From 'Ew' to 'Ah!': Transforming Our Client's Home to a Modern Colonial Estate
When our clients bought this home, they knew one thing… they hated it… It was the classic “worst house in the best neighborhood” situation, where they were smart in the purchase, as all of the homes in this mature neighborhood were well maintained and of a much higher appraisal, allowing us to really think out of the box on how we could revitalize this beige ‘beauty’.
THE EXTERIOR
We got to work on documenting the home, driving around the neighborhood and gathering our inspiration all while understanding this home’s constraints. We also sat with the clients to understand their wants and needs and their wishes for this home over the next 20 years!
Exterior Constraints
- A tight, wedge-like lot surrounded by neighbors and a road on two sides.
- A major addition or square footage increase is not possible.
- Must accommodate a family of 6 comfortably and their visitors – would like to host gatherings.
- Must have curb appeal and change the style of the home without a complete “tear down”.
- The clients and their children would occupy the home during construction.
We had to be able to maximize everything this home had to offer, both for the family to live comfortably as their children grew into busy teenagers as well as create a timeless and modern look.
Exterior Home Inspiration
We were looking for inspiration that held the timelessness of a traditional colonial home, while also having some modern detailing and function that met the needs of the client and their family.
See more inspiration we collected for this project on our Pinterest Board: HERE
Exterior Design Solution
Maintaining the home’s existing massing on the front, we:Â
- Took full advantage of the two existing chimneys, giving them more prominence and detail;
- Removed the garage and front porch roof to install a large wrap around deck that connects to the yard in the rear as well as the master suite on the second floor;
- Added dormers and enlarged all of the windows throughout the home, and;
- Add trim and detailing throughout to emphasize a colonial feel and custom, luxurious look.
Needless to say, we have definitely increased this home’s function and curb appeal!
the floor plan & interior design
When you have a home with four small children, every square INCH counts! We had to be very mindful of every space, wall and cubbies to make sure we were maximizing this home’s full potential and efficiency while maintaining a light and airy feel.
Interior Constraints
- Smaller, segregated rooms
- Bonus mudroom in a forgotten location
- Tight rear entry and hallway where the family entered and exited daily
- No storage anywhere useful
- Segregation from the home and yard – parents having trouble monitoring children while playing
- The path through home complicated with unnecessary twists and turns – tight for a large family
- Kitchen small and long – island not usable for sitting
- Dining area is odd and not suitable for the entire family
Existing Floor Plan
Interior Home Inspiration
We were looking for inspiration that brought the timelessness of the exterior, in, while also having a modern, functional and open space that met the needs of the client and their family – and could handle the wear and tear of children and their friends.
See more inspiration we collected for this project on our Pinterest Board: HEREÂ
Proposed Floor Plan
When you have a home with 4 children, every square INCH counts! We had to be very mindful of every space, wall and cubbies to make sure we were maximizing this home’s full potential and efficiency while maintaining a light and airy feel. Adding small additions to the rear of the home allowed us to:
- Create a laundry room that also serves as a central ‘drop’ area with plenty of storage – and can be easily closed off when guests arrive.
- Create a clear, unobstructed path through the home.
- Double the size of the kitchen and add a full pantry.
- Add much needed natural light and direct lines of sight to the yard.
- Add direct access to the yard from the sunroom.
- Views all the way through the home.
- Â Add a full bath on the first floor – great for resale and a large family.
- Add storage and built-ins throughout to maximize each space.
Interior Visualization
Oh, how we enjoyed the challenge of this home and creating a design the clients only dreamed of! While we are sad this solution is not built (yet!)… it was given to the client as a Master Plan for their home, which they plan on executing in phases over the next 3-5 years!
We are so excited for them and glad we could offer a design solution that others were not able to provide for them!
Jessie Ellis
Wife, friend and dog mom with 18+ years of education and 12+ years as a commercial design professional. Always inquisitive, creative and empathetic; trying to live each day with intention.
