Rhapsody in Walnut

We began by laying out a clear set of style rules for how to approach the home’s updates. While the home’s exterior and the interior millwork would be kept in its original style, plumbing, casework, lighting, finishes, and fixtures would all be in a modern style. Referring to these rules helped guide the design and decision-making processes, leading to a balanced and approachable, yet unique style all the homeowner’s own.

In this tailor-made home remodel, a living room turned record room exemplifies the joyful, beautiful spaces that can be created even when specific functionality is essential. The design for the Record Room had to begin by working out the math — determining exactly how much space (and how much strength) was needed to display the homeowner’s collection of over 5,000 records and cassette tapes.

The network of shelving envelops the entire room, framing the windows, cased openings, an alcove perfect for a couch, and the homeowner’s collection of art. A built-in console for a record player creates a niche for the array of cassette tapes.

Modern in style, the walnut veneer ApplePly casework matches the casework in the rest of the home for a cohesive look & feel, while the moldings are in the home’s original Queen Anne style, creating a charming juxtaposition in the eclectic space.

The aesthetic care and underlying harmony of the room’s design continue even where subtle or hidden. The casework was painstakingly designed to align the cadence of the shelves with the window and door thresholds, while still fitting the records perfectly.

The entire built-in system was installed with completely hidden attachments, leaving a beautifully constructed shelving structure even without the records on display.

In the kitchen, a dining niche built into a bank of cabinets and display cubbies offers storage while creating usable space for dining. Glass backing on the shelving allows light to filter into the space while maintaining the full wall of casework. Different types of glass create a variety of views of the display from the other side. A laundry chute cleverly integrated into the casework wall adds functionality.

Though entirely new, the entry was designed to look as if it had always been part of the original home. A blend of the traditional exterior and modern interior, the entry features the dark wood trim of the original home with modern twists in the bench seat and arced nook behind the door. The front door sets the tone for the house, hinting at the contemporary transformation within.

In this home — an amalgam of details large and small — carefully selected materials, finishes, and custom detailing make even the smallest spaces shine. Upstairs, the homeowners’ eclectic style is embodied in spaces filled with color and print, balanced by thoughtful layouts and materials. Colorful tile, modern shapes, and careful transitions lead to spaces that feel bright, cheery, and fun.

The primary bedroom features a sauna, the minimalism of which belies a meticulously detailed space. With a skylight, windows, and a number of materials, we carefully considered each transition to create a space with no reveals to interrupt the space’s look and feel. This meticulous effort, along with understated trims and hardware, allows the minimalist aesthetic of the space to be on full display.

The entire upper floor was reimagined to accommodate a new layout, adding a structural beam to allow for new bedrooms and bathrooms to be added. Original elements of the home are preserved and celebrated, such as how portions of the original flooring now clad the ceiling in the primary closet as a textural accent.

The original doors were also salvaged and reused, along with their original hardware. To integrate the 1910s knobs and backplates with new, modern locks, the new materials were patinated to match the vintage aesthetic. The refinished doors retained their historic charm while blending seamlessly with the updated spaces.

The desire for highly personalized spaces extends to the exterior spaces, as well. A small deck in the corner of the yard doubles as a performance stage, while the main deck off the kitchen offers a comfortable seating and dining area above abundant storage below. A new shed offers additional storage, as well as parking and charging for the family's e-bikes.

The backyard was also refreshed with new plants and materials. Bluestone pathways improve circulation, and a vegetable garden, raised beds, and retained, existing blueberry bushes offer opportunities to glean straight from the garden.

The homeowners’ involvement in the design process was instrumental to its success. With a strong value for craftsmanship, they continually challenged us to find creative solutions for incorporating the variety of items on their wishlist.

Whether it was determining how to integrate personal items or designing spaces that balanced functionality and style, their trust pushed us to achieve a result that truly reflects their family and lifestyle.