When it comes to adding authentic character to modern homes, especially new construction projects that lack original architectural features, many homeowners struggle to achieve that lived-in, timeless feel. Designer Leigh Misso, founder and lead designer of River Brook, has discovered the secret ingredient that transforms even brand-new spaces into homes that feel like they've stood for decades: custom millwork.
While homeowners often focus on major design decisions like furniture selection, color palettes, and room layouts, Misso emphasizes that it's actually the smaller architectural details that make the biggest impact. Custom millwork, which includes elements like trim work, door casings, baseboards, built-in cabinetry, and decorative panels, serves as the foundation that bridges architecture and interior design.
"Custom millwork instantly elevates a space and adds that tailored, timeless feel," Misso explains. "When we talk about millwork, we're really talking about the artistry of the home, the things that are built in, not brought in. From beams to cabinetry to custom trim, millwork creates rhythm, warmth, and a sense of permanence. It's what makes a home feel truly tailored."
The transformative power of millwork is clearly demonstrated in River Brook's recent Brentwood project in Nashville. This new construction home drew architectural inspiration from various old European styles, including Greek, French, and Italian influences. Despite the grandeur and impressive scale of the rooms, Misso wanted to create spaces that felt intimate and warm rather than cold and imposing.
In the project's dining room, custom millwork plays as crucial a role as the carefully selected furnishings and color scheme. The walls are painted in Studio Green by Farrow & Ball, while the ceiling features Cloud Toile wallpaper by Schumacher. A custom burlwood dining table from Oyster Creek Collection anchors the space, topped by a Talia chandelier from Visual Comfort & Co. However, it's the custom millwork details that truly make the room feel established and sophisticated.
According to Misso, custom millwork addresses a fundamental challenge in new construction homes: the lack of architectural bones that give older homes their inherent character. "Without the right details, even the most carefully furnished space can end up feeling like a pastiche," she notes. "Sure, you can fill a room with antique furniture, lay down a worn rug, or paint it in heritage colors, but if the architectural bones aren't there, something will always feel off."
The solution lies in creating those missing architectural elements through thoughtful millwork design. These details don't need to exist from the building's original construction – they can be added to establish the feeling of permanence and timelessness that makes a house feel like a true home.
"Custom millwork brings soul and craftsmanship into a space," Misso elaborates. "It's one of the few elements that bridges architecture and interiors, shaping how a home feels, functions, and endures. A well-designed built-in or panel detail can instantly add permanence and a sense of belonging. It turns a room into something layered and thoughtful rather than something simply decorated."
The impact of quality millwork extends beyond mere aesthetics. These custom elements create visual rhythm throughout a home, establishing connections between rooms and providing a cohesive design language that ties the entire space together. Unlike furniture and accessories that can be moved or changed, millwork becomes part of the home's permanent character, adding value and distinction that endures over time.
For homeowners looking to incorporate this design strategy, Misso's approach demonstrates that investing in custom millwork can be the key to transforming any space from simply decorated to truly designed. Whether working with new construction or updating existing homes, these architectural details provide the foundation for creating spaces that feel both timeless and authentically tailored to their inhabitants.
