Custom-Built Home Fulfills HomeOwners’ Vision
Tom Johnson, owner of Thomas Johnson Homes, has custom built numerous high-end houses over the past 38 years. He enjoys being creative, making use of a home’s natural surroundings, and collaborating closely with homeowners to mutually develop a beautiful home.
Design Resources
Anzalone Lighting Inc.
Arthur’s Home Furnishings
Big L Windows’s and Doors
Creative Storage
Decorative Painting by Bogue Art Studio
Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Factory
Homestone Tile Gallery
Italian Marble & Granite Inc.
Marvin
M P Carol Hardwood
Seasonal Nursery & Landscaping
Thomas J. Johnson Homes
Vern Stein Art & Frames
Woodharbor Custom Cabinetry
A favorite recent project is a 6,500-square-foot home built for a Western New York executive and his wife. Situated on 10 acres in Orchard Park, it feels almost resort-like, Johnson said, with six outdoor living spaces, a pool, and extensive landscaping by John Nurt of Seasonal Nursery. Despite these luxuries, Johnson said the house feels homey.
“Even though it’s big, it doesn’t live big,” Johnson said.
The couple wanted their new home to have a Nantucket feel — light and airy — with huge windows and cozy elements, including stone fireplaces in the family room, library, and sunroom. “We were looking for a home that would afford us a little privacy, while being close enough to the conveniences of the city,” the husband said. “But we didn’t want it to feel ostentatious, like you needed to wear a dinner jacket while walking through.”
Johnson helped the homeowners find the land nestled in the woods.
“The property lent itself to a natural design,” Johnson said. “Every room has plenty of windows and offers a variety of panoramic views, including a wall of hardwoods bordering Neuman Creek, a pine grove, and sloping topography.”
Johnson brought in Stephanie Cunningham, a design consultant who helped to find beautiful and durable finishes and furnishings for the 14-room house.
“The foyer tile was inspired by the wife, and nailing it down was our first priority,” Cunningham said, adding that she worked with Beth Dimpfl, design consultant with Daltile to find the perfect look. “She found a honed limestone ingot mosaic in Volcanic Gray, and we created a border of honed marble to frame the magnificent foyer.”
In the kitchen and pantry, they selected white Macaubas Quartzite, a natural stone that has the beauty of marble but is more durable. “It’s exquisite and something you don’t normally see in Buffalo homes,” Cunningham said. “We also chose Woodharbor Custom Cabinetry, a backsplash made from hand-glazed crackled subway tile, and all stainless-steel appliances.”
To keep the airy feel, they selected Sherwin Williams Reposed Gray for all the downstairs walls, except for the master bedroom and bath, which were done in another soft hue, Drift of Mist. The neutral walls provided the perfect backdrops for an array of colorful art.
As you enter each room, you'll notice art as a focal point. The home is filled with work from Vern Stein Art and Frame in Williamsville, Spa Fine Art Gallery in Saratoga Springs, East Aurora artist Deborah R. Hill, and pieces acquired during the couple’s worldwide travels.
Ashleigh Corcimiglia, manager of Arthur’s Home Furnishings, worked with Cunningham on outfitting the expansive outdoor living space. It includes a cooking area with grill; a bistro area with full coffee service; a large seating area with a sectional, ottoman, and chairs; a small patio off the office; a fire pit with seating; and a pool area with chaise lounges, tables, and cheerful lime green umbrellas. ‘
After the homeowners described their vision, Corcimiglia said she knew exactly what styles and finishes would complement the home’s natural stonework, light siding, and shutters. “Stephanie and I chose synthetic wicker furniture in light, neutral colors. Some of the pieces have different fabrics but the look is cohesive. It’s really a beautiful flow.”
The homeowners said they are more than pleased with the completed work.
“Everybody who was involved, from Tom and Stephanie to the carpenters, stonemasons and electricians, really did a great job,” the husband said. “They built something unique. This home is a refuge, a place to find peace and quiet, while also giving us a welcoming space to entertain family and friends.”
Johnson said he’s proud of what his team achieved.
“It’s a beautiful house and it’s a timeless house,” Johnson said, “which is what we try to create.”