Studio Ridge Residential

Good exterior lighting should do two things at once—support function and security, and elevate the aesthetic experience after dark.

A home like this needs a lighting strategy that respects scale and enhances architectural elements to the fullest. Intuitive exterior lighting is all about considering the movements of the client in their everyday lifestyle. This ultimately determines the functional needs in entry sequences, paths to outdoor rooms, and the transitions between grade changes.

Considering which elements of the architecture demand aesthetic enhancement is equally as important. All of it must be thoughtfully layered to be effective yet still pleasing to the eye. When lighting works in unity with architecture, the home feels more welcoming, more functional, and connected to the living experience after dark.

Architecture: Peter Manolakas
Contractor:
Timbers:

Meet Dana McLean, our newest addition to the Studio Ridge team!

As our Procurement and Gallery Coordinator, Dana plays an integral role in translating design concepts into thoughtful, client-ready spaces for our local showhomes and private clients. Her work supports both the creative and operational sides of our process—from developing mood boards to sourcing high-value products.

Dana brings a calm, considered approach to every detail, ensuring each concept feels aligned with the intended client experience and the Studio Ridge standard. When she’s not designing, she’s updating our showroom sample gallery to ensure our office remains an inspiring and well-organized space for clients and guests.

Outside the studio, Dana is most motivated by her family, and building a career that makes them proud. With a fine art background and a love for glassblowing, she brings an added layer of creativity and craft to her role.

Great interior design also creates a narrative—not just aesthetics and function.

Here, the stonework is intentionally monolithic—irregular courses and a carved arch that feels old-world and ceremonial. The dark wood doors add weight and anticipation, and the layered lighting makes the wall surface glow, emphasizing texture and depth. When the doors open, the reveal feels cinematic—an unexpected destination that enhances the space’s overall experience.

The materials do the storytelling: rugged masonry, a Gothic-inspired arch, and heavy timber doors that feel like they belong to another place and time. Great design doesn’t always announce itself—it invites you in, immersing you into an atmosphere that carries memories.

Doors salvaged from
Masonry: Jackson Masonry

This space utilizes natural materials and restraint—flaunting an upscale feel with minimal enhancements.

The most inviting bathrooms aren’t always the most ornate; they’re the most considered. This shower uses natural stone for a grounding effect, providing texture and permanence while wrapping the shower in a warm, spa-like atmosphere. Simple but quality wood accents introduce softness and depth, developing a material language that feels deeply considered and balanced.

The supporting details are equally intentional: a handheld shower set with minimal hardware, a sliding barn door that saves swing space while adding a crafted, cabin-inspired note... Each element selected was not intended for embellishment, but for contribution to the room’s experience and function.

Architect: Peter Manolakas
Contractor: