Sneak Peek - Project No Name

Guess what?  We're getting ready to start our new project!  But I'm stumped on what to call it.

As you can see, it's a pretty nondescript ranch.  Built in 1952, it hasn't seen updates in decades - so it's time for some changes!  But just wait, it's got so much potential!!

But what should I call it?  Ranch Renovation (boring name, I know).  Ranch Revival?  Am I too stuck on alliteration J How about Desperately Seeking Charm?  I'd love to hear your ideas, because it's time to name it!

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Creating a New Master Suite

I can't share Before & After photos of the master suite - because it's in the new part of the house!  So instead, I'll just share all of the finished space.

This room is located at the end of the new addition and has windows on 3 sides.  That means there is fantastic sunlight streaming in most of the day.  In the winter you have views of Casco Bay and Willard Beach.  In the summer, it feels a bit like living in a treehouse.

And with all that sunlight creating a bright room, we decided to do a deep blue (Sherwin Williams Inky Blue) feature wall, for a bit of a wow.  It really compliments the window treatments and duvet cover too.

But my favorite feature?  The amazing light fixture!  I know it won't appeal to everyone, but I just love it.  Kind of fun and quirky.

We did a wall of wardrobes to provide a lot of storage space, with all the bells and whistles like lights that come on as you open the door and drawers that glide in and out.

I just love Laurie Fisher's original paintings in this room!  The pink and orange really pop.

The master bath is another great space.  We installed a fabulous hexagonal tile that mimics slices of trees.

It coordinates with the vanity and the marble top with two sinks. 

The shower is complimented with a wall of glass tile and glass French doors.  And the built in seat is a practical touch!

Whale art - Valerie Paul

So what do you think?  Is this a master suite where you could get away from it all?

Sources:

Tile - Old Port Specialty Tile

Bedside Lamps - Restoration Hardware

Bedside Tables - West Elm

Chandelier - Artcraft Lighting, Bel Air

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The Challenges of Updating a Second Floor With a Gambrel Roofline

As you may remember from previous posts, the second floor of this house was a big challenge - particularly for tall people.  So I had to think long and hard about how to change it for modern living.

First requirement was to move the staircase to the new addition - but then what to do in the funky spot where the old staircase was?  With its low headroom, it really didn't have a lot of useful options.

But as anyone that lives in an old house knows, storage is always lacking.  So why not make this space useful for storage?

We were able to create two nice sized closets - one for hanging clothes, the other with shelving.  And then we built in this drawer unit that I found on sale at Pottery Barn.

And do you see the difference the skylight makes?  Now the whole space feels light and bright.  And once the weather gets nice, the skylight opens for get great airflow.  And last but not least, the guys were able to stitch in original fir flooring from the old living room - so now we have a beautiful cohesive look!  You'd never know there was a staircase in that spot.

What else did we do?  Well, when you live in Maine, you tend to get a lot of houseguests.  So it's great if you can have a room for them when they come to visit.  For this house, we took one of the 2 original bedrooms and turned it into a quiet, serene room that will be welcoming for any guest.

How did we change it? This room was almost a mirror image of the room next door - it has the same funky gambrel roofline with the tiny, knee height dormer window.  We raised the dormer so we could add the required fire safety window - and also brought some nice light into the room.  And like the other room, we moved the closet to provide more floor space for furniture. 

Before - entrance was on left side of room

The other big change we made was moving the entry door.  That let us recess a large wardrobe and make much better use of the space!

After - doorway moved to right, so wardrobes could be recessed into wall

Don't you love these adorable prints from Valerie Paul?

And last, but not least, we renovated the upstairs bathroom.  They made good use of space here, so we didn't move any fixtures - just gave them all an update.

The amazing octagonal tub was refinished and now it simply glows.  A new faucet set really sets it off as well!

The new vanity provides lots of storage, with the help of a recessed medicine cabinet.  And don't you love the lights?

But my favorite element is the wallpaper.  It's like an engraving of clouds and tiny gold seagulls.  Very subtle, but so much style!

I'm really pleased with how much the old second floor has changed - now it's ready for it's new family!!

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Which House Would You Want to Be Quarantined In?

Okay, so I want to have a bit of fun as we wait for the Shelter-in-Place orders to change.  A big joke amongst Real Estate professionals is "can you imagine yourself being quarantined in this house?"  Because let's face it, when have we ever been home so much???

And that got me to thinking. I've done many projects over the last 9 years and there have been lots of different styles.  And different architectural styles appeal to different people.  So which house would you want to be quarantined in?  This will also help me as I plan for our new project!!

So here are 5 different projects.  Which do you like best?

1)  Charming Cottage -  This was our second project and still one of my favorites.  It's a small home, but packed with lots of charm.  It also had some surprises - like a grow room for marijuana behind a sheet rock wall!!  Click here to see all the before and after photos.

Farewell Knotty Pine Paneling - Hello bright which dining room!

I used old nautical charts as wallpaper and a unique oval marble floor in the powder room

2) Craftsman Bungalow -  We lived in a 1918 Arts and Crafts home when our kids were growing up and it's still one of my favorite architectural styles.  The simple lines and classic style makes me swoon!!

This cute little porch 3 season welcomes you as you step in the front door

This little bungalow had a pretty nondescript start - but once we added some Craftsman details, it was amazing!  Click here to see all the rest of the updates.

Tear down those walls and add architectural details like the colonnade and staircase!

Tear out the wall and the ceiling!!!

3) Cozy Ranch - At 750 square feet, this little house packs a lot of punch.  A house doesn't need to be big to be charming.

The additional ceiling volume makes the whole house seem huge!

Master Bedroom

Basement Playroom

This house saw a huge change in curb appeal

But it did need a huge amount of updating!!  Want to see all the Before & After photos?  Just click here.  

4) Classic Colonial - This house had the grace and charm of years gone by.  It's a classic center hall colonial, but we added some new details.  It's a bit more sophisticated than some of the simpler cottages we have done, with lots of traditional elements.

Kitchen with island and built in banquette

To see more -   Click this link

5) Mid Mod Marvel - And for something completely different, here's a bit of mid-century style for hanging out!

Mid century homes were the first to introduce a large central kitchen where the family could gather

A gas fireplace and a wall of windows......a nice place to spend a pandemic! 

Here are all the before and after photos - click here.

That's a variety of different architectural styles.  Is there one that appeals to you the most?  What is your choice?  Is there a home that you think is 'quarantine worthy'???  I can't wait to hear your responses! J

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