Home & Living
This Local New Build Marks a Fresh Chapter for a Young Family
The goal of the two-year project was to create a home that supported the rhythms of daily family life, while also feeling intentional and well crafted.
Project Name: Ivey Trace
House Plan and Interior Design: Julia Longchamps Design
Builder: Benhoff Builders
Architect: Ratcliffe Architecture
Keeping House: From the beginning, the vision for Ivey Trace was deeply personal. Homeowners Jeff and Jaimie Martell were not simply building a house; they were creating a forever home that marked a fresh chapter for their family.
“The project allowed us to thoughtfully design every detail from the ground up,” says interior designer Julia Longchamps. “The goal was to create a home that felt timeless and collected, yet warm, inviting, and entirely livable. It needed to support the rhythms of daily family life while also feeling special enough for celebrations and gatherings.”
Living Spaces: The kitchen and living room spaces were meant to support everyday family life while also feeling intentional and well crafted. In the kitchen, attention to millwork and architectural detail was essential and the living room continues this approach with a warm, layered palette.
“Together, these rooms set the tone for the home and reflect the balance of beauty, detail, and livability carried throughout the project,” she says.
The Papered Wall: Color and pattern were used thoughtfully to give the home depth, personality, and a sense of history. Wallpaper played a key role throughout, adding moments of surprise and charm while also helping each space feel distinct.
“The overall palette was chosen to feel timeless rather than trend-driven, allowing architectural details and custom elements to shine,” says Longchamps. “The result is a home that feels layered and lived in, as though it has evolved naturally over time.”