This 1930s home was cut into a number of small, poorly related rooms with outdated finishes, fixtures, appliances and systems. The family used the kitchen as the central gathering point but it was small and dark with most of the space being wasted in the neighboring dining room. Of particular importance in the new design was establishing the kitchen as the heart of the home and the center of family life. This was the fourth addition to this 1937 home and due to site restrictions the only available place to add the needed square footage for the open concept great room on the lower level and the expanded master suite on the upper was to remove 3 load bearing walls (2 of these exterior walls) and bump out the right/front side of the house for the 300 sq. ft. two-story addition. Using 10 beams (4 steel) the lower level was transformed into a great room concept design. On the second story a dormer was added, allowing space in the master bathroom for a soaking tub overlooking the water view, a large shower and double vanity. Updates to the master bedroom and closets put the finishing touches on this master suite. Additional storage was added to the upstairs laundry room and the kids bathroom was remodeled. On the exterior, the new windows were selected to match the existing and even the brick was hand distressed on-site to match that of the rest of the house. On the interior, new crown molding profiles, new wainscot/shadow box/chair rail profiles, interior doors and fireplace mantle built-ins and window casing were selected to blend in with other areas where we re-used existing moldings, millwork and doors. Engineered hardwood flooring was required due to the high moisture content in the water-side location. The homeowners desired a non-uniform look to the hardwood which was achieved by using a character 3 grade Maple and applying an on-site custom stain finish). Careful attention to detail was made in selecting the fixtures, hardware and finishing touches to stay true to the period of the home. The new addition space seamlessly blends into the existing home and maintains the home’s traditional appeal while updating it for modern day life.