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.

Builder: John Kraemer & Sons | Architect: Swan Architecture | Interiors: Katie Redpath Constable | Landscaping: Bechler Landscapes | Photography: Landmark Photography

Outdoor Kitchen and Living Space
This is an example of a mid-century modern backyard landscaping in New Orleans.

Large outdoor patio provides seating by fireplace and outdoor dining with bbq and grill.
Inspiration for a large mediterranean backyard tile patio kitchen remodel in Santa Barbara with a roof extension

Landmark Photography
Example of a large classic u-shaped medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen design in Minneapolis with a farmhouse sink, white cabinets, white backsplash, paneled appliances, an island, shaker cabinets, marble countertops and subway tile backsplash

Pioneer Road in Trail by Shaw Floors. In handsome 31/4" solid hickory, the Pioneer Road collection is a real attention-getter, offering dramatic color and texture. Six rich colors are full of depth and highlights that play up the exciting hickory grain.

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional full sun backyard retaining wall landscape in Austin for spring.

Spacecrafting/Architectural Photography
Laundry room - transitional laundry room idea in Minneapolis with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets and a stacked washer/dryer

This bathroom features a great sized double Vanity with a full wall mirror, double sconces and decorative shevling. Brass faucets and hardware compliment the tile feature over the tub and match the shower hardware perfectly. Photos by Chris Veith.

Jim Bartsch Photography
Walk-in shower - mid-sized beige tile and stone tile limestone floor walk-in shower idea in Santa Barbara with an undermount sink, medium tone wood cabinets and recessed-panel cabinets

Ken Vaughan - Vaughan Creative Media
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless gender-neutral dark wood floor and brown floor walk-in closet remodel in Dallas with shaker cabinets and white cabinets

Photo: Kimberley Bryan © 2014 Houzz
Bedroom - eclectic bedroom idea in Portland with blue walls

Rob Karosis
Inspiration for a farmhouse dark wood floor living room remodel in New York with white walls

"Brandon Stengel - www.farmkidstudios.com”
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary u-shaped ceramic tile mudroom remodel in Minneapolis with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and gray walls

Jonathan and David Sloane
Patio - contemporary patio idea in New York with a fireplace

A white hood and pale veined backsplash sit between deep green cabinets. Wood-toned display interiors and gold-tone hardware add contrast around the dark range.

Photo Credit: Lincoln Barbour Photo. Interior Design: Kim Hagstette, Maven Interiors. This penthouse kitchen was completely gutted and remodeled. The view from the floor to ceiling windows would inspire anyone to spend a lot of time cooking in this kitchen.

Timberframe with exposed cardecking over sanded concrete patio.
Example of a large classic backyard concrete patio kitchen design in Seattle with a gazebo