A Contemporary Farmhouse

From conceptual design sketches to a finished home — It’s always fun to see progress on projects we’ve had the pleasure of working on. This project with a Contemporary English Country feel is located outside of Lebanon, Ohio and is being built by Jimenez-Haid Custom Homes. We’ve had the opportunity to visit the site multiple times and see all the progress that’s been made. Scroll down for the inside scoop on this project!

Foyer

Study
Photo courtesy of Jimenez Haid Custom Builders

First Floor Conceptual Sketch

It might not look like, but this home is a ranch! A one story home with a full finished basement.

Stair Detail

The open concept great room, kitchen, and dining areas were thought out very carefully. The space is warm and welcoming, and while it’s a large space, it doesn’t feel expansive.

First Floor Bath with Exterior Access from Pool

Family Foyer

The family foyer offers ample storage for just about anything you can think of. There is also a full bath off of the family foyer that includes exterior access - no more dripping through the house to shower off after spending some time in the pool!

The Owner’s closet and bath are great! The closet maximizes every inch of available storage space, with pull handles to access out of season clothing or just clothes you wear less often. The bath has options for everyone - a large soaking tub and a large walk-in shower! And daylight pours in from the large window in the closet and the small windows above the mirrors and vanity really bringing the space to life.

Inside, looking out to the Porch
Photo courtesy of Jimenez Haid Custom Builders

Covered Porch
Photo courtesy of Jimenez Haid Custom Builders

The home sits on a beautiful piece of property with views for miles. We have a feeling this porch will be a very popular place to relax in the coming months.

Photo courtesy of Jimenez Haid Custom Builders

Do you have a project we could help with? We would love to talk with you about becoming a part of your team. Reach out today to start the conversation.

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Designed by: Residential Designed Solutions

Builder: Jimenez-Haid Custom Builders

Project Sneak Peek!

It’s always fun to see projects we’ve designed go from conceptual sketches to a hole in the ground to a finished home. This project with an English Country feel is in The Reserve at Tartan Fields and is being built by Jimenez-Haid Custom Homes. We’ve had the opportunity to visit the site multiple times and see all the progress that’s been made.

First Floor

Second Floor

We take the readability of our plans seriously. We know that it can get messy in the field, but our plans need to withstand it all and still be easy to read and understand. We found this set in the kitchen/dining room space at this project. Wrinkled, but readable!

Wrinkled, but readable!

The second story landing and study area is open to the foyer below. The designer added a curved detail for added visual interest from both the first and second floors.

Sunroom

This house sits on a lot that has golf course views in both directions, but the best views are from the sunroom (shown above). The outdoor living space with covered porch offers the homeowners a more private place to enjoy the fresh air, due in part to the existing landscaping.

Do you have a project we could help with? We would love to talk with you about becoming a part of your team. Reach out today to start the conversation.

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Designed by: Residential Designed Solutions

Builder: Jimenez-Haid Custom Builders

The Modern Farmhouse

Sleek, modern, chic, contemporary–these are not words you’d generally use to describe a farmhouse. Gone are the farmhouse designs filled with dark wood, loads of shiplap, and overly rustic design elements. Some may believe that the farmhouse as we know it is on the way out, but we beg to differ. One of the things that keeps the farmhouse at the forefront of the style game is it’s ability to change and evolve. The modern farmhouse style includes more modern design elements than ever and the design team here at RDS has wholeheartedly embraced these details when designing homes for our clients.

The Modernization of the Farmhouse
The modern farmhouse is a frequently sought-after style of home; our clients love the comfort and approachability, practicality and clean lines, combined with the low-key luxury these homes provide. Read on for more information about how the farmhouse style has evolved and see the details we are incorporating for our clients, showcased in the photos of the modern farmhouse we designed for Jimenez Haid Custom Builders.

Modern Meets Rustic

• Rather than using only reclaimed wood or shiplap, glass, mixed metals, and other raw materials are adopted throughout a modern take on the classic farmhouse.

• Barn doors are still utilized and very popular, (especially for the pantry, bathrooms and office) but are used to incorporate additional glass or metal features as well.

Exterior and Rooflines

• Exteriors aren’t solely wood siding, but instead take advantage of stone, board-and-batten, stucco, brick, and other materials that lend a more modern look.

• Expansive banks of windows, many times designed using black casement units, enhance the contemporary look and feel, as well as inviting lots natural light into the home and with it the feeling of being connected to the outdoors.

• Pitched, cross-gabled, single-sloping, or multiple rooflines are all viable and interesting options for your modern farmhouse roof.

Interior and Exterior Color Palette

• While white is the predominant color for the exterior with black accents, you’ll also find the palette reversed, providing an edgier take on the clean and contemporary look.

• Modern farmhouse interiors often feature light, bright palettes with the combination neutrals, subtle blues, earth tones, and grays to make the home feel classic and comfortable.

Textures and Materials

• The kitchen offers another space to showcase different materials: large farmhouse sinks, mixed or industrial metals for finishes and sleek marble or quartz countertops can all be found in a modern farmhouse.

• Unique features are often incorporated in the form of lighting, texture on walls (shiplap, wood panels, wallpaper) and dramatic or subtle backsplashes provide interest and flair.

This outdoor living area is a perfect escape, featuring a large pool and hot tub, covered porch with heaters, outdoor kitchen, large windows and retractable doors, a firepit, and ample room to entertain.

Outdoor Living

• The desire to bring the outdoor in and vice versa involves large windows, sliding or retractable doors, and large patios, all offering views from every space in the home.

• A wide porch is welcoming and a classic feature of the classic farmhouse. And not one that has gone by the wayside with this modern evolution. This important feature is being used more than ever as an escape from work, life, or reality as a whole. Plus, it’s a great place to kickback and enjoy a refreshing drink.

• Outdoor living is a HUGE part of just about any home we design today, but especially important for a modern farmhouse. Large patios are often a request, with the ability to incorporate different areas for recreation and ample space for entertaining.

The modern farmhouse is here to stay. We recently designed this gorgeous home for our clients in Tartan Fields. Built by Jimenez-Haid Custom Builders with Grand Traditions, this modern farmhouse evokes everything we have referenced in its design, as well as a few surprises.

We would love to talk with you about your dream home. Reach out today to start the conversation.

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Designed by: Residential Designed Solutions

Built by: Jimenez Haid Custom Builders

Photos courtesy of: Jimenez Haid Custom Builders

Bob Skinner, Sierra Custom Homes

2019 BIA Parade of Homes at Evans Farm open floor plan home, Delaware County

The success of our client’s projects depends on the builder and contractor partners that we work closely with on a daily basis. They are building the visions that we’ve helped our clients create. And we think the relationship we’ve built with Sierra Custom Homes over the past few years is a great one. We hope we can continue to partner on projects for years to come. President Bob Skinner reflected on his experience working with RDS.

Custom-built home exterior, Verona, Delaware County, Ohio

What projects have you worked on with RDS?
We have had RDS design several custom homes and a few remodeling projects. They are able to create designs for any project we need.

Traditional entry and stairwell, Delaware County, Ohio

Modern stairwell

Modern farmhouse exterior, Delaware, Ohio

How has your experience been working with Jim and RDS – Residential Designed Solutions?
Our experience with Jim and team has always been excellent. We have worked together several times and will continue to do so.

Family kitchen, Open concept, Delaware County, Ohio

Custom-built home exterior, Worthington, Ohio Historic District

2019 BIA Parade of Homes at Evans Farm, master bathroom, Delaware County

“Use RDS — you will be very pleased and both
you and your clients will get what has been
envisioned for a new home or remodel.”

— Bob Skinner, President

Modern kitchen in custom-built home, Verona, Delaware County, Ohio

Modern home exterior

Modern lower-level bar

The plans that come out of RDS are easy to read and use. Jim and his team are always readily accessible when we have questions and our clients want to meet. Anything that comes up is always resolved very quickly. They are extremely responsive and always work with us in a professional, timely manner. We appreciate this!

What advice would you offer to a builder/remodeler/tradesperson who is starting to work with a designer?
Use RDS -- you will be very pleased and both you and your clients will get what has been envisioned for a new home or remodel.

Do you plan to work with RDS again?
Absolutely! We value our partnership.

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👆🏼👆🏽👆🏾 And that’s something we are very happy to hear! If you’re interested in working with RDS and Sierra Custom Homes, please give us a call today at 614.430.0027!

Catch up with us on social…

Builder Partner Highlight: Joel Walter, NJW Construction

Our success depends upon the expertise of the builder and contractor partners that we work with on a daily basis. They build the vision that we help create. The relationship we have with NJW Construction is a new one, but one we hope will continue for many years to come. Joel Walter offered some thoughts on his experience working with RDS. We really value this new partnership!

Front Entry In Process, Worthington Remodel

How has your experience been working with Jim and RDS – Residential Designed Solutions?
Our experience has been very positive. RDS helps with the design process to work through problems in a positive way, which is really important to me as a remodeler.

What projects have you worked on with RDS?
We are working on a mudroom and bathroom addition for a Worthington home. This is our first remodeling project with RDS. We did collaborate on a couple NARI sponsored events at Boo at The Zoo at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Jim designed the “not so scary zoo fun houses” and we built the temporary structures.

“I really appreciate Jim and his team being available on the phone (which doesn’t happen as frequently in the business world anymore) and taking the time to talk and discuss the project. They take care of questions and answers in a very timely manner, which makes my job that much easier.”

— Joel Walter, Master Certified Remodeler

Jim creates the architectural design work for us and really listens to the needs of the client. He incorporates those needs into the drawings which makes the project come together much easier.

Front Elevation Before, Worthington Remodel

We communicate by phone, email, and sharing photos on our phones. [Jim is] very receptive to thoughts, questions, issues and ideas. I like to say that some people work with you to complete a project and some people work against you, including designers, subcontractors, and suppliers. Jim and his team work with us to complete a project. In my world, this is a huge plus. He and his team are good at finding a solution to a problem, not saying, “we can’t fix it.” In the remodeling world, finding solutions are vital.  

What is your overall experience like when working with RDS?
My experience continues to be very positive. Jim is very thorough and dedicated to his craft and the needs of his clients [and] he has a great group of people working with him.

What advice would you offer to a builder/remodeler/tradesperson who is starting to work with a designer?
Bring as much information to the meetings as possible, including client selections, designs wishes, thoughts, reviews, inspiration, and photos. Having as much information as possible always helps the design process at the beginning.

Do you plan to work with RDS again?
Yes­–we had a very positive experience with RDS. Jim’s expertise and design has made our project move quickly and smoothly.

👆🏻👆🏻👆🏻And that’s something we are very happy to hear! If you’re interested in working with RDS and NJW, please give us a call today at 614.430.0027!

Shingle Style Homes

A shingle style home is reminiscent of a seaside home with a wide porch, wood shingles, calming sea breezes (we can dream, right?), an informal appearance, and most certainly, a charming home. While homes like these tend to be found on the East Coast, their popularity here in the Midwest continues to be seen. We, your RDS designers, have created this style of home for many clients. 

What Are Shingle Style Homes?

Shingle style homes are truly an American style of home. These homes flourished from 1880 – 1910, primarily in New England due to the abundance of wood for the shingles and its ability to hold up to the salt air and winter weather. Often built on stone foundations, they appear to grow out of and be part of the landscape. These rambling homes have an irregular floor plan, abundant porch space to enjoy the summer breeze, and are often quite large as many were built during the Gilded Age. The cost of these homes made them inaccessible to most people in the 1800’s, so they were mostly summer homes for the wealthy. Today, these houses are being built in all areas for people looking to recreate homes with an informal, rustic, relaxed design, evoking casual elegance of a time past. 

The Characteristics of a Shingle Style Home:

• Homes are usually covered with a layer of wood shingles that tie all of the sloped and vertical surfaces together. The shingles are allowed to weather naturally, are stained, or painted. They can be sided in brick or clapboard. Most homes are built on a rock or stone foundation.

• The houses are built with an informal style. They can have big wide porches, for enjoying the views and relaxing. Porch supports are usually plain with simple railings but can be as ornate as the homeowner desires.

• Rooflines are more complex, with steeply pitched, but free-formed rooflines. There are usually two pitches, with the lower one being steeper and some of the homes have gabled roofs. Rooflines have their surfaces broken up by towers, chimneys, dormers, or turrets, which adds visual interest to the roofline.

• Windows are prominent, allowing views from any room. Windows range is size from very large to small. Windows are arranged in rows of two, three, or more. Decoratively shaped windows in round, square, or rectangular shapes are also used to add an aesthetically pleasing design element.

• Interiors of the home are technically to be filled with wood. Wood paneling is popular, as is batten or beadboard. Built in window seats allow for places to read and view the outside. Furnishings are casual and fireplaces are a must. The goal is to create a cottage feeling, informal and relaxed, even though the home itself is very large.

Whether you want to have a more traditional Shingle Style home or a more modern take on it, our design team would love to work with you to design your own home and make your vision a reality.

Give us a call to start the conversation. Have another style you’d love to build? We can design anything you desire!

We Are Grateful For You!

Thank you, thank you, thank you! We can’t say thanks enough to those of you who have utilized our design services at Residential Designed Solutions for your home building and remodeling projects. We appreciate the confidence you have in us to create your dreams. 

In addition, we send our deepest thanks to those of you who have referred us to your friends and family for their design needs. We are so appreciative of your willingness to spread our name! Please be sure to continue to refer us to your friends and family.

And to those of your repeaters-you get our thanks, too! Knowing that you loved what we designed for you the first time enough to have us create another design for you as well means the world to us.

We are humbled by the outpouring of respect, sharing, and allowing us to be part of your vision for your new home, renovation or addition, or personalized plans. We love designing homes at RDS and thank you for your trust in us.

RDS & Jimenez-Haid Custom Builders - The Team You Need to Build Your Home

Our success for your new home depends upon the expertise of the builders and contractors that we work with on a daily basis. They build the vision that we help create. Close relationships with our builders and contractors are important to us, as together we create the vision for your new home. Jimenez-Haid Custom Builders is one of those custom homebuilders that we have worked with for many years. Here are some thoughts that Brian Jimenez has about working with us at RDS. We greatly value this relationship! If you are thinking about building a new home, why not let us help you create your dream?

Name: Brian Jimenez, Jimenez-Haid Custom Builders

How is your experience working with RDS – Residential Designed Solutions?

I’ve worked with Jim for over 25 years, so that fact speaks for itself. My experience has always been exceptional. Jim creates very livable homes for the way families live today. He listens to clients, whether it’s my buyers or myself and doesn’t let his ego get in the way. He is very humble and is always able to follow the lead of the client. With that said, Jim is very true to the architectural integrity of his design, but not to the detriment of the client’s vision and budget. My company has worked with some architects and designers that are ego driven and just want their design out there to be recognized in the market. These designs can often end up being over budget and less flexible to cost reduce, but Jim is not like that at all. He is very talented and with his eye for architectural details, he can usually accomplish what we want without going beyond the budget. That’s really important, because our clients often have grandiose visions of what they want and are sometimes surprised by the actual cost of achieving that design. Jim works hard to meld the budget in with the design. This means we are less likely to design a house that clients fall in love with but then can’t afford to build.

What have you had designed or redesigned by RDS?

Jim has designed the vast majority of the homes that my company has built. He has created designs for everything on the spectrum from large, luxury custom homes, to empty nester patio homes, and our ranch condominiums in Walker Villas and Liberty Grand. He also designed a few remodeling projects, some that included room additions and others that involved partial and full teardowns.

What services do you appreciate that RDS provides? 

Jim is able to get the conceptual designs on paper right in front of the client as we are putting the client’s ideas and concepts together at the meeting. He is very adept at sketching those concepts as the discussion evolves. 

Another thing I like is that Jim always has a surprise concept element to add to the house that we usually find out when he presents the design to us. He’s always creative and loves when he can find something unique to add to the house. Sometimes he creates a space for something that we might not have even discussed. It might be a different way to fully utilize the floor plan space. He creates fun details and exciting ideas for the clients. As an example, a recent client received a special entry to a butler’s pantry. Sometimes it’s a simple thing like a featured window in a special place or a built in our clients weren’t expecting. 

What have your needs been and what are your future needs of an architect/designer?

Jim and his team design nearly all the homes we have built and going forward it will be more of the same. As my business evolves and changes, we will continue to utilize RDS to design a variety of homes for us. We continue to work on creating a portfolio of house plans that we can offer to our clients; both an exciting concept and a great value to our clients.

How are challenges/issues/decisions/questions handled and communicated?

At the beginning, communications are best handled together at the design table and Jim is very articulate and will sketch options right in front of the clients. During construction he is always available for onsite meetings to assist with design changes and construction changes. Jim is quick to get any necessary engineering or building department support if a code issue or any other questions need to be resolved. He places a high priority on supporting his builders when they run into code issues involving design changes or handling changes clients may request. When building, timing is always of the essence, so he will drop everything to assist.

What is your overall experience like when working with RDS?

Overall, it is very professional because he has a professional and experienced team. It is easy to communicate with them. They believe in the importance of serving and supporting his clients. 

His designs are very buildable. He recognizes and appreciates what goes into not only the design, but also the construction process. Because of Jim’s past experience working for a builder, he thinks through the design process with a builder’s perspective in order to make the end result happen. He understands that each line he draws has meaning and assists his builder with each objective in a cost effective way.

What advice would you offer to a builder who is having RDS design a home or redesign a space in the home?

Come in and tell Jim your vision and what your objectives are up front. Trust in Jim and his process from the design and budget standpoint. Jim will work within the parameters of what you’ve set for him and still be creative, because that’s just who he is! He will at times challenge some design elements that may stretch the budget, but will do what the budget demands and what the client desires. 

Will you use RDS again?

YES! 

To see a recent project we completed on a luxury home in Dublin, click here to read this article in the October/November Greater Columbus Housetrends Magazine.

Project Profile - A Custom Farmhouse

Custom Urban Farmhouse

This family of 5 wanted to build a new home in a rural setting that would allow them to appreciate their hobbies and interests. 

In addition to their custom designed farmhouse with a large wrap around porch, outdoor living spaces were designed to incorporate a pool and adjacent greenhouse. 

A barn will be constructed on the property, leaving plenty of space for their 3 children to run and explore their 5 acres. They were inspired by the urban farmhouse style including industrial, yet classic, finishes inside. 

The open first floor layout will be perfect for family time as well as entertaining, with large bedrooms upstairs, a master suite balcony, and a unique studio loft over the garage.

First Floor

Second Floor

Our designers are ready to help you create your dream home! Designing homes with your vision in mind and watching the excitement it brings you is our inspiration.

Surprise and Inspiration at RDS 2018

As 2018 comes to an end, we look forward to what 2019 is going to bring. We’ve been reflecting on 2018 here at Residential Designed Solutions, asking the question to our designers and staff, "What has surprised/inspired you this year and how, both professionally and personally?” Our answers are as varied and unique as all of us and we want to share them with you. Ask yourself the same question! You might be surprised by the answer.

Jim Wright

A new design challenge always brings a little extra adrenaline to the process. With the Evans Farm development coming online this year and providing the opportunity to design a Parade of Homes house, I’m finding that absorbing and working within the very specific architectural guidelines is adding some design excitement! It is always inspiring to be part of the initial design process in a master planned community.

On the personal side, we welcomed our first grandchild in February, a very handsome and inquisitive little boy. He is telling us all about a lot of things, is crawling, and has just discovered that floor registers are removable! We enjoy spending as much time with him as possible, as you can imagine.

Hylas Stemen

This year at RDS has brought new responsibilities. Some have allowed me to grow in areas that are new; others have allowed me to revisit areas that I thoroughly enjoy. The Front Porch Friday videos have been fun and challenging at the same time. I often prefer the behind the scenes approach and there is nothing behind the scenes about being on camera! Providing clients with color selection assistance for their new projects has given me another avenue to use my creativity. From tiles to granite, to cabinets and paint colors, it’s been a pleasure helping clients see their projects really come together. I am hopeful that both avenues will continue to help RDS grow our business and brand to the public, as well as within the building industry.

Personally, in May of 2017, my 16-year-old son was diagnosed with leukemia. After extensive treatments last year, trips to Philadelphia for immunotherapy over the winter, and missing the entire school year, he received a bone marrow transplant in March of this year. He is back to school cancer-free this fall and doing very well. We are enjoying the good days! His experience has taught me the valuable lesson that ‘Every Day is a Gift.’ We continue to pray that his good health remains, and continues to get better.

Michelle Bush

Professionally, I was inspired by our Front Porch Friday series. I have learned a lot from them and even though I was a fan of DIY projects to begin with, after a little research on different topics, I feel even more confident to take on more projects on my own. I also feel as though from learning all of these new things that I am also a little wiser on not taking on some projects that I would have otherwise because now I know what is actually involved.

Personally, I’d say I’m a little surprised at how much life can change in one year. Justin and I had been planning to start a family, but planning and having it actually begin to happen are two different things. It has been a year full of mixed emotions and excitement. I am excited for what the remainder of the year holds for us.

Caleb Frost

On April 2nd, seven months ago, I stepped out of my car and walked into Residential Designed Solutions. I was on the edge of a new beginning personally and professionally and didn’t fully appreciate the challenges and rewards that awaited me. 

One of my favorite childhood pastimes was to sit at the window in my room and daydream about house designs. One day it would be a rugged mountain cabin defying its natural surroundings and the next day a quaint getaway by a peaceful trickling stream. I would then sketch these simple conceptions in my graph paper notebook. As is true of most sketches these were simple representations of space and form, completely devoid of the detail necessary to make such structures stand in the real world. Now this romantic love of childhood was going to be what I would do every day. The stage for my surprise and future inspiration was set.

Working at RDS hasn’t been all a daydream through the windows of imagination. There has been a lot to learn about the practice of architectural drafting. Along the way I have come to appreciate the detail and accuracy that goes into even the simplest construction drawing sets. I’ve been brought face to face with some of my personal weaknesses; acknowledged them and endeavored to use them to become stronger. The journey has encouraged me to continue growing personally and professionally. 

I am blessed to work with the team here at RDS. They work continually to create strategies and procedures that enable us to meet the demands of an ever- changing market. Their commitment to providing a higher quality of service for the amazing people we work with inspires me. There have been many lessons from this that I have taken for myself. To each of my coworkers here at RDS and those of you I get to work with a big thank you. This November I’m thankful to be a member of the RDS team.

Dominic Luppino

Watching my two daughters grow into adulthood, each adjusting to new challenges this year (one starting college, the other beginning a career as a pharmacy technician) has both surprised and inspired me. They have reached far with bravery and enthusiasm and that inspires me in my work and personal life.

 

Barb Marquis

In the past year, I have been inspired professionally by witnessing fair and honest business practices. Whether the account is large or small, the consistency of doing business with honesty and integrity is considered a core value of the company.  

On a personal note, these values are also practiced when interacting with associates of RDS. It is an honor to be a part of the RDS team.

All of us here at RDS wish you the best for these last days of 2018. As 2019 approaches, should you be in the need of home renovation plans or a new house plan, our designers would love to surprise and inspire you with our thoughtful and well-designed house plans!