While we didn't make major changes to the layout of the first floor of the Gambrel, we did update almost every surface! I've already shared the kitchen, but wanted to share the rest of the first floor as well.
We started with the vestibule and the foyer. The vestibule was rebuilt with a new front door and sidelights. This brought lots of light in to the front of the house and really highlighted the new marble floor.
The foyer has a whole new feel, now that we opened up the doorway to the kitchen.
And now we have a powder room! We moved the closet to the living room, to make space for this half bath. BTW - all the walls are Sherwin Williams Toque White. It's such a versatile off-white that looks great throughout the house!
And I'm so thrilled with how the original light fixture has been polished and restored. Doesn't it look fantastic?
And the dining room has a whole new feel. The brick fireplace mantle has been updated with a more traditional look. We created an entry to the living room on the far side of the fireplace, creating a great circular flow between the two rooms (great for parties!). And the new chandelier provides a soft glow for the table. The old yellow birch floors look fantastic, now that they've been refinished.
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| Dining room before - old brick mantle, narrow bookcases and only one entrance to living room |
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| Dining Room After |
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| Dining Room Before - looking towards kitchen and foyer |
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| Dining Room After |
Best of all is the living room. We raised the floor, so it no longer feels disconnected from the rest of the first floor. We had to tear out the old cabinets, but had new custom cabinets built to create a wall of built ins.
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| Living Room Before |
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| Living Room After |
By adding the door to the yard, we brightened up the room, but also provided a way to get to the new brick patio. This indoor/outdoor space is wonderful during the warm weather months (yes, we do get some of them up here in Maine!).
And I am in love with this spherical light fixture! A nice change from the old ceiling fan.
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| Living Room Before |
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| Living Room After |
So there you have the first floor! Stay tuned - I'm pulling together the second floor before and after photos and will share them soon!
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And now we have a powder room! We moved the closet to the living room, to make space for this half bath. BTW - all the walls are Sherwin Williams Toque White. It's such a versatile off-white that looks great throughout the house!
And the dining room has a whole new feel. The brick fireplace mantle has been updated with a more traditional look. We created an entry to the living room on the far side of the fireplace, creating a great circular flow between the two rooms (great for parties!). And the new chandelier provides a soft glow for the table. The old yellow birch floors look fantastic, now that they've been refinished.
Here in Nova Scotia admiring your work. We had the opportunity to see one of your houses a few years ago on a visit. Again you have done a great job. For my personal taste the big block brick chimney would have to go.
ReplyDeleteHow nice to hear from you!!! It was so nice having you visit that arts & crafts bungalow! This house has a bit of a different style :-)
DeleteThe house is so well staged. You must have a small warehouse of pieces to choose from because the pieces fit the house so well. I'd want to purchase the house AND the furnishings (if I lived in Maine, that is).
ReplyDeleteI have 2 storage facilities full of stuff - and I'd love to have a 3rd.....but wonder where I cross the line into hoarding :-) Thanks so much for the kind words!
DeleteLooks great. I like how the house was gently modified, and the new elements go well with the style and period of the house. Raising the floor 2' worked well in the family room and the rebuilt built-in and the door to the outside really made the space.
ReplyDeleteAn entry closet in the dining room is a bit awkward, (I have a similar arrangement in my home) but since most people will be coming in through the kitchen, I suppose that won't be a problem. Are there hooks or something back there? In Maine, I think you need a fair amount of space for winter gear.
Yes, there's a double row of coat hooks and room for a couple of boot trays by the kitchen door! The coat closet is in the living room - it was that or have the powder room in there, which we thought was even more awkward!!!
DeleteBeautiful work, as always!
ReplyDeleteQuestion: When you raised the living room floor, did you also raise the ceiling? If not, what is the height of the room compared to the others? How does it feel to you? I imagine a slightly lower ceiling in such a lovely room would give it an extra cozy feel.
My forever 2.5 grandsons name is Jonah
ReplyDeleteI have a large collection of whales. Where can acquire one of these whales. Thank you in advance, tell Adelyn, Janie, Beth and Joe I send my love.
Do you mean the whale on the mantle? I bought it at Pottery Barn - probably a year ago. Not sure if they still carry them, but isn't he great???? We will seethe whole gang for the holidays. Can't wait!!!
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