This remodel went from a tiny story-and-a-half Cape Cod, to a charming full two-story home. Space Plans, Building Design, Interior & Exterior Finishes by Anchor Builders. Photography by Alyssa Lee Photography.

As innkeepers, Lois and Evan Evans know all about hospitality. So after buying a 1955 Cape Cod cottage whose interiors hadn’t been updated since the 1970s, they set out on a whole-house renovation, a major focus of which was the kitchen. The goal of this renovation was to create a space that would be efficient and inviting for entertaining, as well as compatible with the home’s beach-cottage style. Cape Associates removed the wall separating the kitchen from the dining room to create an open, airy layout. The ceilings were raised and clad in shiplap siding and highlighted with new pine beams, reflective of the cottage style of the home. New windows add a vintage look. The designer used a whitewashed palette and traditional cabinetry to push a casual and beachy vibe, while granite countertops add a touch of elegance. The layout was rearranged to include an island that’s roomy enough for casual meals and for guests to hang around when the owners are prepping party meals. Placing the main sink and dishwasher in the island instead of the usual under-the-window spot was a decision made by Lois early in the planning stages. “If we have guests over, I can face everyone when I’m rinsing vegetables or washing dishes,” she says. “Otherwise, my back would be turned.” The old avocado-hued linoleum flooring had an unexpected bonus: preserving the original oak floors, which were refinished. The new layout includes room for the homeowners’ hutch from their previous residence, as well as an old pot-bellied stove, a family heirloom. A glass-front cabinet allows the homeowners to show off colorful dishes. Bringing the cabinet down to counter level adds more storage. Stacking the microwave, oven and warming drawer adds efficiency.

Mark Zelinski
Example of a classic wood exterior home design in Boston

Photographer: Jared Kuzia/This Old House
Bathroom photo in Boston

1960s bathroom photo in Minneapolis

Jeremy Gantz This major remodel on Lake Champlain involved removing the roof a simple cape and adding another story, creating a substantial home. The corner turret anchors the building and provides great space for a breakfast room, home office and and artist's studio!

Lakefront Cottage
Inspiration for a mid-sized craftsman gray two-story wood exterior home remodel in Boston

This farmhouse kitchen offers all the modern conveniences including 6 burner range, farmers sink and large kitchen island. Greg Premru Photography
Inspiration for a large farmhouse u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen remodel in Boston with a farmhouse sink, white cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and beaded inset cabinets

Photographer: Jared Kuzia/This Old House
Bathroom photo in Boston

Photo: Faith Towers © 2016 Houzz
Example of a beach style living room design in Portland Maine

This remodel went from a tiny story-and-a-half Cape Cod, to a charming full two-story home. Space Plans, Building Design, Interior & Exterior Finishes by Anchor Builders. Photography by Alyssa Lee Photography.

Cottage exterior home photo in Boston

Kitchen - transitional kitchen idea in Los Angeles

Elegant exterior home photo in Boston

As innkeepers, Lois and Evan Evans know all about hospitality. So after buying a 1955 Cape Cod cottage whose interiors hadn’t been updated since the 1970s, they set out on a whole-house renovation, a major focus of which was the kitchen. The goal of this renovation was to create a space that would be efficient and inviting for entertaining, as well as compatible with the home’s beach-cottage style. Cape Associates removed the wall separating the kitchen from the dining room to create an open, airy layout. The ceilings were raised and clad in shiplap siding and highlighted with new pine beams, reflective of the cottage style of the home. New windows add a vintage look. The designer used a whitewashed palette and traditional cabinetry to push a casual and beachy vibe, while granite countertops add a touch of elegance. The layout was rearranged to include an island that’s roomy enough for casual meals and for guests to hang around when the owners are prepping party meals. Placing the main sink and dishwasher in the island instead of the usual under-the-window spot was a decision made by Lois early in the planning stages. “If we have guests over, I can face everyone when I’m rinsing vegetables or washing dishes,” she says. “Otherwise, my back would be turned.” The old avocado-hued linoleum flooring had an unexpected bonus: preserving the original oak floors, which were refinished. The new layout includes room for the homeowners’ hutch from their previous residence, as well as an old pot-bellied stove, a family heirloom. A glass-front cabinet allows the homeowners to show off colorful dishes. Bringing the cabinet down to counter level adds more storage. Stacking the microwave, oven and warming drawer adds efficiency.

Eric Roth - Photo INSIDE OUT, OUTSIDE IN – IPSWICH, MA Downsizing from their sprawling country estate in Hamilton, MA, this retiring couple knew they found utopia when they purchased this already picturesque marsh-view home complete with ocean breezes, privacy and endless views. It was only a matter of putting their personal stamp on it with an emphasis on outdoor living to suit their evolving lifestyle with grandchildren. That vision included a natural screened porch that would invite the landscape inside and provide a vibrant space for maximized outdoor entertaining complete with electric ceiling heaters, adjacent wet bar & beverage station that all integrated seamlessly with the custom-built inground pool. Aside from providing the perfect getaway & entertainment mecca for their large family, this couple planned their forever home thoughtfully by adding square footage to accommodate single-level living. Sunrises are now magical from their first-floor master suite, luxury bath with soaker tub and laundry room, all with a view! Growing older will be more enjoyable with sleeping quarters, laundry and bath just steps from one another. With walls removed, utilities updated, a gas fireplace installed, and plentiful built-ins added, the sun-filled kitchen/dining/living combination eases entertaining and makes for a happy hang-out. This Ipswich home is drenched in conscious details, intentional planning and surrounded by a bucolic landscape, the perfect setting for peaceful enjoyment and harmonious living

This charming cape style home in New Bedford, MA looks fabulous with Mastic Cedar Discovery vinyl siding in Cape Cod Gray! The homeowner chose Mastic Cedar Discovery vinyl siding because she liked the look of real cedar shingles but wanted to go maintenance free. Random gaps, grooves, textures and deep shadow lines give Cedar Discovery shingles the appeal of real cedar shingles. Available styles include Hand-Split Shake, Perfection Shingle, and Half-Round to accommodate any homeowner’s style. The Cedar Discovery® collection is available in 32 colors and four styles. Mastic offers a V.I.P Limited Lifetime Warranty, has premium .090 thickness, and is rated for up to 230 MPH wind speeds! No more costly maintenance and upkeep for this homeowner because vinyl is final.

Large transitional l-shaped vinyl floor and brown floor home bar photo in Austin with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, black backsplash and black countertops

Whimsical stairway with custom drawings in the “Cranberry Cottage”, a coastal home renovation on Cape Cod by Polhemus Savery DaSilva Architects Builders and received the 2015 CHATHAM PRESERVATION AWARD | Cranberry Cottage started its life in 1790 as a Half Cape Cod Cottage. PSD restored the antique portion, lifted it to install a new hand-made brick clad foundation with finished basement, and added compatible additions. The charming assemblage of old and new now functions well as a family home that is both full of character and memories. PSD Scope Of Work: Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Construction | Living Space: 2,937ft² | Photography: Brian Vanden Brink |