GARY & CONNIE OTT HOME
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Interior + Exterior Design
2025
FROM PROBLEM
TO DESIGN
Our Process
In the summer of 2023, Marion Design Co. partnered with Gary and Connie Ott to design a new home rooted in beauty, intention, and longevity. Set in a peaceful rural landscape near their pond, the project was more than a new build—it was a thoughtful transition into the next chapter of life. With a desire to age in place, host family comfortably, and enjoy daily rhythms of rest and hospitality, the Otts entrusted our team to guide the process from space planning to finish selections, furnishings, lighting, and cohesive styling. The vision: a home that feels warm, refined, and ready to flourish for years to come.
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The Otts came with clarity and care. Gary had sketched the initial plans himself, and Connie arrived with a detailed notebook of inspiration, finishes, and treasured furnishings. They wanted a home lighter than their previous one, yet still grounded in timeless style. Comfort, continuity, and low maintenance were essential, along with ADA-conscious design decisions that would allow them to remain in the home long-term.
The challenge was twofold: honor the pieces and character they already loved—furniture, artwork, rugs, cabinetry, and appliances—while refreshing the aesthetic and ensuring architectural cohesion. The home needed to support both quiet everyday living and frequent hosting, all while feeling unified rather than pieced together.
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We began with an on-site consultation, reviewing the footprint, evaluating existing furnishings, and clarifying priorities. Our scope included space planning, finish and flooring selections, lighting design, mood boards, and renderings to guide decisions before construction progressed.
A light traditional interior with subtle Tuscan undertones emerged. Warm woods, textured rugs, brass accents, and color drawn from existing artwork were layered over a neutral foundation. Ten-foot ceilings, paneling, coffered details, and thoughtful transitions between rooms created architectural continuity.
We strategically reused cherished pieces—planning layouts around a round dining table, bedroom sets, and rugs in gray, gold, and rust tones. In the kitchen, we collaborated with cabinetry partners to extend storage, reconfigure the island, and integrate existing granite and ornate cabinetry wherever possible. Hardwood and tile floors were selected for durability and ease. Throughout, renderings helped the Otts visualize refinements, including adjustments to the third-bedroom suite for improved guest functionality.
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The finished home blends familiarity with freshness. Wide hallways, accessible baths, minimal-maintenance materials, and motorized blinds support aging in place. Recovered and reupholstered furnishings sit comfortably alongside updated lighting and lighter finishes.
From the expansive kitchen island to the screened-in porch designed for future gatherings, every space reflects the Otts’ rhythms—grandchildren at the table, coffee by the pond, and room for their beloved dog, Coco.
The result is a home designed to welcome, endure, and flourish—thoughtfully curated, deeply personal, and built for lasting connection.
