The beautiful, old barn on this Topsfield estate was at risk of being demolished. Before approaching Mathew Cummings, the homeowner had met with several architects about the structure, and they had all told her that it needed to be torn down. Thankfully, for the sake of the barn and the owner, Cummings Architects has a long and distinguished history of preserving some of the oldest timber framed homes and barns in the U.S. Once the homeowner realized that the barn was not only salvageable, but could be transformed into a new living space that was as utilitarian as it was stunning, the design ideas began flowing fast. In the end, the design came together in a way that met all the family’s needs with all the warmth and style you’d expect in such a venerable, old building. On the ground level of this 200-year old structure, a garage offers ample room for three cars, including one loaded up with kids and groceries. Just off the garage is the mudroom – a large but quaint space with an exposed wood ceiling, custom-built seat with period detailing, and a powder room. The vanity in the powder room features a vanity that was built using salvaged wood and reclaimed bluestone sourced right on the property. Original, exposed timbers frame an expansive, two-story family room that leads, through classic French doors, to a new deck adjacent to the large, open backyard. On the second floor, salvaged barn doors lead to the master suite which features a bright bedroom and bath as well as a custom walk-in closet with his and hers areas separated by a black walnut island. In the master bath, hand-beaded boards surround a claw-foot tub, the perfect place to relax after a long day. In addition, the newly restored and renovated barn features a mid-level exercise studio and a children’s playroom that connects to the main house. From a derelict relic that was slated for demolition to a warmly inviting and beautifully utilitarian living space, this barn has undergone an almost magical transformation to become a beautiful addition and asset to this stately home.

Inspiration for a small asian formal and open concept dark wood floor and brown floor living room remodel in San Diego with beige walls and no fireplace

Photo: Corynne Pless © 2013 Houzz
Living room - cottage living room idea in New York with beige walls

Interior of the remodeled barn. -Randal Bye
Family room - large cottage dark wood floor family room idea in Philadelphia with white walls, a wood fireplace surround, no tv and a standard fireplace

Mid-sized transitional boy light wood floor and beige floor kids' room photo in Dallas with white walls

Robert Hawkins, Be A Deer
Inspiration for a mid-sized country medium tone wood floor and brown floor hallway remodel in Other with white walls

The Millbrook Barn project consisted of the complete renovation of a dilapidated barn and chicken coop, located behind a small farm house in Millbrook, New York. As the smaller main house could not accommodate space for the children to play, the family wanted to update their unused space to create an expansive indoor playroom and gathering space. The strategy for this project was to renovate the barn and pool house using sustainable and reclaimed materials, to produce an intersection of modern and antique design In contrast to the all-white main house, we selected a deep charcoal grey for the new barn’s exterior. A subtle, sophisticated tension between traditional, rustic elements and more contemporary details prevails throughout, from wood-paneled walls and barn doors, to clean-lined square windows inspired by artist Donald Judd’s minimalist compound in Marfa, Texas. In our design, we wanted to create an authentic experience of the space, without having to fake farmhouse details. A number of kitchen and bathroom surfaces are made of prefabricated concrete, including the shower enclosures, fireplace, kitchen cabinets and three-inch-thick countertops. The floors throughout are made from engineered wood, with a driftwood-like finish that matches the weathered look of the salvaged cedar ceiling timbers. The lower, western wing of the L-shaped structure (originally the chicken coop) provides ample room for family feasts in the airy, open kitchen, living and dining area. Rounding out the architectural program is an upstairs bedroom loft which accommodates an overflow of guests, and features an inviting window seat and daybed. The loft overlooks the pool and sits above an attached pool house with boys’ and girls’ changing and shower rooms below. Solar panels, lined discretely along one slope of the standing-seam metal roof, power the pool’s heater. The interior decoration reflects the same chic but humble sensibility that characterizes the overall architectural design. In the playroom, paper globe lanterns hang above slouchy, brightly-hued chairs by Italian designer Paola Lenti; in the living and dining area, they enliven a suite of simple wicker and linen-covered chairs, some from the family’s existing home. Accessories in the space include raw silk rugs, boldly patterned kilims and rugged lighting features, which contribute to an overall rustic, yet elegant feel throughout.

Single front door - huge country single front door idea in Boston

Inspiration for a mid-sized coastal guest gray floor and painted wood floor bedroom remodel in Other with black walls and no fireplace

Living room - scandinavian enclosed light wood floor living room idea in New York with beige walls and no fireplace

The Master Bedroom Photos by Gibeon Photography
Inspiration for a rustic master dark wood floor and brown floor bedroom remodel in Other with white walls

Family room - cottage open concept light wood floor and beige floor family room idea in Oklahoma City with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

David West - Born Imagery
Inspiration for a contemporary gender-neutral medium tone wood floor and brown floor dressing room remodel in Boston with flat-panel cabinets and dark wood cabinets

Example of a large beach style master dark wood floor and brown floor bedroom design in Boston with white walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

Master Bedroom W/ City Views
Inspiration for a rustic master carpeted bedroom remodel in Salt Lake City with white walls

This 2,500 square-foot home, combines the an industrial-meets-contemporary gives its owners the perfect place to enjoy their rustic 30- acre property. Its multi-level rectangular shape is covered with corrugated red, black, and gray metal, which is low-maintenance and adds to the industrial feel. Encased in the metal exterior, are three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a state-of-the-art kitchen, and an aging-in-place suite that is made for the in-laws. This home also boasts two garage doors that open up to a sunroom that brings our clients close nature in the comfort of their own home. The flooring is polished concrete and the fireplaces are metal. Still, a warm aesthetic abounds with mixed textures of hand-scraped woodwork and quartz and spectacular granite counters. Clean, straight lines, rows of windows, soaring ceilings, and sleek design elements form a one-of-a-kind, 2,500 square-foot home

Example of a large country master light wood floor and brown floor bedroom design in Boston with white walls and no fireplace

Example of a mid-century modern master medium tone wood floor bedroom design in Denver with gray walls and no fireplace

Genia Barnes
Inspiration for a coastal side yard deck remodel in San Francisco with no cover and a bbq area