Rainbow in the Woods – Ground-Up Custom Home Design

Project overview: Tucked along a quiet road east of town, this joyful new-build is a true from-the-ground-up SYH creation—architecture to wallpaper, footers to finishes. Designed for one of our favorite contractors and his family, this home radiates warmth, color, and charm at every turn.

Client description: Juggling two bustling businesses, two daughters and two furry friends, this family wanted a home that felt grounded in nature but bursting with personality. The structure, inside and out, had to balance practicality and durability with comfort and creativity. Their lively household—complete with chickens, art projects, buckets of flowers and plenty of activity—needed a design that worked hard, welcomed friends, and made room for fun.

Design solutions: We approached this new build as a seamless, full-service collaboration between architecture and interiors. Every decision—structural, spatial, and aesthetic—was shaped with intention, not to mention collaboration, since our contractor was also our client. Our contractor said, “make the rooflines simple and direct the water away.” His wife said, “I like color.” Check, and check. The bold exterior lines of the home both contrast with and recede into the woods around it, and the interiors are layered with cheerful hues, custom details, and playful patterns. Each room carries its own moment of cheer, while the overall palette ties together into a cohesive, uplifting whole, not unlike its namesake rainbow.

Outcomes & testimonials: A gem that’s now fully dressed and fully lived in, this home is proof that thoughtful design and collaboration—and a lot of color—can make everyday life feel extraordinary. The partnership between our team and a trusted contractor-client was a dream, and resulted in a home that feels deeply personal, beautifully crafted, and built to last. We hope this joyful retreat in the woods will grow with this family for years to come.