Nestled in the tranquil landscape of Black Bull, Bozeman’s premier private community, is a stunning home that exemplifies the perfect blend of relaxed modern luxury and functional design. Resident Lori Garden, founder and senior designer of Design Republic, has crafted a residence that is not just a home but a testament to her design philosophy and impeccable taste.

Lori custom-built her home in 2022 with a vision that reflected her design philosophy of combining “beautiful, livable interior spaces.” The result is a relaxed modern luxury that welcomes residents and guests into a harmonious environment. “What I love most about living in Black Bull is how serene it is here,” Lori shares. The neighborhood's tranquility serves as the perfect backdrop for her home, where sophistication and functionality coexist. 

 

Lori thoughtfully designed and hand-picked every element of the house to showcase her expertise while ensuring a comfortable and inviting environment. The home’s overall style is elevated and sophisticated yet remarkably relaxed. “The design elements work together to give the overall feeling of a home,” Lori explains, emphasizing the importance of harmony in her work.

Stepping inside 1008 Black Bull Trial, visitors are greeted by an open floor plan that guides them through the various living spaces. The unique contrast of materials draws the eye, with white oak floors, doors, and cabinets infusing warmth and blending seamlessly with stunning Carrara white marble—a high-grade marble quarried in Italy, reminiscent of the same material used by Michelangelo to sculpt his monumental, unfinished Apollo-David. The hand-hewn reclaimed timber vaulted ceilings in the living room and master bedroom add warmth and character, softening the modern edges and encapsulating the essence of relaxed modern luxury.

Lori’s keen eye for color is evident throughout her home. The neutral color palette offers calmness, enhanced by pops of light and dark blues and blacks that add depth. Expansive picture windows and skylights flood the space with natural light, creating an inviting atmosphere. “I love a bright home!” Lori exclaims, and her choices in furniture and accessories reflect clean lines, neutral tones, and natural fibers—especially seen in her linen bedding, soft cotton couch, and elegant dining room chairs.

An essential aspect of Lori's design philosophy is incorporating functional components that blend seamlessly with elegance. One standout feature is the handleless kitchen design, maximizing smooth and sleek interiors with practicality. Lori opted for a push-to-open mechanism for cabinet access. Just a light touch is all it takes to reveal neatly organized drawers and cabinets, showcasing modern simplicity at its best.

Lori's commitment to sustainability extends into her home’s infrastructure. A whole-house filtration system from coconut carbon ensures clean drinking water by removing unwanted chemicals and tastes while maintaining a commitment to renewable resources. The home also benefits from passive solar heating, which provides efficient, eco-friendly heating from this home’s many large and unobstructed south-facing windows.

As guests wander to the south rear of the home, they are led down a long hallway to the primary suite—a sanctuary crafted for ultimate comfort, convenience, and privacy. The luxurious, spa-like bathroom is accessed through elegant steel and glass sliding doors, presenting functionality and relaxation. Highlights of this space include a generous walk-in closet with custom-built organizers, double sinks with backlit mirrors, radiant heating, and a stunning walk-in shower that pairs beautifully with a gorgeous freestanding bathtub. To top it off, the Kohler Veil one-piece toilet integrates bidet functionality, providing an ergonomic and minimalist approach to bathroom design.

The bedroom continues the theme of a relaxed modern style. The space exudes tranquility with soft textures, ambient lighting, and natural fibers like neutral linen bedding. Navy blue accents contrast gracefully with the white oak flooring, enhancing the room's calm ambiance. The hand-hewn reclaimed timber vaulted ceilings provide an extra layer of warmth, creating a cozy and stylish retreat.

The beauty of Lori's home extends beyond its interiors. It has multiple outdoor spaces, including an upper-level balcony with breathtaking mountain views—an ideal spot to relax and entertain friends and family.

The home’s exterior architectural design harmonizes with the relaxed modern style, skillfully combining steel and wood elements. A key feature is the Shou Sugi Ban wood, a Japanese cypress siding that undergoes an intense burning process to serve as a preservative. This charred wood is not only aesthetically captivating with its custom stain and textured finish, but it also provides exceptional durability and resistance to fire, pests, and weather elements. The home’s steel roof and overhang at the front entry contribute character and strength to the overall design.

Lori faced a remarkable challenge when building her home at 1008 Black Bull Trail, aiming for completion in just eight months. This ambitious timeline was crucial for her participation in Bozeman's 2022 Parade of Homes—an esteemed event organized by SWMBIA that celebrates the latest in design innovation, building trends, and energy-efficient solutions across the Gallatin Valley. Lori embraced the pressure, worked diligently to ensure her home met the deadline, and showcased her signature relaxed modern style.

One of her fondest memories was the thrill of showcasing her home during the parade, where thousands of visitors toured the property and experienced the beauty and functionality she had meticulously crafted. Beyond the showcase, Lori cherishes the special moments she has celebrated with friends and family in her new space, filling her home with warmth and memories.

Now poised to begin a new journey, Lori is designing and building another custom home in Black Bull and hopes to complete it by next summer. She encourages neighbors looking to enhance their homes to “hire a professional that you connect with and can see your vision.”

 

If you are interested in discovering more about Lori's work or reaching out for design assistance, email her at lori@designrepublicinteriors.com or check out her inspiring designs on Instagram at @designrepublicinteriors.