ARTFULLY DONE

The challenge: to remodel a much loved but dated family rancher into a home where the next generation would thrive today and gracefully age in place in the future. Our client purchased her father’s home after his passing, seeking to update it for use throughout her life. One request - a screened-in front porch where she could sit and watch the world go by - posed a design challenge as most screened porches are in the rear of the house. Integrating the screened front porch added real value to the lifestyle the client sought, honoring a pastime both she and her father enjoyed. The new home renovation is a contemporary Craftsman/Cape Cod with a nod to tradition that is both intentional, appropriate and in keeping with homes in the long-established neighborhood; high-end materials, treatments and finishes such as James Hardie cement siding, Boral TruExterior trim and simulated divided light windows provide a clean and modern feel. Zoning restrictions permit only detached garages; construction of a new garage allowed for a side entry to the home and created a greater side yard setback, affording an opportunity for landscaping and a custom garden trellis. The rear of the home features floor to ceiling windows while a bluestone patio facilitates an effortless transition from indoor to outdoor living. A built-in planter can be used for raised bed gardening as the client ages. The ultimate transition is embodied in the front door - original to the home, it was restored to celebrate the past while welcoming the future. Both an artist and an art collector, the client sought appropriate opportunities to display art and sculptures; a transparent staircase showcases artwork on both floors and lightens the space throughout. The interior of the open plan home features a grand hall that serves as both a gathering space and a gallery for the clients’ collections. The home flows seamlessly - the patio and porch extend the living space while the kitchen captures the morning sun. Inspired by Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona Pavilion, the primary bathroom is a composition of stone, marble and glass; the artful design is grounded by a walk-in zero threshold shower intended to serve the client as she ages in place.