Craftsman and modern design styles merge in the design of this Germantown home. A natural stone provides a connection to the Earth and rustic warmth that is contrasted with the warm gray fiber-cement façade and sleek metal roof. Large overhangs inspired by Prairie Style architecture extend over deck areas to allow the couple to take advantage of the outdoors year-round. These overhangs are detailed with tongue and groove cedar to infuse the warmth of the Craftsman style and contrast the cool appeal of the modern metal roof.

The owners of this Germantown house wanted their new home to blend Craftsman and Prairie Style architectural influences with modern details and amenities. Rory Palubiski of Fein Design, Mequon, took into account the couple’s wants: natural fireplaces, a metal roof, outdoor living spaces and a designated area for their beloved dogs.

"We picked elements from different homes we like, and with the help of Rory were able to blend it all together," the homeowner says.

The result is a unique combination of modern and Craftsman materials and details that make a dramatic statement on the site. "It was a bit of a challenge locating the home on this large property," Palubiski says. "But we found a spot that worked well with the topography and captured the best views." The position of the house was even angled in a way to take advantage of a view of an ornamental oak tree in the distance, while providing both the master suite and living areas with grand views and more southern exposure. "We tried to make each elevation unique with a crafty, modern flair," Palubiski says.

As the floor plan evolved to meet the needs of the couple, it resulted in an approximately 5,000-square-foot, two-story home with the predominant living space on the main floor. The majority of this main level maintains an open appeal to suit the couple’s casual, daily lifestyle.

The flow of the space was critical for Palubiski as he worked to achieve this open layout. "Flow is one of my important design elements. I wanted to create a layout with focal points and take advantage of the views," he says.

Natural light splashes into the main living space and also into private rooms throughout the home. This house achieves a true Prairie Style effect, blurring lines between the indoors and outdoors. Not only does light achieve this effect, so does the use of materials and finishes. The natural stone and metal details from the exterior find their way to focal points on the interior and are complemented with a combination of warm hickory, butternut and mahogany wood tones.

	LIVING ROOM While the living room is surrounded by both visual and physical access to the outdoors, the focus is on the fireplace. The stone used on the exterior transitions to the interior and climbs to 22 feet to create this stunning structure. Simple, clean-lined furnishings provide the modern contrast to this rustic centerpiece and a comfortable spot to enjoy a fire. On the second-level loft, an extensive custom iron railing encloses the space and acts as a modern frame around the massive stone sculpture.
MASTER Bed & BATH Pocket doors open to reveal a grand spa-like retreat in the master suite. The room is drenched in an energizing apple green and accented with the warmth of natural stone flooring and a mosaic tile wall detail. The ceiling height in the vanity area makes another dramatic impression. Custom cabinetry was needed to suit the scale of the space and provide storage to accommodate daily routines. Beyond the his-and-hers vanities awaits the bathing oasis with views to the outside. The neutral-toned master bedroom is flooded with natural light. Interesting architectural details add interest to the space.
KITCHEN/DINING The goal of this space was to provide an open layout suited for both cooking and entertaining. A classic black and creamy white palette offers a subdued aesthetic with the stainless steel appliances and metal details. The breakfast bar in the kitchen and the serving counter in the dining room help define each area while providing plenty of functional space for entertaining. The country appeal of the dining table and chairs contrasts the sleek bar stools.