Most model homes feel staged.

We wanted this one to feel real.

When Timberland Homes asked us to design the interiors for their Forest Trail model, I knew we had to approach it differently.

Typically, model homes look beautiful—but often feel cold, too perfect, even a little intimidating. Instead, I wanted people walking through this house to immediately think, “I could live here. I want to live here.”

Because the truth is, a home isn’t about perfection.
It’s about comfort, beauty, and belonging—layered thoughtfully, like a great story.

Here’s how we brought that vision to life.

Mixing Metals Without Making a Mess

Mixing different metal finishes can be risky. If not done carefully, it can make a room feel chaotic instead of cohesive. That’s why it was so important for us to get the balance just right in the Forest Trail kitchen.

In this space, we curated:

• Gold cabinet hardware

• Brushed nickel faucet

• Black light fixtures

At first glance, it might sound like a lot. However, because the tones are soft and complementary, the look feels intentional and layered—not random.

Pro Tip:
👉 Keep your mixed metals tonal (all warm or all cool)
👉 Vary the finishes (some matte, some brushed)
👉 Balance where you place each finish in the room

By following these simple rules, you can mix metals confidently without overwhelming your space.

Making Cabinets Interesting Without Going Overboard

It’s easy to default to matching cabinets everywhere. However, too much sameness can make a kitchen feel flat, while too much contrast can feel disjointed.

To solve this, we layered different cabinet styles thoughtfully:

• Soft shaker drawers on the lowers add subtle character

• Flat-panel uppers keep the look clean and modern

• Cup pulls on drawers introduce a charming, classic detail

The result is a kitchen that feels curated rather than designed by checklist.

Pro Tip:
👉 Vary door styles thoughtfully for natural visual breaks
👉 Use hardware as a bridge between styles
👉 Maintain a consistent color palette to tie everything together

This small but powerful choice keeps the kitchen feeling both fresh and timeless.

Creating a Home That Feels Grounded, Not Gimmicky

Model homes often chase trends because they want to impress. However, our goal for Forest Trail was different: we wanted it to feel grounded, soulful, and connected to its surroundings.

Inspired by the architecture and atmosphere of Old Montreal, we layered the space with:

• Rich, warm woods

• An old-world stone feature wall

• Handcrafted Zellige tile set in a diagonal pattern

As a result, the home feels timeless instead of trendy. It reflects nature and tradition while still feeling fresh.

Pro Tip:
👉 Ground your spaces with natural materials whenever possible
👉 Choose design elements that tell a story, not just follow a trend
👉 Focus on layering textures, not just colors, to create richness and depth

When you design from a place of authenticity, the difference is something you can feel.

Design Isn’t About Copying, It’s About Curating

At Urbanhome, our philosophy is simple: create meaningful interiors that reflect your soul.

Whether you’re designing a new model, a new kitchen, or your forever home, the goal isn’t perfection. Instead, it’s about crafting a space that feels layered, thoughtful, and full of soul.

Forest Trail is proof that when you design with intention and trust the little details…even a model home can feel like home.