This suburban residence suffered from a rambling floor plan, a lackluster kitchen, and disjointed space planning. We re-positioned the garage entry in order to create a mudroom and storage entry sequence. We then opened the kitchen up to a south-facing patio as well as to the family room, dining room, and formal living room beyond. To achieve this, we gutted much of the main floor – including bearing walls that were replaced with beams. We also removed the patio façade, completely reconfigured its fenestration, and added a cedar trellis that projects a layer of lattice-like shadows on the floor.

Sunlight filters into kitchen

Corner seating nook

View from mudroom through kitchen to patio

Glass backsplash

Kitchen

Kitchen with entry hall and family room beyond

Views now extend outward through a wall of windows that transform into panels of colored, polished plaster as they wrap around built-in seating. With its substantial stainless steel island, the redesigned kitchen functions as a family hub as well as a dramatic place to entertain.