CityView Magazine

Wide steps of brick or stone, handcrafted hardwood cabinetry, cozy porches with pretty window boxes and cedar shingles — all are typical of a craftsman-style home and all are details that Kem and Daryl Harp are passionate about. The two, who share a love of travel, stumbled across an arts and crafts style home near the Frank Lloyd Wright museum during a trip to Chicago. The home reminded Kem of her grandparents’ house with its simple charm and natural surroundings, and the couple knew immediately it was the type of house they would soon build. Living on a small lot with an active little boy, they wanted a home that provided plenty of play space. They also wanted the perfect setting for a craftsman-style home, which Kem had begun researching with great enthusiasm. She and Daryl purchased more than 100 books on the architecture style popularized in the 1920’s and learned that the hallmark of a craftsman home is that “it is one with nature”. When they first viewed the densely wooded 2 1/2 acre lot with a spectacular view of Lake Loudon, and actually saw a deer, a fox and a raccoon, they knew they’d found the right spot to build their home.

Next, the couple met with California-bred architect Haden Reid, who had a special interest in designing craftsman-style homes, along with builder Fred Trainer, whose attention to detail made for a perfect fit. Pulling ideas from the books the two had collected, Reid drew up plans that included the many fine details that make a home uniquely craftsman. With open floor plans and nooks created with particular intention (e.g., one for the piano, another for the breakfast table), the home was designed almost entirely true to the style. Another consideration for the Harps was environmentally conscious building principles. Sensitive to the need for a cleaner environment as well as the economic value of using green building materials, they opted to install a geothermal heating and cooling system. Additionally, the insulation in the home is made from recycled newspaper, and they refrained from using any carpeting in the house, to stave off allergens.

The couple’s love of nature is evident immediately upon taking in the home’s exterior. A large pergola anchors a mossy stone pathway which leads to the house and to lush side and back yards. Flanking either side are Lenten roses, grasses and other pretty perennials in soft shades of purple and pink. Kem originally worked with a landscape designer, but now enjoys maintaining the garden herself and was thrilled to discover a brand new yellow bloom as she talked about the plantings. The bricks are laid in a style known as Flemish Bond, which “isn’t so perfect looking” says Kem, to get the look of older brick. Set in an alternating pattern of whole and half bricks, they were a bit tedious to lay, but she feels the outcome was worth the extra work. The front door to the home, which they purchased during a trip to Texas, is an authentic craftsman design complete with stained glass panes, and leads into a two-story foyer.

The open living area is separated only by built-in cabinetry, and the kitchen, dining room and breakfast area are all visible from the foyer. The eye is drawn immediately to the colorfully tiled fireplace. Reproduction Motawi tiles, originally designed by William Morris, add a punch of color to the otherwise neutral wood tones of the room. The millwork and flooring is crafted from a variety of wood types: alder, red oak, hickory and ash among others, and is highlighted by the many windows in the home. Almost every window, Kem points out, is unique and was designed by her and her architect to add more character to the home. Also adding character to the décor are the crystal doorknobs throughout, another detail typical of arts and crafts homes. A Steinway piano sits beneath a circular architectural nook; Daryl has played since childhood and is now part of the band Second Opinion. Kem says that he often plays alongside his son, as well, who is currently taking lessons. Floor-to-ceiling shelving contains family photos from Daryl’s upbringing in Texas, some of them of “real outlaws,” laughs Kem. A collection of armadillo figurines also reflects Daryl’s affection for Texas.

A grayish-green granite bar area with glassed cabinetry separates the kitchen and is accented with cherry barstools by Thomas Moser, an artist well-known for his craftsman-style furnishings. A handcrafted copper hood, which Kem designed, is positioned over the stove and serves as the focal point of this room. Since copper is a trademark detail in craftsman homes, it was used throughout: some of the sinks, the gutters, and much of the hardware are copper. Kem selected a european Aga range because of its retro good looks, along with a Sub-zero refrigerator paneled to match the cabinetry. Topped with black granite to set it apart, the island is painted cerulean blue and houses a shiny black ceramic farm sink. The blue floral-inspired pendant lighting was purchased from a California-based company specializing in period lighting. Kem worked with this company to design one-of-a-kind fixtures throughout the home, each created from solid brass, art-glass and hand-applied finishes.
The breakfast table and chairs, also by Moser, are within another nook and overlook a sea of leafy green. Kem says, “We enjoy seeing the color in spring and summer, and then in winter we have the view of the water. We love it any time of year.” From here, French doors lead to a shady balcony with comfortable seating; the couple is building a handsome deck below.
The wallpaper pattern Kem selected for the downstairs powder bath, designed by Charles Rupert, a company specializing in reproduction period textiles and wall coverings, served as color inspiration for rugs, upholstery and paint colors throughout the home. Its nature-inspired palette of greens, reds and blues compliment the woodwork, and helped guide Kem in all of her decorating decisions. “I think when you are decorating a home, it helps to have one particular inspiration to keep you on course,” she says. She was also inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s “Tree of Life” design, featured in two stained-glass panels commissioned by glass artist Linda Diggs. These are prominently displayed in front of a large window in the stairwell landing. She even found patterned upholstery of the same design for her living room sofa.
The second floor of the home is literally built into the roof, so most of the rooms have pitched ceilings and dormer windows. One such space is a small reading nook which is home to another Thomas Moser piece, a chair with matching ottoman. The master bedroom is painted in soothing robin’s egg blue and has an exposed-beam tray ceiling. The only departure from craftsman architecture in the home, the sitting area is complimented by a French-style fireplace with elevated hearth, adjacent to a tiny sunlit window. Kem says, “I just wanted this room to be slightly different from the rest. I was going for something soothing and serene—a place to rest and relax.” That she does, in the master bathroom which features a wonderful claw foot tub surrounded by Carrera marble tile with black accents.

For Kem and Daryl, the best part about building this home was envisioning a style, studying that style, and making it happen.When asked if this was their “forever” home, Kem hesitated. “We love this home very much, and it is a great place for our son to grow up, but when our nest is empty, maybe we’ll head for Texas and build a Pueblo style home.” She’s undoubtedly already begun her research.


What is geothermal heating and cooling?
The application of geothermal heating/cooling, also known as ground source heat pumps, has been named “the most energy-efficient and environmentally sensitive of all space conditioning systems” by the Environmental Protection Agency. The system’s basic concept takes advantage of the earth’s constant temperature, approximately 55 degrees, to heat and cool a building. By tapping this steady flow of heat from the earth in the winter, and displacing heat in the earth in the summer, a geothermal heat pump can save homeowners 40-70% in heating costs and 30-50% in cooling costs compared to conventional systems.

A typical household can save $1500 a year or more by utilizing geothermal hearting/cooling. Most systems can recoup the average cost of the system in three to five years. These systems are more than three times as efficient as the most efficient fossil fuel furnace. By moving heat that already exists in the earth, instead of burning a combustible fuel, they deliver three units of energy for every one unit used to power the heat-pump system.
These pumps work by circulating water, or a water/antifreeze solution, through a polyethylene pipe that is buried in the ground or set beneath the water; in the case of the Harp home, theirs sits 10 feet below ground. The process of elevating low-temperature heat to over 100 degrees F and transferring it indoors involves a cycle of evaporation, compression, condensation and expansion. A refrigerant, like freon, is used as a heat-transfer medium which circulates within the heat pump.

Another benefit can be found when teamed with a desuperheater. This component skims residual warmth from the compressor to heat water. In the summer, when the system is working to get rid of heat, the desuperheater can provide practically free hot water. And since most systems are oversized, there is usually enough warmth left over for low cost hot water in the winter too.