Mueller and Speight’s insight was invaluable to helping them create unique spaces like a moody scullery between the kitchen and dining room, a cozy nook above the main foyer, and a moody, dark-green home office, along with panoramic views from the main level.  “We really related to PJ (President of Mueller Homes) and found his insight to be based on very personal and common experiences.  He also has a young family and gave us tremendous insight into the spaces that would enhance our lifestyle, while providing value and durability for years to come.”

Jacqueline’s keen eye for design guided the design vision for the home.  The goal was to create a home that was timeless, natural, and tranquil.  Technically, the design is transitional which blends traditional elements with a natural, modern flair.  She collected ideas from Instagram, Pinterest, and magazines.  With inspiration by the renowned Studio McGee, Jacqueline’s vision quickly took shape.   You can see the various elements of design in the timeless whitewashed brick exterior to the serene, natural interiors. 

While many homes today steer clear of a formal dining room, Max and Jacqueline saw this as a traditional aspect of the home that they wanted to include, for their family traditions.  A farmhouse breakfast nook provides room for everyday meals and a peek into some of the water activities that await.

The home also features one-of-a-kind design elements you won’t find anywhere else.  For example, the natural wood beams in the kitchen area not only provide design aesthetics for the ceiling, but also provided unique design elements when incorporated into the nooks and the surround for the stove.  

The latest color and paint trends were utilized by painting millwork trim, throughout the home, the same color as walls.   In the study, an office and dual reading room were painted a moody green that reflects nature’s elements, in stark contrast to the rest of the home’s more neutral colors.

The couple took the opportunity to blend traditional aspects of design with a touch of nautical elements throughout the home.  They made a statement with one powder room that has a very sophisticated vibe and wallpaper, whilst the other powder room nods to nautical.  A vaulted clapboard ceiling in the primary bedroom blends beautifully with the primary bathroom and both rooms provide serene views of the waterfront that awaits. 

A Design Concierge Approach

“Working with Mueller’s design concierge was invaluable and a service that most builders do not offer.  She helped guide us through the selection process with personalized recommendations that balanced quality, style, and were aligned with our budget.  She facilitated site meetings and visits to showrooms,” Jacqueline reflects.  “She knew what we wanted and offered valuable insight and recommendations along the way. 

In some cases, she guided us towards products that could achieve the same look, but were more aligned with our budget.  Similarly, she helped us consider areas of the home where, perhaps, it would be wise to go with a higher quality selection. These elements, in particular, served as the jewelry to our home.  The selections brought everything up a notch and really added the finishing touches to our vision.”

This cohesive design process also created efficiencies throughout the building process.  Working side by side with the project manager, showrooms, and manufacturers, the design concierge was able to guide the selections process, schedule showroom visits, and keep the project moving along in conjunction with the construction schedule. 

Paul Mueller, Jr., President of Mueller Homes notes, “Our proprietary immersive design process enhances not only the construction experience, but also the timelines and financial aspects of the project.  It has a major impact on our ability to create efficiency and adhere to the construction schedule.  Our in-house design team is looped in on every aspect of communication, so we can often avoid delays or quickly adapt to any long lead times.  This also creates many efficiencies that help us minimize downtime and reduce costs.  Since most of our clients are building on cost-plus contracts, this ultimately saves them money too!”

The Mueller Difference

Throughout the construction process, Mueller’s commitment to quality and their clients’ needs was evident. Every project at Mueller Homes has a dedicated project manager which Max and Jacqueline felt was immeasurable to their overall experience.  “Our project manager, Jim, became a trusted friend – offering support, providing weekly updates, and constant attention to detail. The construction site was immaculate from start to finish and he truly cared about every aspect of our project.”

Mueller’s in-house team brought a sophisticated level of ‘handcrafted quality’ with the millwork throughout the home.  There was exquisite craftsmanship with the masonry and tile work.  The result was, in Max’s words, “a home that exceeded our already-high expectations, where the trim work, carpentry, and cabinetry were nothing short of perfect.”

Reflecting on their journey, Jacqueline and Max are grateful for the relationships they built and the expertise they received during their custom home building experience.  As they watched their children settle into their new home, their oldest daughter captured their feelings perfectly: “Daddy, you know, this is really a special house.”