A Custom Dream Home

Using the collaborative efforts of Kelly Homes of New York, The Rick Borrelli Team and Greater Living Architecture (GLA), homeowners Karen and Jim are overjoyed with their 2,795+ square foot home. It is a beautiful blend of neutrals, high ceilings, and an abundance of natural light pouring into the open concept.

While they first started their home building journey in March 2020, right at the height of the pandemic, Karen says working with the Kelly Homes Team was a breeze and they immediately had a sense of comfort & confidence. With frequent phone calls & virtual sessions, it was easy to stay connected and keep the project moving.

“We found a plan we liked and Greater Living was able to make modifications to best suit our needs,” Karen said. “Some of the suggestions Chris B., our architectural designer, made were ones that we never would have thought of, but they made a huge difference.”

Since moving into their new home, Karen and Jim have found that their floor plan reflects a lifestyle that is unique to them and full of character. At the end of the day, Karen says, “Our experience was full of quality people who are masters of what they do.” The Kelly Homes Team and their partners take pride in their work.

Doug, Lindsay, Gigi, and Miguel are names you will quickly become familiar with when working with them. The Kelly Homes Team works with their clients throughout the building process and well beyond closing. It’s no wonder they say “There’s no home like a Kelly home.”

Karen shared a few of her favorite features and how she has made it feel like home.

The center of most homes (and one of Karen’s favorites) is the kitchen, complete with a deluxe walk-in pantry.

Wrap-around shelving and ample counter space allow for a more minimalist style, while also utilizing the space properly. Natural light spills in from the window overlooking the front garden, and a hidden pocket door saves space and allows the pantry to be closed off.

Rick was on-point in helping his clients find the right location. Their street is a perfect blend of community and privacy. “I feel connected with the nature here,” Karen says. In the past, other homes have felt too dark, too closed off to the natural world and surrounding elements. A covered porch overlooks their outdoor oasis and is perfectly secluded. This allows her and her husband to take full advantage of and extend the use of the space, even during those cooler Rochester nights. With the huge window in the great room “at every angle I am seeing sunrise, sunset, woods, & deer.”

Karen’s love of nature ties into the flower garden sprawling across her backyard, and to bringing the outdoor elements in, whether that’s a vase of fresh sunflowers or integrating wood flowers for added pops of color. She also has a love for glass elements that reflect the sunlight in an array of warm colors that shift with the change of day. With the great room built-ins, there is so much fun to be had with the décor and change of seasons, and Karen most looks forward to highlighting her favorite addition: a timeless fireplace. A classy, yet simple staple that ties her living room together.

Neutral tones are certainly a popular pick, but Karen makes certain to add her own unique touch to them. “You can add in color with your décor, and it’s so easy to switch it out,” she says. “For instance, I wanted my foyer and formal dining rooms to pop with a mix of dark colors and whites.” Karen is also quick to admit she loves a formal dining room table—she has two, after all.

Karen says her accent color is teal, which her exterior designer worked with for outdoor touches as well. The entire home itself is “cool and soothing, like the beach. It feels classic and relaxed with different variations of blues with dark blues, light blues, and teals.”

This beautiful home has signs and traces of personality throughout its floorprint.

While working with the Kelly Homes Team, one of the biggest inspirations for Karen stemmed from visits to Kingston, Ontario. “I love the way their homes there are and their relaxed lifestyles, so I wanted to incorporate that into my own home. It’s amazing how close our cities are, and yet they are so remarkably different.”

As she wanders her home, Karen’s fingers don’t even stand a chance of gracing the ceiling, even if she stands on her toes. While not only allowing for more breathing space, the coffered ceilings give way to the open concept she so loves. “This space can accommodate more than I have ever had here. I love it.”

With the holidays quickly approaching, Karen & Jim are looking forward to entertaining! With a natural flow from room to room, the enlarged living space allows their guests to feel together even though they may be spread across the kitchen, living room, dining room, and even morning room.

Sometimes all anyone needs is a relaxing spot to soak away the worries of the day. Karen’s new spa-like bathroom is a perfect place for just that, with its soft grays and cozy rolled towels, and not to mention the dazzling chandelier hanging above the soaking tub.

Lighter shades allow the room to reflect relaxation and tranquility, as opposed to the bolder shades that are featured in the common areas of the home. The window treatments allow her to soak up some sun as well, with the added advantage of ensured privacy.