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Renovation is stressful. Wouldn’t it be nice to let someone else oversee product selections, manage day-to-day issues, and bring your project to a successful completion? The owners of a two-family in Arlington recently did just that, flying off to Florida just as we began renovating their first floor unit. Of course, before they left we thoroughly discussed all aspects of the work order, which included renovating the kitchen and bathroom, painting the bedroom, and adding a laundry closet. We reviewed color and material selections, and set up a schedule for regular briefings. A handful of issues did come up. But because we had planned ahead, we were able to resolve them with very little stress for our clients. For instance, the client had chosen a bright yellow paint color for the kitchen walls, but once the new cabinets, countertop, and flooring had been installed, it was clear that yellow would clash. We suggested a more complementary Benjamin Moore Lancaster Whitewash shade instead. In the bathroom, the clients had selected a deep inset mirrored medicine cabinet. But when the wall behind the vanity was opened, it revealed a pipe running up the wall, too close for the inset model. In this small space, a bump-out medicine cabinet would be awkward, so instead we placed a mirror over the sink and two smaller inset cabinets on either side – a solution that pleased the homeowners, who now have his-and-hers storage spaces. Finally, the homeowners had resigned themselves to the fact that the laundry closet would be too small for storing detergent and other needs. However once the units were in place, we realized that a small custom shelf could be built and had it installed to the delight of the homeowners. Photo by Shelly Harrison

The existing kitchen just didn’t work for the owners of this 19th century home in suburban Boston. Family and guests entered the house directly into the kitchen, which often resulted in a cluttered and messy room. The kitchen was also quite small, and although it was tucked between the dining room and den, there was no direct access to either area. Seeking a more open and accommodating cooking and gathering space, the homeowners asked for help. We began by introducing a new bump-out entry with bench seating, custom designed cubbies, and a coat closet. This new space is modestly sized but offers tremendous function, with storage for coats, shoes, and other outdoor items, and a clear division of space between the outdoors and the kitchen. Next, we took down a wall that had divided the den from the kitchen and widened the passageway between the dining room and the den, making it easier for guests to gather around the kitchen’s more efficient workspace. Materials used include oak for the mudroom bench and bar top, white oak floors in the kitchen, and refinished original antique wide pine flooring in the den. Black Cambrian, with an antiqued finish, is used for the kitchen countertop. In the den, sliding doors were added to the patio and garden beyond. Photo by Shelly Harrison.

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Spacecrafting Photography
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From this angle, the connection of the kitchen to the outdoors is clear, with the back door providing access to the gardens. The pantry was renovated at the same time and features the same colors and cabinetry.

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The cabinets in the kitchen were fabricated from reclaimed oak pallets. Design: Charlie & Co. Design | Builder: Stonefield Construction | Interior Selections & Furnishings: By Owner | Photography: Spacecrafting

charlie mayer photography
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Photography by Werner Straube
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This formerly drab and ordinary space in an 1853 Greek Revival home became a fun bath area for the homeowner's two year old with the addition of blue and green mosaic tiles, a child-sized toilet, a larger bath tub, and pendant lighting. A skylight brings in cheerful natural lighting. Photos by Shelly Harrison.