Cross House

LOCATION

Rock Springs

PROJECT TYPE

New Build

PHOTOGRAPHER

Text reading 'About the Project'

A place to unwind,

relax & build memories

The design goal for this project was to create a cohesive, family-friendly home that balanced everyday function with timeless style. The homeowners, a family with two young children and family pets, approached me because they wanted their house to feel warm, inviting, and practical while still reflecting a refined aesthetic. The challenge was to design spaces that could withstand the demands of active family life—durable enough for kids and pets—yet still feel pulled together and elevated. My role was to bring clarity and vision to the process, crafting a home that seamlessly blended comfort, durability, and beauty, ensuring each space worked hard for the family while also giving them a place they could call home.

Handwritten style text saying, 'A balance of warm tones & earthy greens' with a small, simple drawing of a curved line resembling a smile.

A welcoming entrance

The entryway was designed to set the tone for the rest of the home—welcoming, and cozy, but also beautiful. As the first impression, it needed to balance beauty with practicality. Warm wood accents, layered lighting, and thoughtfully chosen dĆ©cor created a sense of warmth and character right at the front door. The result is a space that feels inviting to guests while also showing off the families design style.

Stylized handwritten quote saying, 'Sola flowers greet guests without watering,' with a simple line drawing of a flower in the upper right corner.
Console table with a large vase, a vintage framed floral painting, a couple of books, a gold bowl, and candlesticks with candles, in front of a white shiplap wall with a round mirror hanging above. Interior design by Trista Cross of Birch and Dune.
Stylized handwritten quote saying, 'Histoic touches add heart to the space' with a decorative swoosh underlining part of the text.
Close-up of a vintage leather briefcase with a gold latch, placed on a distressed wooden surface. Other objects include a vintage camera on the left and a small wooden box with a colorful item in the background. Interior design by Trista Cross.
Handwritten-style text that reads 'Original brick painted to brighten the space' on a black background.

A cozy place for the whole family

The beautiful white brick fireplace serves as a focal point for the living room, capturing the soft glow of natural light streaming through the large French doors and bringing an airy elegance to the room. Anchored by a custom cement hearth crafted by the team at Birch + Dune Design Co., the strength of the material contrasts beautifully with the delicate layers above. On the mantel, carefully curated dĆ©cor and lush greenery introduce natural texture and warmth, creating a balanced arrangement that feels both timeless and inviting. Together, these elements form a hearth that is not only visually striking but also deeply welcoming—a quiet heart of the home where beauty and various elements coexist effortlessly.

Living room with white brick fireplace, decorated with a wreath and mirror on the mantel cut firewood in the background, a brown leather ottoman with mugs and snacks on top, a vase with greenery, a patterned rug. Interior design by Trista Cross.
Handwritten style text that says "Glamory in high locations, add depth & color" with an arrow pointing upward.
Decorative mantle with a wreath, an old window frame, candles, and stacked books, against a white shiplap wall. Interior design by Trista Cross of Birch and Dune.
Modern kitchen with white cabinets, a large island with a granite countertop, brown leather barstools, a vase with greenery, pendant lights, and a subway tile backsplash. Interior design by Trista Cross of Birch and Dune.

With limited access to materials in a rural town, procurement became a challenge. Thrifting & displaying family heirlooms became our go-to, giving us the ability to get the look we wanted without the import fees. This kept us on time & within budget while enabling the family to display their timeless pieces and family memories.

Thank you message in cursive font that says, 'Project Thank You'.
Line drawing of a branch with three flowers and leaves on a black background.
A cozy bedroom with a large bed, brown and blue bedding, wooden nightstand, potted plant, ladder with blankets, large window with shutters, and a carpeted floor. Interior design by Trista Cross of Birch and Dune.
Interior of a room with a mirror, potted plants on wooden stumps, a large plant in a white pot, and a window with blinds. Interior design by Trista Cross of Birch and Dune.
White tiled shower with built-in shelf holding brown bottles, a small plant, soap, and toiletries. Dual chrome showerheads and fixtures are visible on the wall. Interior design by Trista Cross of Birch and Dune.
Bathroom countertop with amber bottles labeled hand soap and lotion, a small sink, and a clear tray, with a mirror and decorative items in the background. Interior design by Trista Cross of Birch and Dune.
A bathroom with three tan towels hanging on hooks on a white wall, a framed sign that reads 'p.s. I love you,' white cabinets with black handles, a small mirror, and bathroom mats on a white hexagonal tiled floor. Interior design by Trista Cross.
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Close-up of the phrase 'NEXT UP' in bold, beige letters on a black background.
A spacious living area with wooden flooring, modern furnishings, and large archways leading to a dining space and kitchen. Decor includes plants, a black leather sofa, and bookshelves.

Craftsman style home renovation

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