description
In a picturesque suburban setting, just steps from the ocean, a house brimming with untapped potential awaited its new owners. This family of four quickly discovered that the existing structure's fragmented first floor plan constrained circulation and functionality. The kitchen, intended to be the heart of the home, proved particularly problematic, with its inefficient layout thwarting the family’s desire for shared meals. The lack of a dedicated office space complicated their work-from-home needs, and a scarcity of windows left the dated interior feeling oppressively dim.
The solution to these problems involved a bold reconfiguration of the entire first floor. By replacing a key load-bearing wall with a concealed steel beam, the space was dramatically opened up, improving circulation and fostering a visual connection between the kitchen, living areas, and the lush landscape beyond. The newly designed kitchen stands as a testament to thoughtful planning, featuring a carefully curated material palette of custom cabinetry, refinished wood floors, and luminous marble surfaces that imbue the space with airiness and sophistication. Despite its modest footprint, the kitchen now boasts an impressive array of amenities that include a custom wine rack, French door refrigerator, integrated pantry, extra-wide sink, dual ovens, induction stovetop, dishwasher, coffee station, charging station, and custom organizational built-ins. These elements coalesce to create a space that is both highly functional and aesthetically pleasing, tailored precisely to the family’s needs.
The initial structural reconfiguration catalyzed a series of enhancements throughout the home. The living room now exudes comfort and spaciousness while an adjoining office space effectively addresses professional requirements. Most significantly, the primary living areas enjoy a harmonious interconnectedness that fosters the sense of togetherness the family had long desired. In essence, this renovation has not merely updated a house; it has crafted a home that resonates with its inhabitants' lifestyle, seamlessly blending functionality with aesthetic appeal.
insights
Spatial Connections
The proposed plan is a celebration of the existing home’s latent potential and the clients vision to create harmony between constrained spaces. By simply opening up the space, replacing bearing walls with overhead beams, and offering improved visual connection between spaces, their day-to-day use of the home is immediately transformed. The kitchen easily flows into living space, there are plentiful storage and work spaces, and now it's easier to keep track of the kids while engaged with other tasks such as working or preparing meals in the kitchen.
Light and Materials
The client’s existing home felt dark and cramped, especially in the primary living spaces. Though removing partition walls already provided a dramatic increase in the amount of natural light, this effect was further magnified by selecting light-colored, contemporary materials to reflect the ambient light and reduce reliance upon electric lighting. Contemporary yet classical casework alongside tasteful marble accents result in a space which feels clean, bright, and connected to the seasonal rhythms of coastal Maine.
Builder: Cousin's Co
Structural Engineer: L&L Structural Engineering
Interior Design: Kelly O'Connell Interiors
Photography: Bravo Jenny Photo
In a picturesque suburban setting, just steps from the ocean, a house brimming with untapped potential awaited its new owners. This family of four quickly discovered that the existing structure's fragmented first floor plan constrained circulation and functionality. The kitchen, intended to be the heart of the home, proved particularly problematic, with its inefficient layout thwarting the family’s desire for shared meals. The lack of a dedicated office space complicated their work-from-home needs, and a scarcity of windows left the dated interior feeling oppressively dim.
The solution to these problems involved a bold reconfiguration of the entire first floor. By replacing a key load-bearing wall with a concealed steel beam, the space was dramatically opened up, improving circulation and fostering a visual connection between the kitchen, living areas, and the lush landscape beyond. The newly designed kitchen stands as a testament to thoughtful planning, featuring a carefully curated material palette of custom cabinetry, refinished wood floors, and luminous marble surfaces that imbue the space with airiness and sophistication. Despite its modest footprint, the kitchen now boasts an impressive array of amenities that include a custom wine rack, French door refrigerator, integrated pantry, extra-wide sink, dual ovens, induction stovetop, dishwasher, coffee station, charging station, and custom organizational built-ins. These elements coalesce to create a space that is both highly functional and aesthetically pleasing, tailored precisely to the family’s needs.
The initial structural reconfiguration catalyzed a series of enhancements throughout the home. The living room now exudes comfort and spaciousness while an adjoining office space effectively addresses professional requirements. Most significantly, the primary living areas enjoy a harmonious interconnectedness that fosters the sense of togetherness the family had long desired. In essence, this renovation has not merely updated a house; it has crafted a home that resonates with its inhabitants' lifestyle, seamlessly blending functionality with aesthetic appeal.