Modern interior brings warmth to Dakota Dunes home

But it was only after designing a Dakota Dunes home with his wife (and fellow architect) Lisa Kalaher that he learned to embrace all elements of interior design.

"Lisa's design sense is a bit bolder than mine," Kalaher suggested. "I do think she's opened my eyes to different concepts."

Indeed, the Kalahers' home mixes modern, industrial elements in a very rustic setting.

"We have a home with big windows and wonderful views," Kalaher said, showing off a sitting area. "We'd be foolish if we didn't try to combine outside elements to the interior of our home."

That's why Kalaher added green plants and a dark cedar feature wall to add warmth and sophistication.

"This is the most peaceful place to sit down and read a book," he said on an early February afternoon. "Looking out the window, you'll see birds, deer, all forms of wildlife. It's very relaxing."

Other parts of the home combine playful elements with a stylistic panache.

Giving a tour of the master bedroom, Kalaher points to 1950s Atomic Age art pieces that counterbalance an otherwise contemporary space.

"When designing our home, we deliberately took away every element that could be consider superfluous," he said. "That means there are no crown molding, railings, even traditional door frames."

Instead, the couple wanted spaces that were both open and inviting.

"There's always a fine line you walk when creating a modern space," Kalaher said. "If you go too modern, then you live in an art gallery, not a home."

Which is why the couple utilizes furnishings as if they were works of art.

Indeed, the sitting room boasts a built-in bookshelf that added visual interest on an otherwise white wall.

"You're juxtaposing different types of elements that ultimately work well together," he said.

Moving further into the house, Kalaher shows off a state-of-the-art kitchen that has a smaller, kid-sized replica in the corner. Wait, is this a deliberate choice for design?

"Nah, the toy kitchen actually belongs to our kids," he said. "It's just a coincidence that a toy kitchen is located inside a real kitchen."

Actually, this may be one of the few instance of unintentional design featured inside of the home.

"I've always said to design with purpose," Kalaher said. "Don't be afraid to take chance and, most important, don't be afraid to mix elements."

For instance, if you have you have a modern aesthetic, add something rustic as contrast.

"Modern doesn't have to be cold," Kalaher said. "You just need to add something from nature to warm a space up."

Because he considers himself a bit of an "architectural foodie," Kalaher tends to like strong, heavy woods over more processed material. 

"Minimalism and modernity never seem dated or will go out of style," he said. "It will look good year after year."