Tour This Quiet Farmhouse in the City

With its lush green surroundings and modern exterior, you'd never guess this house is nestled right in the middle of the metropolis of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. When the homeowner had the opportunity to build her family's new home here, she wanted it to both capitalize on and complement the picturesque natural setting.

From floor to ceiling, wood plays a key role in most every room, bringing rustic warmth and authenticity to the home: Exposed Douglas fir beams, peaking at almost 25 feet high, create a voluminous barnlike central room; shiplap-style plank walls wrap rooms with texture; knotty floors with a limed look give a sophisticated base underfoot; and chunky floating shelves and mantels add punctuation.

With quiet backgrounds in place, the rooms come alive with edited punches of vibrant color. Using Forrest's favorite navy as the consistent thread throughout, the designer added bold hues to bring youthful vitality to the traditional furnishings. The homeowner's collection of colorful art adds the final layer.

A soaring open-beam great room launches the design of this Winston-Salem home. Honey-color wood, cool bluestone, and white shiplap soften the angular architecture, as do linen, velvet, and chenille fabrics. Navy accents pull together the living room seating area. Stark white walls make a gallery-like backdrop for art. The shapes of the furnishings—in curvy legs, swooping arms, and gourd-shape lamps—soften the strong, angular architecture of the vaulted great-room.

No formal dining room here but plenty of sophistication. The interior designer crowned the substantial table with a striking handcrafted glass-and-bronze light fixture to help define the dining area in the great room. Simple Parsons chairs and playful wing chairs complete the look. Open stairs to a secondary playroom let light pass through.

Yellow Eames-style counter stools add spirit to an otherwise all-white kitchen. The bright space stays flooded with cheer, thanks to ample windows. Refrigerator drawers in the island keep drinks handy. The single-slab marble backsplash brings in the light grayscale tones of the rest of the kitchen.

Morning to night, activity abounds at the breakfast nook's sturdy oak trestle table. It's where the kids do homework, crafts projects, and eat most meals. The banquette cushions wear soft but durable chenille; pillows in outdoor fabrics punch up the navy with citrusy hues. A white wash updates basic oak floors.

In the powder room, the home's color scheme hits a more playful note. With its mix of graphic wallpaper, a bright green industrial sink, and a traditional mirror, the powder room delights. A natural covered basket makes up for no vanity storage.

Floor-to-ceiling windows, an inviting hanging bed, and a cozy fireplace make the year-round porch, above, a favorite spot for football watching parties, movie nights, and afternoon naps. Bluestone pavers flow outside to the patio, completing the indoor-outdoor connection.

Light gray walls—some of the only nonwhite walls in the house—take on the mudroom's continuous traffic. Natural textures in storage baskets and a woven rug add warmth to the space. Dark hardware stands out among white surrounding surfaces. The dutch door adds country character.

Folding laundry, hosing off muddy boots, wrapping gifts—family life happens in the well-appointed utility room. Open shelving allows easy access. The silhouette of the farmhouse sink adds interest to the built-in storage.

Just off the kitchen, a built-in desk gives the homeowner an organized spot. The window above makes for an energizing work space. The shelves were left open to put accessories on display, and a desk-height stool is easily tucked out of the way.

All eyes are on the world in the son's playful bedroom. The wallpapered accent wall sets the tone of the space. Bunk beds are a great way to save floor space for lounging on beanbags and playing games.

In the homeowner's daughter's bedroom, a classic Jenny Lind bed pairs with a sophisticated mix of stripes and ethnic prints—plus her requisite hot pink. Built-in bookshelves make the room look finished, and a pouf and suspended chair give plenty of spaces to get comfortable.

Nubby texture and a bit of sparkle enliven the watery blues and tailored neutrals in the primary bedroom. The shades of blue give a spa aura to this relaxation space. A dark wood bedside table and pops of gold give warmth to surrounding cool tones.