Arts and Crafts Bungalow

This residential renovation project encompassed the entire three floors of a 4,500 square foot Arts and Crafts bungalow, built in 1915, sited on just over an acre in rural Western Massachusetts. In addition to the house, the site includes a detached two-car garage, with off-road parking for ten cars. The house construction/renovation cost was approximately $450/s.f. The existing exterior footprint of the house was maintained, (with some minor door location changes and window location changes and additions) while all interior systems (plumbing, mechanical, electrical, etc.) and many of the interior finishes were removed, including plaster walls and ceilings, and replaced.

Energy efficient changes and the scope of the project:

Icynene insulation, new HVAC systems (including a Buderus gas condensing boiler), new Marvin windows, (replacing all existing windows, but replicating the original window design), Lutron-Homeworks Whole House lighting controls (including drapery/shade controls in most rooms), recessed and decorative light fixtures and low-flow toilets (as part of the updated whole-house plumbing), were among the updated features.

The basement was transformed from a largely utilitarian space into a lower level of living space with guest room, bath with shower, wine cellar, fitness room, and secondary kitchen/laundry/dog-wash area. Hydronic radiant heating was installed on the lower level, as well as in the new first floor kitchen and all bathrooms. The first floor kitchen was relocated and enlarged, while the iconic living room and dining room space with colonnade was maintained, but given a facelift. The original first floor full bath was downsized to a more appropriate powder room for guests. On the second floor, the space occupied by a small bedroom was used to create a master bath (with steam shower) as part of the master suite; the general layout of the second floor remained similar to its original look, but among other changes, closets were reconfigured and one of the three remaining bedrooms has become a home office, with gas fireplace. Blocking was added to shower walls to allow for the future installation of grab bars.

The interior design specifics for the project:

Karen, as the designer of record for this project, was involved in all its phases; a collaborator in the original architectural design process with the builder, beginning with programming and throughout design development (the drawings were produced by the builder’s architectural designer). Also working closely with the lighting designer to review lighting plans and choose decorative fixtures, selecting all finish materials and furnishings, provided product specifications and product and finish schedules as needed, developing furniture layouts and collaborating with the builder on all architectural details. During the execution of the design/construction phase, working closely with the builder’s project manager and foreman, as the owner’s representative and providing additional project management expertise.

The client/owner’s goals for the renovation; the design challenge:

The client/owner expressed a desire for serenity, particularly when she was enjoying a quiet evening at home, and at the same time, she wanted the house to feel welcoming to friends and provide the right setting for lively charity events.

Our interpretation of the client’s goals, the design solution and the use of natural materials:
The house, itself, provided the solution; the clarity of line.

The living room and dining room demonstrated the clarity of line in their original architectural detail, including the fireplace and the structure of the colonnade. By using the repetition of this clean line (both straight and curved) throughout the house in the furnishings, finishes, recessed and decorative lighting and introducing and repeating architectural detail and custom cabinetry, where it had not been prior to the renovation, the space reveals harmony and rhythm.

The natural color palette expressed on the walls and through other finishes of browns, golds, greys, greens and reds, along with the variation in pattern subtlety, serves to emphasize a more soothing experience of the space, as in the master bedroom, or a more energetic one, as in the kitchen. Wood, stone and marble flooring, marble and schist counter/vanity tops and wainscoting in bathrooms, Tibetan wool and silk area rugs, cotton, wool and silk fabrics for draperies and upholstery (also leather for the latter) were selected to maintain a connection to nature, not only through choice of color, but also through their “green” material content.

Southern New Hampshire Cape

For this living room project, the client expressed the desire keep the original footprint of the room, as well as traditional-looking wainscoting and the existing fireplace and surround, but to update the room, to create a contemporary feel for entertaining. The house itself is a 1970’s rendition of a classic Cape style house, including a white marble fireplace surround, built from aged and new marble. Thom Glynn of Eye Catching Designs and I collaborated on this project.

Our response to the challenge of creating a contemporary feel, while maintaining the traditional elements of room, was to focus on the dynamic contrast created by those traditional and contemporary elements, when placed together. To that end, the contrasts included: a deep blue-green wall color, with bright white trim; collectible furniture that included a vintage 1960’s marble-topped coffee table, an early 1900’s side table, new unembellished upholstered sofa and lounge chair, as well as tufted armless lounge chairs. Artwork was chosen with the same contrasts in mind, including a 1960’s original oil painting of the ocean over the fireplace, against more graphic pieces in the rest of the room.

Lighting is very important to both of us, so recessed ceiling fixtures and dimmers were added. Decorative lighting was chosen with the theme of dynamic contrasts in mind, as well, and the range included sconces with shades over the fireplace having a more traditional sensibility, to a Georg Kovacs chrome arced floor lamp, evoking the 1960’s.

Thom and I received the 2010 Living Spaces Award from the IFDA, New England Chapter, for this living room design.

Western Massachusetts Contemporary Colonial

The goal of this project, in the renovation of the kitchen and two baths, including the main bath on the second floor, was bringing the “outside in.” The clients’ property is wooded and abuts conservation land, and we maintained a connection to the exterior, while integrating the newly designed spaces with the existing living areas.

Wilbraham Mid-Century Three-Bath Update

The updated designs for the baths were influenced by traditional elements in the mid-century home, particularly the downstairs half-bath, with its new wainscoting, traditional fixtures and medicine cabinet.  The upstairs baths kept that reference to more traditional design elements, while keeping the tiles and wall colors, light and bright!  

Western Massachusetts Mid-Century Kitchen Remodel

This 1500 square foot 1960s ranch is on a wooded lot in Western Massachusetts and was done with sustainability and budget in mind; the grays and browns of the flooring and wall colors were influenced by the natural elements (bark, stones, etc.) on the outside of the house; the original exterior siding color is approximated in the new kitchen wall color. Mid-century nods include the 1960s vintage Broyhill “Emphasis” hutch, table and chairs; vintage and contemporary accessories, in the form of ceramic vases, bowls and glassware; vintage and contemporary art also reflect mid-century aesthetics. The cabinetry was maintained, as was the footprint of the room. The pantry closet footprint is also original, and now has Elfa shelving and a pull-out cart. Referencing the original Formica countertop, a new Formica matte countertop was installed; “Beluga” in beige. The new bar area, in the center of the room was made to match the existing cabinets, and holds the microwave, as well as recycling and dishes and cutlery. A new mini-split has replaced the electric heat in the ceiling and a window air conditioning unit, and is much easier to use and has reduced the cost of heating and cooling the space. The kitchen is now approved by Cosmo, the greyhound….