Located in the historic neighborhood of Shaker Heights, Ohio, this transformative outdoor project was designed for a client looking to honor the past while maximizing the potential of their home’s footprint. The goal was simple yet ambitious: multiply the usable living space by blurring the lines between the interior sunroom and the lush landscape beyond.

Dawn Cook, the lead Interior Designer on the project from bldc Design Studio, collaborated closely with the architect to reimagine the home’s sunroom. By replacing traditional windows with expansive folding glass walls, the team created a seamless transition to the outdoors. Inside, the design reaches new heights—literally—with a raised ceiling and a striking light fixture that accents the pitch. To ground the space in personal history, vibrant artwork inherited from the client’s mother serves as a sentimental focal point.

The transition from the sunroom leads directly into a meticulously planned outdoor gathering area. A natural cedar pergola provides architectural interest and essential shade, while a fire table and delicate patio lighting ensure the atmosphere remains warm long after the sun sets.

For the "varsity griller" of the house, the kitchen was a non-negotiable priority. Dawn selected Urban Bonfire for the kitchen cabinetry, citing their unmatched quality and style as the perfect fit for the home’s elevated aesthetic. The state-of-the-art setup features high-end grilling components and integrated outdoor refrigeration, providing the client with all the amenities needed to entertain with ease.

“The design is a study in balance,” Dawn explains. Neutral tones of black, white, and gray provide a sophisticated foundation, while rich textures and teak wood bring a layer of organic warmth to the seating and dining areas.

Perhaps the most touching element of the project is the landscape itself. To honor the client’s childhood memories of a Japanese-themed garden, the team curated a serene outdoor oasis. Lush greenery is punctuated by structural bamboo and the delicate, feathered leaves of Japanese maple trees, creating a quiet retreat that feels worlds away from the city.

Through intentional architecture and a commitment to high-performance materials, this Shaker Heights residence demonstrates that with the right design, the most inviting room in the house might just be outside of it.