Modern Expression

By Ashlee Duren  |  Photos by Justin Evans

The home of Kjirsten and Chip Ogburn epitomizes an open concept — meaning there are very few interior walls. 

“It’s definitely an unique story,” Kjirsten says with a laugh. 

When the Ogburns purchased the home in 2010, which was originally built as a church in the 1920s, it had been converted to a residence in 2000 by a previous owner. “But having two small children at the time, we had a need for different functions,” Kjirsten explains. During the next six years, the couple undertook three massive renovations to the 2400-square-foot home, which included finishing the basement and redefining bedrooms and bathrooms.

 The final project was the sanctuary — it was important to the couple to keep the integrity of the 40-by-60 footprint of the space. Today, the sanctuary is a multipurpose room, featuring the kitchen, living and dining room and a small office — perfect for everyday living and entertaining. 

Kjirsten, who is a partner at Relay Shop Architecture + Design, really leaned into her backgroud when reinventing the space. “I grew up in a home where we didn’t use certain rooms and spaces, and I didn’t want that,” she admits. “I feel like it’s really important to use all the spaces you carve out. And we do.”

 The clean, modern and minimalistic aesthetic makes it easy to eloquently define each area. The kitchen is outfitted with two large black islands – one for food prep and cooking while the other is complemented by five bar stools for additional seating. 

Opposite of the kitchen is a large living room space, complete with two custom oversized sofas providing the ideal spot to relax. Exposed wooden rafters remain as a visual reminder of the building’s original purpose. 

The use of natural light coupled with a variety of neutral wood tones flows throughout, warming up the vast openness of the room. A large black metal fireplace stands as a focal point for the living room. Ogburn used the same metal in the kitchen for a vent hood.  

The purchase of the property also came with an 1800-square-foot freestanding fellowship hall, which has been converted into a “dedicated guest house/gym/communal space.”

“Chip and I both have aging parents, and lots of family and friends that come to stay with us, so we wanted to have a space for everyone ... that wasn’t under our roof,” Kjirsten explains.

Admittedly, the space the couple has chosen for their home is unique and probably not for everyone, but it works well for them.
“It’s been a great place to raise our family.”