Search results for "Master affordable" in Home Design Ideas

Our client was drawn to the property in Wesley Heights as it was in an established neighborhood of stately homes, on a quiet street with views of park. They wanted a traditional home for their young family with great entertaining spaces that took full advantage of the site.
The site was the challenge. The natural grade of the site was far from traditional. The natural grade at the rear of the property was about thirty feet above the street level. Large mature trees provided shade and needed to be preserved.
The solution was sectional. The first floor level was elevated from the street by 12 feet, with French doors facing the park. We created a courtyard at the first floor level that provide an outdoor entertaining space, with French doors that open the home to the courtyard.. By elevating the first floor level, we were able to allow on-grade parking and a private direct entrance to the lower level pub "Mulligans". An arched passage affords access to the courtyard from a shared driveway with the neighboring homes, while the stone fountain provides a focus.
A sweeping stone stair anchors one of the existing mature trees that was preserved and leads to the elevated rear garden. The second floor master suite opens to a sitting porch at the level of the upper garden, providing the third level of outdoor space that can be used for the children to play.
The home's traditional language is in context with its neighbors, while the design allows each of the three primary levels of the home to relate directly to the outside.
Builder: Peterson & Collins, Inc
Photos © Anice Hoachlander

This transitional-inspired makeover consists of a completely transformed kitchen, main living area, dining room and master bathroom. The concept of the makeover was focused on the spectacular vistas from multiple view points in each room. From this sixth floor residence the homeowners wanted to take advantage of the exquisite panoramic sunset views overlooking Estero Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
The kitchen was completely redesigned. The original kitchen featured outdated cabinetry and countertops, lacked good flow, had limited sitting space, storage and a small peninsula. The Green Mountain team designed a more functional and open space that flows into the living area and affords expansive vistas.
The living room’s transformation was focused on the views as well. White walls provide more light and a sense of openness. A complete newly furnished living area with wall-mounted television, new lighting, decorator fan and contemporary furniture selections add to the ambience of the entire kitchen, dining and formal living room space. The master bathroom boasts a gorgeous wet room, a trending feature for upscale remodels. As open-plan living becomes increasingly popular, it’s no surprise that the concept has extended to the bathroom. For homeowners seeking a serene retreat that feels like a visit to a spa, wet-room-style bathrooms are a natural fit. The transformation this bathroom went through is truly amazing.
From the fantastic tile selections, flooring, shaker-style white cabinetry, custom walk-in tub and
wonderful countertops, this is truly day spa influenced space.

Lacking confidence after a really rough remodeling experience, this client called SYI first to redesign her master bathroom, after which she asked us to carry its zen into the family room. There, we created a more cohesive and functional furniture plan and filled it in with mostly new pieces and accessories, repurposing some existing furniture and using the rest elsewhere in the house. It's a large room that must comfortably accommodate grandkid sleepovers, frequent group meetings, and a gaggle of aging little dogs, while also being the homeowners' place to relax and wind down in quiet and calming environs. SYI created activity zones, specified easily cleanable and replaceable FLOR carpet tiles that affordably unified those zones, replaced the husband's bulky lazyboy with a more streamlined recliner, and made sure to include layers of light with table and floor lamps, adding warmth and flexibility. We decorated with local art and our own line of custom throw pillows made locally from upcycled fabrics.
Photographer: Nina Nelsen
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Scaredy Cat Cottage
Normally when we do a "Collected Kitchen" it is in a Log Cabin, Stone House or a Pennsylvania Farm House. Not often do you see a country style farm house in a Florida on the water setting.
We did a collected kitchen in this house in whites, greys and curly maple, It has curly maple and soapstone counter tops and sink, with heart pine floors. The exterior doors were a dark mahogany. It has a very Southern "Farm House" feel. The owners were very involved in the design of the house. My country kitchen looks really awesome in this more high end setting.
The Scaredy Cat Cottage was completed in November 2014. The low country style home was designed to look like a new "old" home and is situated on a beautiful riverfront site in Ormond Beach. The house has 3,350 SF of conditioned living space, a three car detached garage, ample storage in "bonus" attic spaces, and 700 SF of covered porch areas.The house is open and airy with many windows throughout, affording stunning views of the beautifully landscaped property, the swimming pool, outdoor living spaces, and of course, sunsets over the river.
We also did the pantry, laundry, master bath,guest bath and powder room.

This transitional-inspired makeover consists of a completely transformed kitchen, main living area, dining room and master bathroom. The concept of the makeover was focused on the spectacular vistas from multiple view points in each room. From this sixth floor residence the homeowners wanted to take advantage of the exquisite panoramic sunset views overlooking Estero Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
The kitchen was completely redesigned. The original kitchen featured outdated cabinetry and countertops, lacked good flow, had limited sitting space, storage and a small peninsula. The Green Mountain team designed a more functional and open space that flows into the living area and affords expansive vistas.
The living room’s transformation was focused on the views as well. White walls provide more light and a sense of openness. A complete newly furnished living area with wall-mounted television, new lighting, decorator fan and contemporary furniture selections add to the ambience of the entire kitchen, dining and formal living room space. The master bathroom boasts a gorgeous wet room, a trending feature for upscale remodels. As open-plan living becomes increasingly popular, it’s no surprise that the concept has extended to the bathroom. For homeowners seeking a serene retreat that feels like a visit to a spa, wet-room-style bathrooms are a natural fit. The transformation this bathroom went through is truly amazing.
From the fantastic tile selections, flooring, shaker-style white cabinetry, custom walk-in tub and
wonderful countertops, this is truly day spa influenced space.

This South Shore of Boston couple reached out to Renovisions to design and build a beautiful, maintenance free and easy to use ‘his and hers’ master bathroom with plenty of storage. The former bath which had a single sink, one mirror, a vanity cabinet with not enough storage and a tired fiberglass shower stall was the last room in their home to be remodeled. They envisioned a more spa-like feel with a brighter walk-in shower and stylish cabinetry with double sinks and more storage.
Renovisions re-designed this bath with a fresh approach to a classic style; boasting two sinks and framed mirrors that match the custom oak cabinetry with a grey stain and cherused finish (a process that allows raising of the wood grain, creating a beautiful texture).
Choosing a white and grey palette with Carrara-look tiles in the shower opened up the space, tied in nicely with the weathered grey vanity and exemplified the feeling of casual luxury. The bright and airy walk-in shower with double recessed niches and dual shower heads affords both his and hers showering needs. Stunning and dramatic chevron patterned mosaic glass tile defines the niche spaces and lends a pretty, decorative touch to the overall look. The soft blue-green hue on the walls match perfectly with this tile and continue the serene and spa-like appeal throughout the bath.
Replacing the existing double-hung window with a smaller, decorative cut glass casement window not only provided a stunning focal point to the bathroom, but also allowed for additional cabinetry that includes a pull-out hamper and two deep drawers. Silestone’s stunning ‘white diamond’ quartz looks great with the color scheme and provides more countertop space for make-up and cosmetics.
The clients were thrilled with their ‘Renovision’ that imparts clean aesthetic and beautifully appointed classic details.
"Just wanted to say thank you for a job well done. We absolutely love our bathroom. From start to finish you were all so pleasant and professional. The fact that Ed is determined to come up with a solution for our bathroom door shows your commitment to your clients and the pride you take in your work. I can say from experience that not all contractors would care to or be as determined as Ed to say “I will come up with a solution just give me some time” especially after being paid in full. So thank you again. I would highly recommend your company to anyone looking for a bathroom ‘Renovision’! All the best!"
- Dan & Deb S. (Hanover)

This transitional-inspired makeover consists of a completely transformed kitchen, main living area, dining room and master bathroom. The concept of the makeover was focused on the spectacular vistas from multiple view points in each room. From this sixth floor residence the homeowners wanted to take advantage of the exquisite panoramic sunset views overlooking Estero Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
The kitchen was completely redesigned. The original kitchen featured outdated cabinetry and countertops, lacked good flow, had limited sitting space, storage and a small peninsula. The Green Mountain team designed a more functional and open space that flows into the living area and affords expansive vistas.
The living room’s transformation was focused on the views as well. White walls provide more light and a sense of openness. A complete newly furnished living area with wall-mounted television, new lighting, decorator fan and contemporary furniture selections add to the ambience of the entire kitchen, dining and formal living room space. The master bathroom boasts a gorgeous wet room, a trending feature for upscale remodels. As open-plan living becomes increasingly popular, it’s no surprise that the concept has extended to the bathroom. For homeowners seeking a serene retreat that feels like a visit to a spa, wet-room-style bathrooms are a natural fit. The transformation this bathroom went through is truly amazing.
From the fantastic tile selections, flooring, shaker-style white cabinetry, custom walk-in tub and
wonderful countertops, this is truly day spa influenced space.

Sponsored
Delaware, OH
Buckeye Basements, Inc.
Central Ohio's Basement Finishing ExpertsBest Of Houzz '13-'21

This transitional-inspired makeover consists of a completely transformed kitchen, main living area, dining room and master bathroom. The concept of the makeover was focused on the spectacular vistas from multiple view points in each room. From this sixth floor residence the homeowners wanted to take advantage of the exquisite panoramic sunset views overlooking Estero Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
The kitchen was completely redesigned. The original kitchen featured outdated cabinetry and countertops, lacked good flow, had limited sitting space, storage and a small peninsula. The Green Mountain team designed a more functional and open space that flows into the living area and affords expansive vistas.
The living room’s transformation was focused on the views as well. White walls provide more light and a sense of openness. A complete newly furnished living area with wall-mounted television, new lighting, decorator fan and contemporary furniture selections add to the ambience of the entire kitchen, dining and formal living room space. The master bathroom boasts a gorgeous wet room, a trending feature for upscale remodels. As open-plan living becomes increasingly popular, it’s no surprise that the concept has extended to the bathroom. For homeowners seeking a serene retreat that feels like a visit to a spa, wet-room-style bathrooms are a natural fit. The transformation this bathroom went through is truly amazing.
From the fantastic tile selections, flooring, shaker-style white cabinetry, custom walk-in tub and
wonderful countertops, this is truly day spa influenced space.

First Place in the Residential New Construction Under 3,500 Sq. Ft. Category of the 2016 ASID Texas Dallas Design Community Design Ovation Awards
The wife's style is country chic and the husband is into industrial modern. My goal was to incorporate as many of the existing furnishings as possible and add new ones to bridge the gab between the couples design styles. New pieces allowed us to choose modern shapes, yet cover them in more traditional fabrics. The taupe sofa in the living room and dining table chairs fit the bill perfectly. The husband requested a platform bed in the master bedroom so we chose one with a camel back style headboard. Additionally, the night stands acted in the opposite; traditional in style, yet contemporary in finish. It provides a wonderful balance and juxtaposition to the room. The living room fireplace was inspired by a photo from Houzz. It's an absolute joy to create spaces for my clients to love and love their family in. Photos by Barrett Woodward of Showcase Photographers

Scaredy Cat Cottage
Normally when we do a "Collected Kitchen" it is in a Log Cabin, Stone House or a Pennsylvania Farm House. Not often do you see a country style farm house in a Florida on the water setting.
We did a collected kitchen in this house in whites, greys and curly maple, It has curly maple and soapstone counter tops and sink, with heart pine floors. The exterior doors were a dark mahogany. It has a very Southern "Farm House" feel. The owners were very involved in the design of the house. My country kitchen looks really awesome in this more high end setting.
The Scaredy Cat Cottage was completed in November 2014. The low country style home was designed to look like a new "old" home and is situated on a beautiful riverfront site in Ormond Beach. The house has 3,350 SF of conditioned living space, a three car detached garage, ample storage in "bonus" attic spaces, and 700 SF of covered porch areas.The house is open and airy with many windows throughout, affording stunning views of the beautifully landscaped property, the swimming pool, outdoor living spaces, and of course, sunsets over the river.
We also did the pantry, laundry, master bath,guest bath and powder room.

The new owners of this house in Harvard, Massachusetts loved its location and authentic Shaker characteristics, but weren’t fans of its curious layout. A dated first-floor full bathroom could only be accessed by going up a few steps to a landing, opening the bathroom door and then going down the same number of steps to enter the room. The dark kitchen faced the driveway to the north, rather than the bucolic backyard fields to the south. The dining space felt more like an enlarged hall and could only comfortably seat four. Upstairs, a den/office had a woefully low ceiling; the master bedroom had limited storage, and a sad full bathroom featured a cramped shower.
KHS proposed a number of changes to create an updated home where the owners could enjoy cooking, entertaining, and being connected to the outdoors from the first-floor living spaces, while also experiencing more inviting and more functional private spaces upstairs.
On the first floor, the primary change was to capture space that had been part of an upper-level screen porch and convert it to interior space. To make the interior expansion seamless, we raised the floor of the area that had been the upper-level porch, so it aligns with the main living level, and made sure there would be no soffits in the planes of the walls we removed. We also raised the floor of the remaining lower-level porch to reduce the number of steps required to circulate from it to the newly expanded interior. New patio door systems now fill the arched openings that used to be infilled with screen. The exterior interventions (which also included some new casement windows in the dining area) were designed to be subtle, while affording significant improvements on the interior. Additionally, the first-floor bathroom was reconfigured, shifting one of its walls to widen the dining space, and moving the entrance to the bathroom from the stair landing to the kitchen instead.
These changes (which involved significant structural interventions) resulted in a much more open space to accommodate a new kitchen with a view of the lush backyard and a new dining space defined by a new built-in banquette that comfortably seats six, and -- with the addition of a table extension -- up to eight people.
Upstairs in the den/office, replacing the low, board ceiling with a raised, plaster, tray ceiling that springs from above the original board-finish walls – newly painted a light color -- created a much more inviting, bright, and expansive space. Re-configuring the master bath to accommodate a larger shower and adding built-in storage cabinets in the master bedroom improved comfort and function. A new whole-house color palette rounds out the improvements.
Photos by Katie Hutchison

Packing a lot of function into a small space requires ingenuity and skill, exactly what was needed for this one-bedroom gut in the Meatpacking District. When Axis Mundi was done, all that remained was the expansive arched window. Now one enters onto a pristine white-walled loft warmed by new zebrano plank floors. A new powder room and kitchen are at right. On the left, the lean profile of a folded steel stair cantilevered off the wall allows access to the bedroom above without eating up valuable floor space. Beyond, a living room basks in ample natural light. To allow that light to penetrate to the darkest corners of the bedroom, while also affording the owner privacy, the façade of the master bath, as well as the railing at the edge of the mezzanine space, are sandblasted glass. Finally, colorful furnishings, accessories and photography animate the simply articulated architectural envelope.
Project Team: John Beckmann, Nick Messerlian and Richard Rosenbloom
Photographer: Mikiko Kikuyama
© Axis Mundi Design LLC

San Marino based clients were interested in developing a property that had been in their family for generations. This was an exciting proposition as it was one of the last surviving bayside double lots on the scenic Coronado peninsula in San Diego. They desired a holiday home that would be a gathering place for their large, close- knit family.
San Marino based clients were interested in developing a property that had been in their family for generations. This was an exciting proposition as it was one of the last surviving bayside double lots on the scenic Coronado peninsula in San Diego. They desired a holiday home that would be a gathering place for their large, close-knit family. Facing the Back Bay, overlooking downtown and the Bay Bridge, this property presented us with a unique opportunity to design a vacation home with a dual personality. One side faces a bustling harbor with a constant parade of yachts, cargo vessels and military ships while the other opens onto a deep, quiet contemplative garden. The home’s shingle-style influence carries on the historical Coronado tradition of clapboard and Craftsman bungalows built in the shadow of the great Hotel Del Coronado which was erected at the turn of the last century. In order to create an informal feel to the residence, we devised a concept that eliminated the need for a “front door”. Instead, one walks through the garden and enters the “Great Hall” through either one of two French doors flanking a walk-in stone fireplace. Both two-story bedroom wings bookend this central wood beam vaulted room which serves as the “heart of the home”, and opens to both views. Three sets of stairs are discretely tucked away inside the bedroom wings.
In lieu of a formal dining room, the family convenes and dines around a beautiful table and banquette set into a circular window bay off the kitchen which overlooks the lights of the city beyond the harbor. Working with noted interior designer Betty Ann Marshall, we designed a unique kitchen that was inspired by the colors and textures of a fossil the couple found on a honeymoon trip to the quarries of Montana. We set that ancient fossil into a matte glass backsplash behind the professional cook’s stove. A warm library with walnut paneling and a bayed window seat affords a refuge for the family to read or play board games. The couple’s fine craft and folk art collection is on prominent display throughout the house and helps to set an intimate and whimsical tone.
Another architectural feature devoted to family is the play room lit by a dramatic cupola which beacons the older grandchildren and their friends. Below the play room is a four car garage that allows the patriarch space to refurbish an antique fire truck, a mahogany launch boat and several vintage cars. Their jet skis and kayaks are housed in another garage designed for that purpose. Lattice covered skylights that allow dappled sunlight to bathe the loggia affords a comfortable refuge to watch the kids swim and gaze out upon the rushing water, the Coronado Bay Bridge and the romantic downtown San Diego skyline.
Architect: Ward Jewell Architect, AIA
Interior Design: Betty Ann Marshall
Construction: Bill Lyons
Photographer: Laura Hull
Styling: Zale Design Studio

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Wannemacher Interiors
Customized Award-Winning Interior Design Solutions in Franklin Cnty OH

Packing a lot of function into a small space requires ingenuity and skill, exactly what was needed for this one-bedroom gut in the Meatpacking District. When Axis Mundi was done, all that remained was the expansive arched window. Now one enters onto a pristine white-walled loft warmed by new zebrano plank floors. A new powder room and kitchen are at right. On the left, the lean profile of a folded steel stair cantilevered off the wall allows access to the bedroom above without eating up valuable floor space. Beyond, a living room basks in ample natural light. To allow that light to penetrate to the darkest corners of the bedroom, while also affording the owner privacy, the façade of the master bath, as well as the railing at the edge of the mezzanine space, are sandblasted glass. Finally, colorful furnishings, accessories and photography animate the simply articulated architectural envelope.
Project Team: John Beckmann, Nick Messerlian and Richard Rosenbloom
Photographer: Mikiko Kikuyama
© Axis Mundi Design LLC

Scaredy Cat Cottage
Normally when we do a "Collected Kitchen" it is in a Log Cabin, Stone House or a Pennsylvania Farm House. Not often do you see a country style farm house in a Florida on the water setting.
We did a collected kitchen in this house in whites, greys and curly maple, It has curly maple and soapstone counter tops and sink, with heart pine floors. The exterior doors were a dark mahogany. It has a very Southern "Farm House" feel. The owners were very involved in the design of the house. My country kitchen looks really awesome in this more high end setting.
The Scaredy Cat Cottage was completed in November 2014. The low country style home was designed to look like a new "old" home and is situated on a beautiful riverfront site in Ormond Beach. The house has 3,350 SF of conditioned living space, a three car detached garage, ample storage in "bonus" attic spaces, and 700 SF of covered porch areas.The house is open and airy with many windows throughout, affording stunning views of the beautifully landscaped property, the swimming pool, outdoor living spaces, and of course, sunsets over the river.
We also did the pantry, laundry, master bath,guest bath and powder room.

The new owners of this house in Harvard, Massachusetts loved its location and authentic Shaker characteristics, but weren’t fans of its curious layout. A dated first-floor full bathroom could only be accessed by going up a few steps to a landing, opening the bathroom door and then going down the same number of steps to enter the room. The dark kitchen faced the driveway to the north, rather than the bucolic backyard fields to the south. The dining space felt more like an enlarged hall and could only comfortably seat four. Upstairs, a den/office had a woefully low ceiling; the master bedroom had limited storage, and a sad full bathroom featured a cramped shower.
KHS proposed a number of changes to create an updated home where the owners could enjoy cooking, entertaining, and being connected to the outdoors from the first-floor living spaces, while also experiencing more inviting and more functional private spaces upstairs.
On the first floor, the primary change was to capture space that had been part of an upper-level screen porch and convert it to interior space. To make the interior expansion seamless, we raised the floor of the area that had been the upper-level porch, so it aligns with the main living level, and made sure there would be no soffits in the planes of the walls we removed. We also raised the floor of the remaining lower-level porch to reduce the number of steps required to circulate from it to the newly expanded interior. New patio door systems now fill the arched openings that used to be infilled with screen. The exterior interventions (which also included some new casement windows in the dining area) were designed to be subtle, while affording significant improvements on the interior. Additionally, the first-floor bathroom was reconfigured, shifting one of its walls to widen the dining space, and moving the entrance to the bathroom from the stair landing to the kitchen instead.
These changes (which involved significant structural interventions) resulted in a much more open space to accommodate a new kitchen with a view of the lush backyard and a new dining space defined by a new built-in banquette that comfortably seats six, and -- with the addition of a table extension -- up to eight people.
Upstairs in the den/office, replacing the low, board ceiling with a raised, plaster, tray ceiling that springs from above the original board-finish walls – newly painted a light color -- created a much more inviting, bright, and expansive space. Re-configuring the master bath to accommodate a larger shower and adding built-in storage cabinets in the master bedroom improved comfort and function. A new whole-house color palette rounds out the improvements.
Photos by Katie Hutchison

On this spectacular mountain site, the clients wanted to build a 4,200-square-foot residence that did not appear to be a big, prestigious house. They didn’t want a McMansion; they wanted a living space integrated into the landscape – a home nestled among the trees and rock outcroppings.
The clients decided to demolish an existing farmhouse on the site, but they also sought to recreate the views afforded by that older home. Siting the fireplace and living room at the same location, the new residence was built on a similar footprint, but with a focus on energy efficiency.
The rambling, rustic Montana-lodge style exterior belies the technology inside. The fireplace – with help from the geothermal radiant heat system – is enough to keep the clients warm and toasty through the worst winter gales. A natural ventilation system also keeps the home allergen-free.
Careful coordination with the engineer allowed the structure to appear hunkered into the site, creating a humble front façade. The house’s floor plan strategically winds its way around the trees and boulders – framing intimate views of the landscape from the master bedroom and offering magnificent vistas from the deck.
Through attention to design and careful construction, the project saved nearly all of the more than 30 mature trees directly adjacent to the building footprint. Blasting of the some larger rocks was required to make room for the driveway, but the completed home now looks and functions as an established part of the landscape.

Sponsored
Delaware, OH
Buckeye Basements, Inc.
Central Ohio's Basement Finishing ExpertsBest Of Houzz '13-'21

Scaredy Cat Cottage
Normally when we do a "Collected Kitchen" it is in a Log Cabin, Stone House or a Pennsylvania Farm House. Not often do you see a country style farm house in a Florida on the water setting.
We did a collected kitchen in this house in whites, greys and curly maple, It has curly maple and soapstone counter tops and sink, with heart pine floors. The exterior doors were a dark mahogany. It has a very Southern "Farm House" feel. The owners were very involved in the design of the house. My country kitchen looks really awesome in this more high end setting.
The Scaredy Cat Cottage was completed in November 2014. The low country style home was designed to look like a new "old" home and is situated on a beautiful riverfront site in Ormond Beach. The house has 3,350 SF of conditioned living space, a three car detached garage, ample storage in "bonus" attic spaces, and 700 SF of covered porch areas.The house is open and airy with many windows throughout, affording stunning views of the beautifully landscaped property, the swimming pool, outdoor living spaces, and of course, sunsets over the river.
We also did the pantry, laundry, master bath,guest bath and powder room.

On this spectacular mountain site, the clients wanted to build a 4,200-square-foot residence that did not appear to be a big, prestigious house. They didn’t want a McMansion; they wanted a living space integrated into the landscape – a home nestled among the trees and rock outcroppings.
The clients decided to demolish an existing farmhouse on the site, but they also sought to recreate the views afforded by that older home. Siting the fireplace and living room at the same location, the new residence was built on a similar footprint, but with a focus on energy efficiency.
The rambling, rustic Montana-lodge style exterior belies the technology inside. The fireplace – with help from the geothermal radiant heat system – is enough to keep the clients warm and toasty through the worst winter gales. A natural ventilation system also keeps the home allergen-free.
Careful coordination with the engineer allowed the structure to appear hunkered into the site, creating a humble front façade. The house’s floor plan strategically winds its way around the trees and boulders – framing intimate views of the landscape from the master bedroom and offering magnificent vistas from the deck.
Through attention to design and careful construction, the project saved nearly all of the more than 30 mature trees directly adjacent to the building footprint. Blasting of the some larger rocks was required to make room for the driveway, but the completed home now looks and functions as an established part of the landscape.

The new owners of this house in Harvard, Massachusetts loved its location and authentic Shaker characteristics, but weren’t fans of its curious layout. A dated first-floor full bathroom could only be accessed by going up a few steps to a landing, opening the bathroom door and then going down the same number of steps to enter the room. The dark kitchen faced the driveway to the north, rather than the bucolic backyard fields to the south. The dining space felt more like an enlarged hall and could only comfortably seat four. Upstairs, a den/office had a woefully low ceiling; the master bedroom had limited storage, and a sad full bathroom featured a cramped shower.
KHS proposed a number of changes to create an updated home where the owners could enjoy cooking, entertaining, and being connected to the outdoors from the first-floor living spaces, while also experiencing more inviting and more functional private spaces upstairs.
On the first floor, the primary change was to capture space that had been part of an upper-level screen porch and convert it to interior space. To make the interior expansion seamless, we raised the floor of the area that had been the upper-level porch, so it aligns with the main living level, and made sure there would be no soffits in the planes of the walls we removed. We also raised the floor of the remaining lower-level porch to reduce the number of steps required to circulate from it to the newly expanded interior. New patio door systems now fill the arched openings that used to be infilled with screen. The exterior interventions (which also included some new casement windows in the dining area) were designed to be subtle, while affording significant improvements on the interior. Additionally, the first-floor bathroom was reconfigured, shifting one of its walls to widen the dining space, and moving the entrance to the bathroom from the stair landing to the kitchen instead.
These changes (which involved significant structural interventions) resulted in a much more open space to accommodate a new kitchen with a view of the lush backyard and a new dining space defined by a new built-in banquette that comfortably seats six, and -- with the addition of a table extension -- up to eight people.
Upstairs in the den/office, replacing the low, board ceiling with a raised, plaster, tray ceiling that springs from above the original board-finish walls – newly painted a light color -- created a much more inviting, bright, and expansive space. Re-configuring the master bath to accommodate a larger shower and adding built-in storage cabinets in the master bedroom improved comfort and function. A new whole-house color palette rounds out the improvements.
Photos by Katie Hutchison
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