Love of country: a barn-style Ohio home

Hosting family gatherings is easy in the open layout, which, more importantly, fosters Deb’s independence. After complications of a blood clot left her in a wheelchair, she required a home with universal design. Architect Kent Thompson and Riverbend Timber Framing in Blissfield, Michigan, helped meld the aesthetics of a century-old barn with functionality. “I didn’t want to sacrifice style for accessibility,” Deb says.

Rustic wood tones mix with white walls and trim and mostly neutral furnishings. Touches of muted reds, oranges, browns and blues blend with the soft backdrop. “I knew I wanted it to be light and bright and neutral,” Deb says.

Large windows cover almost every wall. “We oriented the house to the south to take advantage of natural light,” Kent says. Flooring of reclaimed barn beams adds farmhouse character. The great-room’s focal point, a double-sided fireplace, extends to the 30-foot ceiling, separating the dining and living areas yet leaving wide walkways.