually folded across a leather stool, a rustic cowhide laid atop a traditional area rug, a tray of collectibles placed on a linen-draped console and a group of faux tortoise shells displayed across a handsomely paneled wall. They all contribute to the collected, uncontrived look that defines the décor. “The goal is to make it look effortless,” Ashton explains.

“We work hard to make it look like we didn’t,” Klomp says with a laugh. Lighting, too, is layered. Chandeliers shimmer from above while art lights illuminate original paintings, sconces warm walls and table lamps create pools of light across consoles and cozy lounge chairs. “We actually prefer not using can lights in a room,” Klomp says. “Layers of light are much more comforting and beautiful.” 

“From day one, the home was designed to be a gathering place for family and friends,” McEwan says. A favorite hangout, the open kitchen features a spacious cooking and prep area, as well as a welcoming dining space anchored by a custom-designed table and slip-covered chairs. Large Visual Comfort lanterns illuminate and anchor the spaces. “These pendants help to define the kitchen and dining areas as separate, yet connected,” Ashton explains. Painted cabinets by Cottonwood Cabinets, hand-carved Calacatta Gold marble hood by European Marble and Granite.

While the design is undeniably beautiful, it is above all functional—a must for the homeowners. “We have a very large family—four daughters and 12 grandchildren,” Susie explains. The floor plan offers spacious areas like the high-ceilinged living room and an open kitchen to accommodate large family gatherings.

In the craft room, a raised platform creates a whimsical stage and cozy nook for the grandkids. Built-in shelves and cabinetry connect this corner to the rest of the multi-purpose room. The mural is by Rebecca Rebouche.

Meanwhile, more intimate spots like the study, loft, dining banquette and master suite provide cozy, comfortable retreats for Lynn and Susie when they are alone. Many rooms also serve multiple functions. The craft room, for example, is one of Susie’s favorites and doubles as her office, as well as a playroom and reading lounge for her grandchildren. Lynn’s office is part of the study that also serves as a comfy lounge replete with a fireplace, coffered ceiling and blue-gray walls.  “No space in this house goes unused,” Ashton says.

“The second-floor master bedroom takes in views of the river and surrounding river banks,” McEwan explains. An Ironies canopy bed features a mohair headboard, and the walls are wrapped in suede wallpaper by Phillip Jeffries. “The suede adds such as sense of luxury and helps diminish noise in the high-ceilinged room,” Ashton says. Art above the bed is by Candace Rideout.

Practicality also flourishes. “This is not a precious, look-but-don’t-touch home,” Ashton says. The fabrics—luxe linens, velvets, chenilles and mohairs—may look refined and fragile, but they’re not. “Many are durable blends and nearly all are treated for stain resistance,” she adds. In the dining area, the designers covered the chairs with washable linen-look slipcovers and upholstered the seats beneath in vinyl.

The mater suite’s fireplace features a hand-crafted marble mantel inset with limestone. Two McAlpine chaises are set so the owners can enjoy mountain views from the upstairs room. they also serve as comfy beds for youngsters who want to bunk out with their grandparents.

Wool carpets and rugs run throughout the house providing both elegance and easy care. “Wool is not only lovely, but it is also durable, stain repellant and easy to clean,” Klomp explains. Again, it comes back to a balance. “The rooms not only look beautiful, but they are also easy to live in,” she adds.

The bunk room’s sitting area creates a comfortable spot for adults to hang out while reading to the kids. The switch to the light that illuminates this spot is labeled “Granny’s spot.” Small tables are easy to move, making it simple to create open play space. Art from Natural Curiosities.
In the study’s work area, framed art hangs on wall panels that discreetly open to computer equipment hidden behind them.

While the house was built to serve as a family getaway, the owners intend to make it their primary residence. “Everything about this house speaks to us,” Susie explains. Of course, nothing would make the designers happier than having the Kershaws nearby. “They began as our clients, but they quickly became our friends,” says Ashton. “We’re thrilled that we could help create a special place that they will soon call home.”

Photos by Chris Luker 

SOURCES:
Interior Design: Kathryn Ashton & Christy Klomp, Ashton Klomp Interiors | @ashtonklompinteriors
Contractor: Matt McEwan and Devin Dye, McEwan Custom Homes | @mcewancustomhomes
Architect: Joe Carrick, JCD Homes| @jcdhomes
Lanscape Design: Jeremy Fillmore, Northland Design Group | Facebook @NorthlandDesign
Cabinets: Craig Veenker, Cottonwood Cabinets | @cottonwood.cabinets

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