In Progress: Project House 2023

Written by Autumn Krause

Photograph by Lindsay Salazar

Our Project House 2023 speculative building is taking shape and getting all the fun frills added—from new windows to molding—making it a living Pinterest board of inspiration.

Our Project House 2023 is following a dreamy speculative build that’s being brought to life by The Fox Group, an upscale design firm out of Holladay, Utah. We’ve seen the structure go up, but now the build is truly becoming a home with all the fun items getting added. “This is the exciting part,” says Cara, owner of The Fox Group. “It’s where the home really shows itself.”

Downtown Holladay location of The Fox Shop — Downtown Holladay, where The Fox Shop is located, has grown over the past decade, but the town council carefully plans out the growth and new architectural buildings so that the old-town quaintness isn’t compromised. “Everything is centered around the town square, which makes it feel like a real small-town community,” Cara says.

Also Read: Project House Utah

Windows have been installed and next comes the chimney installation, followed by the roofing material and exterior stone. Inside, the drywall process is underway, preceding moldings and paint. There have been some challenges—this has been one of the heaviest snowfall years in Utah, so the timeline has been impacted—but, overall, the build has gone beautifully.

Welcome to The Fox Shop

The Fox Group has a brick-and-mortar shop in Holladay, Utah, the charming area where Cara grew up and now lives with her family. It’s become a home-décor destination but, even more than that, it’s a local fixture where the community connects and finds unique pieces to make their homes truly theirs. Let’s take a peek inside, shall we?

Holladay Utah, location of The Fox Group

Utah home designed by The Fox Group — This Holladay home is an example of the Fox Group’s stellar design abilities.

Art Gallery. When you first walk into The Fox Shop, you’re greeted by walls full of art. “It’s almost an overwhelming of the senses to see all the different types and styles of art we carry,” Cara says. They feature local artists along with artists from all over the world. Each piece is hand-selected for the store.

Making the Most of the Space. The staff must be selective with what is put on the floor due to square-footage limits. Because of that, items are intentionally curated and must reflect the heart and the soul of The Fox Shop. Despite the cozy quarters, the shop has a full bedroom display and living room tableau that customers see upon walking in. In the back is a dining room and kitchen presentation.

gallery wall in the Fox Shop — When it comes to selecting artists for the shop, it’s all about their work and product. “I study the artists’ pieces and get to know the depth and talent of what they can do,” Cara explains. She likes to meet the artists in person, when possible, to make sure they’re a good fit.

Instant Inspo. From the enticing window décor to the wares inside the shop, customers find loads of inspiration. All the areas are organized and carefully designed to show how the art, accessories and styling can look in your home. “My favorite area of the shop is the kitchen space,” says Cara. “It’s unique and full of charming scallops and white marble,” she says.

bedroom styled by The Fox Group with canopy bed and chandelier — The Fox Shop gravitates toward a classic timeless look, but Cara loves to throw in some new trends, particularly in things like art and pillows. “The big pieces, though, I always like to keep timeless,” she says.

Personal Shopper. When it comes to shopping for home décor, Cara has some great tips. “Go with your first instinct,” she says. “Ask, what stands out to you upon first glance. Shop according to what you love. I’ve always thought that if you love a piece enough, you’ll always find a spot for it in your home.” She also says to let art and décor pieces speak to you. They should evoke a feeling in your heart and have personal meaning whenever possible.

Heart of the Ozarks

The Ozark Custom Door Company is helmed by husband-and-wife team, Tyler and Stephanie Ceola. They make handcrafted doors in the heart of the Ozarks and use only the finest lumbers, including alder, white oak and maple. Here they share a checklist of considerations to find your perfect front door. “The front door is the focal point of the home,” says Tyler. “Beyond it lies a family. We are honored to create this gateway to the home you have created with your family.”

scalloped shelving and still life paintings in The Fox Shop — Cara is hands on and in the shop two days a week. “We have a staff of 12, and they are all designers or have artistic backgrounds,” she says.

Find the Finish. There are two primary options for door finishes: stain or paint. Stain celebrates the natural, classic beauty of the wood, whereas paint creates an artistic statement with lots of personality.

Ozark Custom Door Company front doors — Since the doors at The Ozark Custom Door Company are all handcrafted, mortise-and-tenon joints are used because they are one of the strongest, most appealing woodwork joints. They also maintain structural integrity no matter the climate.

Aesthetically Speaking. Another decision is aesthetic. There are a variety of styles, such as rustic, traditional and Scandinavian. “Most of our doors fall into these categories and suit most home styles,” Tyler says.

Ozark Custom Door Company double doors — The Ozark Custom Door Company offers single doors, but their signature style is detailed double doors—often with sidelights.

Long Live the… Door! Longevity is an important aspect, as front doors are exposed to the elements. “We only use hardwoods or heart-of softwoods to create stable, durable doors that last for decades,” Tyler says. It’s recommended to choose one of these options for a long-lasting front door.

The Real Deal. The Ceolas always suggest investing in a solid door versus a veneer. Solid wood is best for authenticity, durability and easy aesthetic repair down the road. In addition, they are a superior return on investment to veneered doors.

See more about Project House Utah and The Fox Group here. Stay tuned here and on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest to see the Project House’s progress and to get your daily dose of farmhouse inspiration!