This whole house renovation was brought to us by homeowners who were approaching a transition in their family life cycle. With three children at different stages of launching into their adult lives, this couple wanted to explore their options for procuring their dream home. They came to us to explore ideas for renovating their current home, as they also researched real estate opportunities that might tempt them to move. Because of their satisfaction with their current neighborhood, renovating their current home was the preferred option.
The design for this project was inspired by the homeowner’s love of colonial architecture and modern coastal decor. To give them everything they wanted in their dream home, a full renovation of the basement, main floor, second floor and exterior was designed. A project of this size demands clear and constant communication between the design team, the client and the production team. Our design process elapsed over the course of six months to ensure that every need was met and that the overall design was cohesive throughout the entire home.
To begin our design process, we first created our scope of work by focusing on project goals. Project goals for the basement included a new layout to accommodate a lounge and entertaining space, as well as an office that could also serve as a guest suite. Outdoors, we planned for a reworked exterior with new windows and doors, repainted exterior trim, a new driveway, a larger deck and patio, new hardscaping for the patio and pool surround, as well as new landscaping.
Project goals on the main floor involved a total update with a more functional kitchen, laundry, and powder room, all new finishes in the family room, as well as updated finishes to the dining room and office.
For the second floor project goals included a new layout allowing the primary suite to include a luxury ensuite bath and his and her walk in closets and a larger hall bath.
After the layout was determined we began the selection process. The aesthetic needed to be cohesive throughout, with a style that blended coastal and colonial. We turned to inspiration images our client had shared with us and began to collect finish samples to bring the design to life.
Our design vision really started with the kitchen. Exposed scissor truss beams had not been carefully considered in cabinet placement during a previous kitchen renovation, and the kitchen lacked balance and visual continuity. We updated the wood sheathing around the exposed beams and allowed them to fulfill their natural role as the focal point for the kitchen. We added natural light with a new oversized window centered between the beams, overlooking the tree lined back views of the property.
As we developed the kitchen cabinet plans, we focused on these natural sight lines, and our layout placed perimeter cabinets and the island in balance with the soaring ceiling, large window and dramatic beams. This allowed the space to gain symmetry, creating a calming and complete visual experience. We used renderings throughout the process to ensure the design was accurately relayed to the homeowner.
As we moved on from the kitchen design, we carried the tones and materials we’d selected into the rest of the home to create a consistent palette. Earth tones were carried throughout with neutral paints, natural wood, and colonial brick. We highlighted spaces with bolder accents of sea inspired blues, moody grays and bronzed golds. This can be seen in the adjacent laundry room, with the rich cabinet paint and leathered granite, offset with cool toned floor tile and glinty gold hardware. The nearby powder room with refinished wood floors and boldly patterned wallpaper, also continues the neutral coastal palette with a light blue custom vanity, seashore textured granite, a wood shelving niche and hints of gold.
In the family room, the original orange toned pine coffered ceiling and wainscotting were updated by refinishing in a creamy white. New carpet and neutral walls provide the backdrop for the subtle accent of shimmery blue built in bookshelves.
On the second floor, we created the owner’s ensuite bath with this palette in mind. The existing bath layout was compartmentalized and the fixtures were outdated. To open up the space, we made use of the vaulted ceiling and skylights by placing the walk in shower and soaking tub where the natural light could be enjoyed. Each skylight was also equipped with recessed tape lighting, adding task lighting for night time use. The water closet shares a transom window with the shower, allowing natural light to enter the space while ensuring privacy. The double vanity brings in a hint of coastal blue, adding to the spa-like feeling.
The basement was designed as a casual entertainment and lounge space as well as a guest suite. With direct access to the covered patio and pool, we opted for a natural toned luxury vinyl plank on the floors, coordinating the colorway with the exposed wood beams in the kitchen above. A compact wet bar was built into the nook below the stairs and paired with a roomy peninsula providing guest seating and drink prep space. The new layout created a bar and lounge space that is separated from the full guest suite by a vestibule with a closing door for privacy and sound buffering.
Outside, we created a spacious covered patio and an expanded upper deck. The patio extends the basement entertaining area with seating spaces for both lounging and dining with televisions and integrated speakers. By waterproofing the patio covering and adding fans and heaters, the space will be usable in most any weather. The upper deck, accessible from the kitchen and family room, is perfect for al fresco dining with poolside views.
Communication with sub trades is an integral part of our process. Detailed construction drawings such as mechanical plans, elevations, section details and renderings are included in every job book and available on site. These are used to ensure all team members have the necessary information to create the project as it was designed.
As a part of a Design + Build firm, our design team works alongside the production team from concept to completion of each job. Routine internal reviews happen not only during the design process, but throughout construction. We work closely with project managers and subtrades to make field decisions during regular site visits. Constant communication allows design and construction to work seamlessly throughout the project.
This house was transformed from top to bottom, both inside and out. We are thrilled we could create a modern Colonial dream home our clients love!
