Nestled in the woods on a former horse ranch, our client fell in love with the beautiful property that surrounded this home. However, the segmented layout and small rooms within the house were far less appealing. About to be empty nesters, our client instead envisioned an open layout that was comfy for two but conducive to large family get-togethers with extended family.
Our client, being a civil engineer, came to us with a good understanding of which walls could be removed and how to structurally support the roof. Combined with our eye for transformative design, we were able to re-configure their home to its fullest potential—a complete country estate transformation.
Before
Segmented Layout + Dark Rooms + Outdated Furnishings + Extra Bedroom Space + Underused Sunroom + Lacking Function and Flow
After
Comfortable Open Layout + Abundant with Natural Light + Timeless Furnishings + Smart Space Reallocation + Increased Function and Flow
Design Process
During the initial working session we took inventory of our client’s wants, needs, likes, dislikes and design dreams. We examined the current layout and opportunities to re-configure and increase flow throughout the space. To achieve maximum design potential we envisioned the home’s footprint without any existing interior walls and then re-designed interior walls to create new rooms where necessary and to increase openness throughout the floor plan.
Our team developed the design concept, working drawings, 3-D renderings, specs, and handled design oversight for this extensive renovation.
Design Concept
The most impactful space transformation in this home occurred in the kitchen, where a wall was removed and the ceilings were vaulted for a stunning seamless transition into the living room. This was a real game-changer—natural light now poured into the kitchen and the most popular rooms in the house were unified into a much more functional open layout.
The window above the dish sink was also centered and enlarged to enjoy the beautiful backyard view. A small foyer was removed from this zone too, leaving a sprawling light-filled living space to receive you upon entry. The underused formal dining room was repurposed into a spacious butler’s pantry, made accessible from several different points including the kitchen.
An existing mudroom/bathroom combo space was converted to a powder room and cheerful back entry to welcome family and friends. The washer and dryer were relocated to an unused extra bedroom and outfitted with plenty of storage cabinets for function galore, now closer to the master too. The underused sunroom was repurposed into an elegant dining space with additional seating right off of the kitchen.
Design Features
To stay on budget without sacrificing looks, the fireplace stone received a modern white-wash makeover in lieu of replacement. Large furniture pieces were used on either side of the fireplace providing unique storage and a much more affordable option than custom built-in cabinets. A local artisan was hired to build the mantel and a barn door, countertop, and floating shelves to match from locally sourced reclaimed hardwood. The living room and kitchen feature custom stained trusses, with one concealing a newly installed support beam.
The updated kitchen space featured a hutch cabinet with a stained shiplap interior and LED lighting to highlight the client’s milk glass collection. The large middle island supported a move-able upholstered banquette with storage for larger kitchen appliances and supplies. The banquette and the table are intended to be flexible furnishings—both can be rotated 90 degrees and pulled out from the island to allow space to fully walk around the island when entertaining.
The old kitchen cabinets were repurposed and restyled in the butler’s pantry, now painted an electric navy color. Two bench-seat sofas and a pair of swivel armchairs provide ample seating and a comfy connection from the living room to the kitchen. The home’s interior trim and doors, sunroom, main bedroom, and guest bath were all refreshed to flow with the new design.
Our Country Estate Transformation was recently featured in the March 2021 issue of Elle Decor Magazine.
Ready to reimagine your space? Let’s team up to create the kind of transformative design that truly elevates your living. Click here to get started!
See below for before/after photos and then see even more photos here!
Design: Everything Home Designs | Renovator: The Lifestyle Group | Photographer: Sarah Shields
