Sophisticated Elegance

After relishing the vibrant urban lifestyle in Baltimore, these empty nesters decided it was time to exchange the hustle and bustle of city life for the serene elegance of a quaint small-town setting. For over sixteen years, these clients enjoyed a high-rise condominium that catered to their busy lifestyle. While they appreciated the convenience and amenities the Baltimore condo provided, the once-thriving city environment began to feel less appealing. So, they sought a new residence that would provide all the conveniences of a minimal-maintenance lifestyle, but in a more relaxed and secure setting. Here is the story of transitioning from urban living to small town charm, while maintaining a luxurious lifestyle.

custom walnut bookcase and entertainment center with burl inlay cabinets

furniture grade finished millwork by charles henry

custom handcrafted kitchen cabinets intricate cornice architectural millwork

Carrara marble tile backsplash with gold hues

carrara marble mosaic tile in custom kitchen

custom white cabinetry with black granite top

custom arched walnut china cabinet with hidden door

custom arched walnut china cabinet with hidden door and sconce

custom walnut cabinetry bar and paneled walls

luxurious master suite with automated blinds and draperies

primary bathroom with white custom panel walls and millwork

custom closet and cabinetry by charles henry

elegant powder room with custom designed paneled walls

library with intricate woodwork panel walls and furniture grade finish

blue guest room with exquisite crown molding and blue medallions

custom architectural millwork with blue painted medallions

tropical inspired wallpaper with warm hues

custom staircase with architectural millwork and trim

Small Towns

The couple’s journey from urban hustle to small-town charm reflects a broader trend among empty nesters who are seeking to build a lifestyle that combines luxury, convenience, and community. Small towns like Sykesville, Annapolis, Ellicott City, and Frederick, MD, offer walkable settings with vibrant community vibes, making them ideal for those looking to escape the fast-paced city life without sacrificing amenities.

These clients found the perfect opportunity in the charming community of Historic Sykesville, Maryland. This location would allow the couple to be closer to their grandchildren while enjoying a quaint, walkable town, reminiscent of classic Americana. Sykesville’s main street was lined with restaurants, retail shops, and cafes, providing the same sense of accessibility and convenience they enjoyed in their previous urban environment. Seasonal festivals along Main Street embody a sense of community and charm.

The new penthouse condo would provide them with the opportunity to build a residential suite fully customized to their needs. Mueller Homes, in collaboration with Melissa McLay Interiors and Charles Henry Fine Woodworking, were able to design a residence that was the epitome of luxury and sophistication.

Assembling the Team

Mueller Homes and Charles Henry have an established reputation for delivering luxurious homes with the ultimate in finishes and customizations. Together with interior designer Melissa McLay – they would see their vision come to life. “She understood our lifestyle and preferences, while providing expertise in high-quality selections and furnishings. We provided her inspirational images from magazines, and she was able to enhance and expound on every one of those ideas,” notes the client. Melissa presented her ideas on what would convey the desired vibe and ambiance. Her influence was evident in every room, from the elegant powder room to a unique tropical inspired wallpaper to the walnut-paneled living room bookcases with burl inlay.

Furniture-Grade Finishes

“The use of furniture-grade finishes and wood paneling, in place of traditional drywall, created a remarkable high-end finish that is exquisite and feels like glass! It is these exquisite details that we enjoy every day.”

The Vision

The client desired a sophisticated setting with exquisite millwork, detailed trim, and heirloom-quality cabinetry. Every element of the craftsmanship was exceptional, with furniture-grade finishes and intricate interior paintwork throughout. The residence was perfectly refined to meet the couple’s exacting preferences and lifestyle.

The overall theme of the space is timeless elegance, and the result is a testament to the capabilities of Mueller Homes and Charles Henry Fine Woodworking. Their commitment to delivering high-end finishes and customizations ensured that every detail was meticulously crafted. The furniture-grade finish on the wood paneling, the sophisticated millwork, and the heirloom-quality cabinetry all contributed to the classic sophistication of the home.

Modern trends were seamlessly integrated into the old-world traditional design. Features such as a state-of-the-art audio/visual package, custom-built closets, black quartz countertops, and automatic curtains and blinds blend were beautifully integrated.

The kitchen, a centerpiece of the condo, showcased handcrafted cabinets culminating in intricate cornice details and exquisite architectural millwork. The kitchen is elegantly functional – perfect for everyday use, and more than enough for a couple who only cook on occasion. The Carrara marble tile backsplash with gold hues is complemented by a teardrop chandelier from Visual Comfort.

The Lifestyle

The client’s passion for artwork is also staged front and center for enjoyment. Working with Melissa, the clients identified ahead of time, where the artwork would be showcased. A thoughtfully designed lighting plan includes high-quality architectural lighting to accentuate the artwork and create a gallery-like ambiance.

As with any smaller footprint, storage can be a luxury too! Mueller ensured that every nook and cranny was utilized for function and design. For example, the arched China cabinet was positioned to provide additional storage behind a hidden panel door which added a unique touch to the living space. Custom closets maximized the space available while handcrafted cabinetry and seating were designed to utilize every square inch, wall to wall.

In the primary suite, automatic blinds and shades are accented by exquisite millwork and furniture grade wall finishes. Throughout the condo, the client notes, “the use of furniture-grade wood paneling, in place of traditional drywall, created a remarkable high-end finish that is exquisite and feels like glass! It is these exquisite details that we fondly reflect on.”

The primary bathroom provides an elegant spa-like setting, with Carrara marble and marble mosaic tiles creating a luxurious atmosphere. The multi-jet body spray system by Kohler added to the sense of indulgence.

The guest suite showcases a beautiful Benjamin Moore Winter Lake Blue paint (2129-50) on uniquely finished furniture grade finished walls. The intricate millwork and blue medallions add the perfect touch.

The couple can take the private elevator from the ground level to their residence and up to the rooftop terrace. This was an important consideration for aging in place, down the road. Every room, doorway, and hallway also features accessibility for future needs.

The condo also offers a private rooftop terrace that provides the perfect outdoor living space for relaxation and entertainment, offering stunning views of the surrounding area. An efficient kitchen provides easy food and beverage service for rooftop guests.

Building out a condominium with exceptional craftsmanship ensures that this home can be appreciated by future generations too. The timeless design and high-quality furniture grade finishes are sure to be a legacy that can serve as a valuable heirloom.

The couple now settled in their new residence, have no regrets about leaving the city life for a charming small town. They feel fortunate to have had Mueller Homes, Charles Henry, and Melissa McLay by their side, to provide them a memorable experience and a truly unique home that is catered to their lifestyle. This journey underscores the potential for creating luxurious, customized living spaces in small-town settings, offering empty nesters the opportunity to build a lifestyle that is both fulfilling and sustainable.