Search results for "Split level garage conversion" in Home Design Ideas

Creating space for a loved one doesn't always mean building a new home from the ground up. For this Southeast Portland garage conversion, the goal was simple but deeply personal: transform a detached garage into a comfortable guest cottage where a family member could live independently while remaining closely connected to the people she loves.
The existing home presented challenges for long-term living, including stairs and limited accessibility. At the same time, the family wanted to provide privacy, dignity, and the comforts of home rather than simply adding another bedroom to the main house. The answer was hiding in plain sight: a detached garage with untapped potential.
While the structure offered opportunity, it also came with significant constraints. A structural concrete block wall, neighboring retaining wall, and compact footprint left little room for expansion. With just 480 square feet to work with, every inch needed to serve a purpose.
The design process began by focusing on how the space would be lived in rather than how it would look. Multiple floor plan options were explored before arriving at a layout that balances sleeping, cooking, crafting, relaxing, and storage within a bright, welcoming studio environment. Soft blue accents, warm walnut-toned flooring, cream tile, white countertops, and crisp trim create an aesthetic that feels calm, timeless, and intentionally residential rather than utilitarian.
One of the most dramatic transformations came from replacing the original garage door with a wall of windows. Natural light now floods the interior, visually expanding the space and creating a stronger connection to the surrounding garden. Additional windows provide cross ventilation, keeping the cottage bright and comfortable throughout the year.
The material palette was intentionally selected to feel calm, timeless, and residential. Soft blue tones appear throughout the cottage, complemented by light walnut flooring, white countertops, cream tile, and crisp white trim. Together, these finishes create a warm and inviting environment that feels thoughtfully designed rather than utilitarian.
Thoughtful storage solutions help the cottage live larger than its footprint. A spacious bedroom closet, living room storage, full-height bathroom shelving, and carefully planned kitchen cabinetry keep daily essentials organized and out of sight. A built-in desk with integrated cabinetry provides a dedicated space for crafting, sewing, and spending time with grandchildren, reflecting how important hobbies and family connections are to everyday life.
A compact kitchenette, partial privacy wall, and quiet mini-split heating and cooling system complete the home, while a new concrete pathway connects the cottage to the main house for safe and convenient access year-round.
What makes this project special is not simply the garage conversion itself, but the life it makes possible. Through thoughtful space planning, universal design principles, and a collaborative design-build approach, a former garage became a warm, independent retreat that supports aging in place while keeping family close. The result is a cottage that feels less like a conversion and more like a home that was always meant to be there.

Creating space for a loved one doesn't always mean building a new home from the ground up. For this Southeast Portland garage conversion, the goal was simple but deeply personal: transform a detached garage into a comfortable guest cottage where a family member could live independently while remaining closely connected to the people she loves.
The existing home presented challenges for long-term living, including stairs and limited accessibility. At the same time, the family wanted to provide privacy, dignity, and the comforts of home rather than simply adding another bedroom to the main house. The answer was hiding in plain sight: a detached garage with untapped potential.
While the structure offered opportunity, it also came with significant constraints. A structural concrete block wall, neighboring retaining wall, and compact footprint left little room for expansion. With just 480 square feet to work with, every inch needed to serve a purpose.
The design process began by focusing on how the space would be lived in rather than how it would look. Multiple floor plan options were explored before arriving at a layout that balances sleeping, cooking, crafting, relaxing, and storage within a bright, welcoming studio environment. Soft blue accents, warm walnut-toned flooring, cream tile, white countertops, and crisp trim create an aesthetic that feels calm, timeless, and intentionally residential rather than utilitarian.
One of the most dramatic transformations came from replacing the original garage door with a wall of windows. Natural light now floods the interior, visually expanding the space and creating a stronger connection to the surrounding garden. Additional windows provide cross ventilation, keeping the cottage bright and comfortable throughout the year.
The material palette was intentionally selected to feel calm, timeless, and residential. Soft blue tones appear throughout the cottage, complemented by light walnut flooring, white countertops, cream tile, and crisp white trim. Together, these finishes create a warm and inviting environment that feels thoughtfully designed rather than utilitarian.
Thoughtful storage solutions help the cottage live larger than its footprint. A spacious bedroom closet, living room storage, full-height bathroom shelving, and carefully planned kitchen cabinetry keep daily essentials organized and out of sight. A built-in desk with integrated cabinetry provides a dedicated space for crafting, sewing, and spending time with grandchildren, reflecting how important hobbies and family connections are to everyday life.
A compact kitchenette, partial privacy wall, and quiet mini-split heating and cooling system complete the home, while a new concrete pathway connects the cottage to the main house for safe and convenient access year-round.
What makes this project special is not simply the garage conversion itself, but the life it makes possible. Through thoughtful space planning, universal design principles, and a collaborative design-build approach, a former garage became a warm, independent retreat that supports aging in place while keeping family close. The result is a cottage that feels less like a conversion and more like a home that was always meant to be there.

Creating space for a loved one doesn't always mean building a new home from the ground up. For this Southeast Portland garage conversion, the goal was simple but deeply personal: transform a detached garage into a comfortable guest cottage where a family member could live independently while remaining closely connected to the people she loves.
The existing home presented challenges for long-term living, including stairs and limited accessibility. At the same time, the family wanted to provide privacy, dignity, and the comforts of home rather than simply adding another bedroom to the main house. The answer was hiding in plain sight: a detached garage with untapped potential.
While the structure offered opportunity, it also came with significant constraints. A structural concrete block wall, neighboring retaining wall, and compact footprint left little room for expansion. With just 480 square feet to work with, every inch needed to serve a purpose.
The design process began by focusing on how the space would be lived in rather than how it would look. Multiple floor plan options were explored before arriving at a layout that balances sleeping, cooking, crafting, relaxing, and storage within a bright, welcoming studio environment. Soft blue accents, warm walnut-toned flooring, cream tile, white countertops, and crisp trim create an aesthetic that feels calm, timeless, and intentionally residential rather than utilitarian.
One of the most dramatic transformations came from replacing the original garage door with a wall of windows. Natural light now floods the interior, visually expanding the space and creating a stronger connection to the surrounding garden. Additional windows provide cross ventilation, keeping the cottage bright and comfortable throughout the year.
The material palette was intentionally selected to feel calm, timeless, and residential. Soft blue tones appear throughout the cottage, complemented by light walnut flooring, white countertops, cream tile, and crisp white trim. Together, these finishes create a warm and inviting environment that feels thoughtfully designed rather than utilitarian.
Thoughtful storage solutions help the cottage live larger than its footprint. A spacious bedroom closet, living room storage, full-height bathroom shelving, and carefully planned kitchen cabinetry keep daily essentials organized and out of sight. A built-in desk with integrated cabinetry provides a dedicated space for crafting, sewing, and spending time with grandchildren, reflecting how important hobbies and family connections are to everyday life.
A compact kitchenette, partial privacy wall, and quiet mini-split heating and cooling system complete the home, while a new concrete pathway connects the cottage to the main house for safe and convenient access year-round.
What makes this project special is not simply the garage conversion itself, but the life it makes possible. Through thoughtful space planning, universal design principles, and a collaborative design-build approach, a former garage became a warm, independent retreat that supports aging in place while keeping family close. The result is a cottage that feels less like a conversion and more like a home that was always meant to be there.
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Tony Ciufo Builders, Photos by Nashua Video Tours/Fred Light. Virtual tour of this home available on YouTube and website link http://timberpeg.com/content/timber-frame-virtual-tours#mountholly.

Creating space for a loved one doesn't always mean building a new home from the ground up. For this Southeast Portland garage conversion, the goal was simple but deeply personal: transform a detached garage into a comfortable guest cottage where a family member could live independently while remaining closely connected to the people she loves.
The existing home presented challenges for long-term living, including stairs and limited accessibility. At the same time, the family wanted to provide privacy, dignity, and the comforts of home rather than simply adding another bedroom to the main house. The answer was hiding in plain sight: a detached garage with untapped potential.
While the structure offered opportunity, it also came with significant constraints. A structural concrete block wall, neighboring retaining wall, and compact footprint left little room for expansion. With just 480 square feet to work with, every inch needed to serve a purpose.
The design process began by focusing on how the space would be lived in rather than how it would look. Multiple floor plan options were explored before arriving at a layout that balances sleeping, cooking, crafting, relaxing, and storage within a bright, welcoming studio environment. Soft blue accents, warm walnut-toned flooring, cream tile, white countertops, and crisp trim create an aesthetic that feels calm, timeless, and intentionally residential rather than utilitarian.
One of the most dramatic transformations came from replacing the original garage door with a wall of windows. Natural light now floods the interior, visually expanding the space and creating a stronger connection to the surrounding garden. Additional windows provide cross ventilation, keeping the cottage bright and comfortable throughout the year.
The material palette was intentionally selected to feel calm, timeless, and residential. Soft blue tones appear throughout the cottage, complemented by light walnut flooring, white countertops, cream tile, and crisp white trim. Together, these finishes create a warm and inviting environment that feels thoughtfully designed rather than utilitarian.
Thoughtful storage solutions help the cottage live larger than its footprint. A spacious bedroom closet, living room storage, full-height bathroom shelving, and carefully planned kitchen cabinetry keep daily essentials organized and out of sight. A built-in desk with integrated cabinetry provides a dedicated space for crafting, sewing, and spending time with grandchildren, reflecting how important hobbies and family connections are to everyday life.
A compact kitchenette, partial privacy wall, and quiet mini-split heating and cooling system complete the home, while a new concrete pathway connects the cottage to the main house for safe and convenient access year-round.
What makes this project special is not simply the garage conversion itself, but the life it makes possible. Through thoughtful space planning, universal design principles, and a collaborative design-build approach, a former garage became a warm, independent retreat that supports aging in place while keeping family close. The result is a cottage that feels less like a conversion and more like a home that was always meant to be there.

Creating space for a loved one doesn't always mean building a new home from the ground up. For this Southeast Portland garage conversion, the goal was simple but deeply personal: transform a detached garage into a comfortable guest cottage where a family member could live independently while remaining closely connected to the people she loves.
The existing home presented challenges for long-term living, including stairs and limited accessibility. At the same time, the family wanted to provide privacy, dignity, and the comforts of home rather than simply adding another bedroom to the main house. The answer was hiding in plain sight: a detached garage with untapped potential.
While the structure offered opportunity, it also came with significant constraints. A structural concrete block wall, neighboring retaining wall, and compact footprint left little room for expansion. With just 480 square feet to work with, every inch needed to serve a purpose.
The design process began by focusing on how the space would be lived in rather than how it would look. Multiple floor plan options were explored before arriving at a layout that balances sleeping, cooking, crafting, relaxing, and storage within a bright, welcoming studio environment. Soft blue accents, warm walnut-toned flooring, cream tile, white countertops, and crisp trim create an aesthetic that feels calm, timeless, and intentionally residential rather than utilitarian.
One of the most dramatic transformations came from replacing the original garage door with a wall of windows. Natural light now floods the interior, visually expanding the space and creating a stronger connection to the surrounding garden. Additional windows provide cross ventilation, keeping the cottage bright and comfortable throughout the year.
The material palette was intentionally selected to feel calm, timeless, and residential. Soft blue tones appear throughout the cottage, complemented by light walnut flooring, white countertops, cream tile, and crisp white trim. Together, these finishes create a warm and inviting environment that feels thoughtfully designed rather than utilitarian.
Thoughtful storage solutions help the cottage live larger than its footprint. A spacious bedroom closet, living room storage, full-height bathroom shelving, and carefully planned kitchen cabinetry keep daily essentials organized and out of sight. A built-in desk with integrated cabinetry provides a dedicated space for crafting, sewing, and spending time with grandchildren, reflecting how important hobbies and family connections are to everyday life.
A compact kitchenette, partial privacy wall, and quiet mini-split heating and cooling system complete the home, while a new concrete pathway connects the cottage to the main house for safe and convenient access year-round.
What makes this project special is not simply the garage conversion itself, but the life it makes possible. Through thoughtful space planning, universal design principles, and a collaborative design-build approach, a former garage became a warm, independent retreat that supports aging in place while keeping family close. The result is a cottage that feels less like a conversion and more like a home that was always meant to be there.

Creating space for a loved one doesn't always mean building a new home from the ground up. For this Southeast Portland garage conversion, the goal was simple but deeply personal: transform a detached garage into a comfortable guest cottage where a family member could live independently while remaining closely connected to the people she loves.
The existing home presented challenges for long-term living, including stairs and limited accessibility. At the same time, the family wanted to provide privacy, dignity, and the comforts of home rather than simply adding another bedroom to the main house. The answer was hiding in plain sight: a detached garage with untapped potential.
While the structure offered opportunity, it also came with significant constraints. A structural concrete block wall, neighboring retaining wall, and compact footprint left little room for expansion. With just 480 square feet to work with, every inch needed to serve a purpose.
The design process began by focusing on how the space would be lived in rather than how it would look. Multiple floor plan options were explored before arriving at a layout that balances sleeping, cooking, crafting, relaxing, and storage within a bright, welcoming studio environment. Soft blue accents, warm walnut-toned flooring, cream tile, white countertops, and crisp trim create an aesthetic that feels calm, timeless, and intentionally residential rather than utilitarian.
One of the most dramatic transformations came from replacing the original garage door with a wall of windows. Natural light now floods the interior, visually expanding the space and creating a stronger connection to the surrounding garden. Additional windows provide cross ventilation, keeping the cottage bright and comfortable throughout the year.
The material palette was intentionally selected to feel calm, timeless, and residential. Soft blue tones appear throughout the cottage, complemented by light walnut flooring, white countertops, cream tile, and crisp white trim. Together, these finishes create a warm and inviting environment that feels thoughtfully designed rather than utilitarian.
Thoughtful storage solutions help the cottage live larger than its footprint. A spacious bedroom closet, living room storage, full-height bathroom shelving, and carefully planned kitchen cabinetry keep daily essentials organized and out of sight. A built-in desk with integrated cabinetry provides a dedicated space for crafting, sewing, and spending time with grandchildren, reflecting how important hobbies and family connections are to everyday life.
A compact kitchenette, partial privacy wall, and quiet mini-split heating and cooling system complete the home, while a new concrete pathway connects the cottage to the main house for safe and convenient access year-round.
What makes this project special is not simply the garage conversion itself, but the life it makes possible. Through thoughtful space planning, universal design principles, and a collaborative design-build approach, a former garage became a warm, independent retreat that supports aging in place while keeping family close. The result is a cottage that feels less like a conversion and more like a home that was always meant to be there.

Large transitional beige three-story mixed siding house exterior photo in Austin with a hip roof and a metal roof

Creating space for a loved one doesn't always mean building a new home from the ground up. For this Southeast Portland garage conversion, the goal was simple but deeply personal: transform a detached garage into a comfortable guest cottage where a family member could live independently while remaining closely connected to the people she loves.
The existing home presented challenges for long-term living, including stairs and limited accessibility. At the same time, the family wanted to provide privacy, dignity, and the comforts of home rather than simply adding another bedroom to the main house. The answer was hiding in plain sight: a detached garage with untapped potential.
While the structure offered opportunity, it also came with significant constraints. A structural concrete block wall, neighboring retaining wall, and compact footprint left little room for expansion. With just 480 square feet to work with, every inch needed to serve a purpose.
The design process began by focusing on how the space would be lived in rather than how it would look. Multiple floor plan options were explored before arriving at a layout that balances sleeping, cooking, crafting, relaxing, and storage within a bright, welcoming studio environment. Soft blue accents, warm walnut-toned flooring, cream tile, white countertops, and crisp trim create an aesthetic that feels calm, timeless, and intentionally residential rather than utilitarian.
One of the most dramatic transformations came from replacing the original garage door with a wall of windows. Natural light now floods the interior, visually expanding the space and creating a stronger connection to the surrounding garden. Additional windows provide cross ventilation, keeping the cottage bright and comfortable throughout the year.
The material palette was intentionally selected to feel calm, timeless, and residential. Soft blue tones appear throughout the cottage, complemented by light walnut flooring, white countertops, cream tile, and crisp white trim. Together, these finishes create a warm and inviting environment that feels thoughtfully designed rather than utilitarian.
Thoughtful storage solutions help the cottage live larger than its footprint. A spacious bedroom closet, living room storage, full-height bathroom shelving, and carefully planned kitchen cabinetry keep daily essentials organized and out of sight. A built-in desk with integrated cabinetry provides a dedicated space for crafting, sewing, and spending time with grandchildren, reflecting how important hobbies and family connections are to everyday life.
A compact kitchenette, partial privacy wall, and quiet mini-split heating and cooling system complete the home, while a new concrete pathway connects the cottage to the main house for safe and convenient access year-round.
What makes this project special is not simply the garage conversion itself, but the life it makes possible. Through thoughtful space planning, universal design principles, and a collaborative design-build approach, a former garage became a warm, independent retreat that supports aging in place while keeping family close. The result is a cottage that feels less like a conversion and more like a home that was always meant to be there.

Creating space for a loved one doesn't always mean building a new home from the ground up. For this Southeast Portland garage conversion, the goal was simple but deeply personal: transform a detached garage into a comfortable guest cottage where a family member could live independently while remaining closely connected to the people she loves.
The existing home presented challenges for long-term living, including stairs and limited accessibility. At the same time, the family wanted to provide privacy, dignity, and the comforts of home rather than simply adding another bedroom to the main house. The answer was hiding in plain sight: a detached garage with untapped potential.
While the structure offered opportunity, it also came with significant constraints. A structural concrete block wall, neighboring retaining wall, and compact footprint left little room for expansion. With just 480 square feet to work with, every inch needed to serve a purpose.
The design process began by focusing on how the space would be lived in rather than how it would look. Multiple floor plan options were explored before arriving at a layout that balances sleeping, cooking, crafting, relaxing, and storage within a bright, welcoming studio environment. Soft blue accents, warm walnut-toned flooring, cream tile, white countertops, and crisp trim create an aesthetic that feels calm, timeless, and intentionally residential rather than utilitarian.
One of the most dramatic transformations came from replacing the original garage door with a wall of windows. Natural light now floods the interior, visually expanding the space and creating a stronger connection to the surrounding garden. Additional windows provide cross ventilation, keeping the cottage bright and comfortable throughout the year.
The material palette was intentionally selected to feel calm, timeless, and residential. Soft blue tones appear throughout the cottage, complemented by light walnut flooring, white countertops, cream tile, and crisp white trim. Together, these finishes create a warm and inviting environment that feels thoughtfully designed rather than utilitarian.
Thoughtful storage solutions help the cottage live larger than its footprint. A spacious bedroom closet, living room storage, full-height bathroom shelving, and carefully planned kitchen cabinetry keep daily essentials organized and out of sight. A built-in desk with integrated cabinetry provides a dedicated space for crafting, sewing, and spending time with grandchildren, reflecting how important hobbies and family connections are to everyday life.
A compact kitchenette, partial privacy wall, and quiet mini-split heating and cooling system complete the home, while a new concrete pathway connects the cottage to the main house for safe and convenient access year-round.
What makes this project special is not simply the garage conversion itself, but the life it makes possible. Through thoughtful space planning, universal design principles, and a collaborative design-build approach, a former garage became a warm, independent retreat that supports aging in place while keeping family close. The result is a cottage that feels less like a conversion and more like a home that was always meant to be there.

Creating space for a loved one doesn't always mean building a new home from the ground up. For this Southeast Portland garage conversion, the goal was simple but deeply personal: transform a detached garage into a comfortable guest cottage where a family member could live independently while remaining closely connected to the people she loves.
The existing home presented challenges for long-term living, including stairs and limited accessibility. At the same time, the family wanted to provide privacy, dignity, and the comforts of home rather than simply adding another bedroom to the main house. The answer was hiding in plain sight: a detached garage with untapped potential.
While the structure offered opportunity, it also came with significant constraints. A structural concrete block wall, neighboring retaining wall, and compact footprint left little room for expansion. With just 480 square feet to work with, every inch needed to serve a purpose.
The design process began by focusing on how the space would be lived in rather than how it would look. Multiple floor plan options were explored before arriving at a layout that balances sleeping, cooking, crafting, relaxing, and storage within a bright, welcoming studio environment. Soft blue accents, warm walnut-toned flooring, cream tile, white countertops, and crisp trim create an aesthetic that feels calm, timeless, and intentionally residential rather than utilitarian.
One of the most dramatic transformations came from replacing the original garage door with a wall of windows. Natural light now floods the interior, visually expanding the space and creating a stronger connection to the surrounding garden. Additional windows provide cross ventilation, keeping the cottage bright and comfortable throughout the year.
The material palette was intentionally selected to feel calm, timeless, and residential. Soft blue tones appear throughout the cottage, complemented by light walnut flooring, white countertops, cream tile, and crisp white trim. Together, these finishes create a warm and inviting environment that feels thoughtfully designed rather than utilitarian.
Thoughtful storage solutions help the cottage live larger than its footprint. A spacious bedroom closet, living room storage, full-height bathroom shelving, and carefully planned kitchen cabinetry keep daily essentials organized and out of sight. A built-in desk with integrated cabinetry provides a dedicated space for crafting, sewing, and spending time with grandchildren, reflecting how important hobbies and family connections are to everyday life.
A compact kitchenette, partial privacy wall, and quiet mini-split heating and cooling system complete the home, while a new concrete pathway connects the cottage to the main house for safe and convenient access year-round.
What makes this project special is not simply the garage conversion itself, but the life it makes possible. Through thoughtful space planning, universal design principles, and a collaborative design-build approach, a former garage became a warm, independent retreat that supports aging in place while keeping family close. The result is a cottage that feels less like a conversion and more like a home that was always meant to be there.

Creating space for a loved one doesn't always mean building a new home from the ground up. For this Southeast Portland garage conversion, the goal was simple but deeply personal: transform a detached garage into a comfortable guest cottage where a family member could live independently while remaining closely connected to the people she loves.
The existing home presented challenges for long-term living, including stairs and limited accessibility. At the same time, the family wanted to provide privacy, dignity, and the comforts of home rather than simply adding another bedroom to the main house. The answer was hiding in plain sight: a detached garage with untapped potential.
While the structure offered opportunity, it also came with significant constraints. A structural concrete block wall, neighboring retaining wall, and compact footprint left little room for expansion. With just 480 square feet to work with, every inch needed to serve a purpose.
The design process began by focusing on how the space would be lived in rather than how it would look. Multiple floor plan options were explored before arriving at a layout that balances sleeping, cooking, crafting, relaxing, and storage within a bright, welcoming studio environment. Soft blue accents, warm walnut-toned flooring, cream tile, white countertops, and crisp trim create an aesthetic that feels calm, timeless, and intentionally residential rather than utilitarian.
One of the most dramatic transformations came from replacing the original garage door with a wall of windows. Natural light now floods the interior, visually expanding the space and creating a stronger connection to the surrounding garden. Additional windows provide cross ventilation, keeping the cottage bright and comfortable throughout the year.
The material palette was intentionally selected to feel calm, timeless, and residential. Soft blue tones appear throughout the cottage, complemented by light walnut flooring, white countertops, cream tile, and crisp white trim. Together, these finishes create a warm and inviting environment that feels thoughtfully designed rather than utilitarian.
Thoughtful storage solutions help the cottage live larger than its footprint. A spacious bedroom closet, living room storage, full-height bathroom shelving, and carefully planned kitchen cabinetry keep daily essentials organized and out of sight. A built-in desk with integrated cabinetry provides a dedicated space for crafting, sewing, and spending time with grandchildren, reflecting how important hobbies and family connections are to everyday life.
A compact kitchenette, partial privacy wall, and quiet mini-split heating and cooling system complete the home, while a new concrete pathway connects the cottage to the main house for safe and convenient access year-round.
What makes this project special is not simply the garage conversion itself, but the life it makes possible. Through thoughtful space planning, universal design principles, and a collaborative design-build approach, a former garage became a warm, independent retreat that supports aging in place while keeping family close. The result is a cottage that feels less like a conversion and more like a home that was always meant to be there.

Stair to lower level.
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern wooden straight open and metal railing staircase remodel in Seattle
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern wooden straight open and metal railing staircase remodel in Seattle

“We could never have envisioned what could be” – Steiner Ranch Homeowner and Client
It is an especially fulfilling Project for an Interior Designer when the outcome exceeds Client expectations, and imagination. This remodeling project required instilling modern sensibilities, openness, styles and textures into a dated house that was past its prime. Strategically, the goal was to tear down where it made sense without doing a complete teardown.
Starting with the soul of the home, the kitchen, we expanded out room by room to create a cohesiveness and flow that invites, supports and provides the warmth and relaxation that only a home can.
In the Kitchen, we started by removing the wooden beams and adding bright recessed lighting. We removed the old limestone accent wall and moved the sink and cooktop from the island on to the countertop – the key goal was to create room for the family to gather around the kitchen. We replaced all appliances with modern Energy Star ones, along with adding a wine rack.
The first order of business for the Living Room was to brighten it up by adding more lighting and replacing an unused section with a glass door to the backyard. Multi-section windows were replaced with large no-split glass overlooking the backyard. Once more, the limestone accent was removed to create a clean, modern look. Replacing the dated wooden staircase with the clean lines of a metal, wire and wooded staircase added interest and freshness. An odd bend in the staircase was removed to clean things up.
The Master Bedroom went from what looked like a motel room with green carpet and cheap blinds to an oasis of luxury and charm. A section of the wraparound doors were closed off to increase privacy, accentuate the best view from the bedroom and to add usable space. Artwork, rug, contemporary bed and other accent pieces brought together the seamless look across the home.
The Master Bathroom remodel started by replacing the standard windows with a single glass pane that enhanced the view of the outdoors. The dated shower was replaced by a walk-in shower and soaking tub to create the ultimate at-home spa experience. Lighted LED mirrors frame His & Hers sinks and bathe them in a soft light.
The flooring was upgraded throughout the house to reflect the contemporary color scheme.
Each of the smaller bedrooms were similarly upgraded to match the clean and modern décor of the rest of the house.
After such a transformation inside, it was only appropriate that the exterior needed an upgrade as well. All of the legacy limestone accents were replaced by stucco and the color scheme extended from the interior of the house to the gorgeous wrap around balconies, trim, garage doors etc. to complete the inside outside transformation.

Photography by Christian Williams
Mid-sized beach style open concept light wood floor living room photo in Boston with a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and white walls
Mid-sized beach style open concept light wood floor living room photo in Boston with a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and white walls

We were hired to turn a 1950s split-level into a forever home for our clients, a growing family who fell in love with their home for the location. Over the course of two years, we transformed the space, adding an extensive amount of square footage to the home’s footprint, raising ceilings, and adding a third floor. We prioritized stylish and enduring materials like handmade tiles and natural stone to create a warm and livable aesthetic for family living.

Move right into this elegant home situated on one of the most pristine lots in Stono Ferry. You will be greeted with a full front porch, oak trees, and azaleas. The foyer is highlighted with a beautiful French door with glass detail, an iron chandelier and tiled entrance. The main level features gleaming heart pine floors. The floor plan is open with pillar detail. The living room is quite spacious with bookcases flanking the gas fireplace, fireplace has marble surround, white mantle, wainscoting, two ceiling fans, recessed lighting, golf course views, and French doors to the huge back porch. The dining room features a crystal chandelier. The kitchen offers lots of cabinets and counter space, tile floor, desk area, recess lighting, white appliances, pantry, and a large breakfast area with wainscoting. The master suite is private with porch access, his and her walk in closets, tile floor in the bath, large dual vanity with knee space, walk in shower, garden tub, toilet closet, and a linen closet. Bedrooms two and three are split, both are on the main level with ceiling fans, and ample closet space. The second bathroom is quite large with an oversized dual vanity, tiled floor, walk in shower, and private toilet. The laundry room has a folding shelf, cabinets, and a tiled floor. Downstairs is an amazing space with the fourth bedroom, two living areas, Berber carpet, a huge walk in closet with extra storage space, wet bar, and more. This could easily be a mother in law suite. It also offers access to the three-car garage, covered patio, and extra garage storage room. Upstairs is a huge covered porch with amazing views of the beautiful yard, lagoon, and 18th green. This home will not disappoint. Stono Ferry offers fabulous amenities that include a pool, tennis courts, equestrian center, clubhouse, play ground and golf.

Lighting is key to enhancing all the textures and adding atmosphere to a scheme. It needs to be layered and flexible. By this we mean that you need lighting at different levels, highlighting different items of interest in different ways, we sometimes back light objects to provide a gentle glow emphasising their silhouettes of eg. items on a shelf. Other times we like to direct the light in a way highlights the object itself. In these scheme we have utilised many different lighting techniques including shelf lighting, wall lighting, under counter lighting, floor washers, pendants and down-lights. Lighting is on a series of circuits and all dimmable, enabling our client to create different atmospheres and carry out different functions.Here we have used a smart system to enable to the client to change the scene at a touch of a button.

This home’s kitchen isn’t large and needed to somehow hold a mudroom area as the detached garage enters into the space. I carefully planned out all storage needs and we were able to add a wide, double door cabinet closet by the back door. The upper area holds coats and clutter. The lower doors have hooks and boot trays for backpacks and shoes. Paneling the Subzero fridge helps with softening the weight of the large appliance, as does the panel on the dishwasher. Little details like the skirt on the toe area and the beautiful hood and island posts make this smaller work space truly special!
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