The clients came to Home Expressions seeking advice on the dilemma they faced of moving to a newer, more updated home or coming up with a budget and plan to remain in their existing home that would bring it up to the level of newer comparable homes of its size in the area. After discussion with Laura Bloom, it was determined that due to the wonderful location, neighbors and design possibilities, a renovation was best suited for the Harris lifestyle. Most importantly the home needed to not only be attractive but livable for three children and two large dogs. The Harris’ requested a state of the art kitchen with multiple cooking and food prep areas. The kitchen was completely gutted including breaking into a long but poorly functioning pantry and also taking down the wall between the kitchen and the Dining Room. This added considerably to the amount of living space and created a whole new Keeping Room that was easily accessible from the kitchen. An arched brick header was used to divide the spaces.
The two existing windows were replaced with doors for easy access to the newly designed and built stone veranda and portico. The front doors were replaced with wonderful glass and iron doors in a stain color to match the new hardwood throughout the main level and front stairs. The old staircase spindles were replaced with iron and all rooms were painted. All light fixtures and hardware were replaced and any remaining cabinets fauxed. True to the requested Tuscan feel, Laura introduced a pale lemon yellow, gold, olive green and cedar palette. A rich combination of textures are apparent in the imported Italian tile, glazed tile and tumbled stone used in the backsplash along with Verde bronze and glass. Three custom wood finishes were chosen for kitchen cabinetry and the hood over the range fauxed to resemble copper. New furnishings, window treatments, and a combination of existing and new art and accessories complete the space.
