This outdated home in Osterville, Massachusetts was purchased with one purpose in mind: a high-end flip. The tired beach retreat hadn’t been updated since the 1960’s and required larger bedrooms and more bathrooms. The buyer hired You’re Home Custom Interiors to coax the potential out of this clunky ranch with beautiful bones. Cape life focuses on the outdoors, so along with a full renovation of the interior, our client had plans to maximize the backyard into a secondary living space including a complete overhaul of the pool, a new custom fire pit and modern hardscaping.

After: Front of house

Left: The back yard and pool before the renovation
Right: The new exterior and simplified landscape

When more space, light and bathrooms are needed and you can’t expand out, you go up! A shed dormer was added to the partially unfinished second floor, creating an opportunity to add a second master suite. The new, luxurious suite includes a charming master bath with soaking tub and separate walk-in shower. A large “kids” bathroom was another bonus from the new space and works to service the existing spacious bunk room.

Left: Unfinished attic space was expanded to create a new master bath and bedroom
Right: The new master bath is finished with beadboard and filled with light

While the changes to the second floor were dramatic, the overhaul of the first floor was revolutionary. The flooring throughout the entire home was changed to a wide plank oak which was custom stained in a perfect, beach-inspired finish. The mural on the dining room wall was painted over in a neutral sandy color. New lighting was added in the dining room, foyer and kitchen.

Left: Before, the dining room featured a hand painted mural
Right: After, the dining room and living room get a fresh coat of neutral paint

The kitchen was an outstanding transformation. First, the door to the butler’s pantry in the dining room was removed to widen the opening to the kitchen. The original “U” cabinet layout was choppy, and the separate eating area was small and awkward. By eliminating two peninsulas and replacing them with an oversized island, the kitchen gained more workable prep space and additional seating.

Left: Before the kitchen was dark and had an awkward layout
Right: After the remodel the kitchen became more spacious and functional

With today’s active family, a command station is a must. Eliminating an unnecessary closet freed up space near the mudroom entrance for a “drop zone” with file storage, a bulletin board area and plenty of power outlets.

A beverage center was added for easy access to drinks, eliminating the need for the extra-large fridge to be opened repeatedly. The new cabinets utilize a deep drawer system – perfect for housing dishes, pots and pans. Recessed and under cabinet lighting was utilized to eliminate dark spots in task areas.

Top, Left: Before, the kitchen had a “U” layout
Top, Right: After, the kitchen expanded into under utilized areas doubling in size
Bottom: After, the small peninsula was replaced with an oversized island

Granite countertops, porcelain subway tiles, marble and mother of pearl mosaics, white painted cabinets and classic lighting pair with stainless, high-end appliances to create a clean, fresh space filled with light and perfect for entertaining.

Left: Before, an awning blocked natural light from entering the kitchen
Right: After, the kitchen is now flooded with daylight

Downstairs, the overbearing awning was removed over the patio door to let in more light and allow easy access to the outside entertaining area. Overgrown evergreens and perennials were cut back in favor of more lawn and dining space.

Originally, the first floor contained only three small bedrooms and two outdated bathrooms. To create a master bedroom retreat, two of the tiny bedrooms were combined. Two bathrooms, previously back to back, were reconfigured into a large master bathroom and ample guest bath. A powder room on the main floor was also given a significant facelift.

Left: The main floor bath was very outdated and lacking in storage space
Right: After the remodel the bathroom sports a new vanity for storage and lots of light

A few thoughts on choosing materials for updating your bathrooms:

Tile shopping can be daunting – but a great designer can help you whittle down a vast selection into a coordinated collection perfect for the needs of your space. Tile has come a long way – possibilities are endless and a lot of fun. If you’re thinking of resale, you can still incorporate interesting, creative choices as long as you keep it relatively neutral and not too “cute.” A way to put your stamp on your remodel without scaring off potential buyers is to use an accent tile in the shower, such as a mixed material mosaic (stone and glass, for example). You can create a unique look by running a thick band of accent tile just below eye level and through the built-in niche. Second, think about changing up the tile direction. Large tiles run horizontally creates a modern, dramatic look – and if done in a neutral tile, the look is instantly classic.

Today, the countertop material of choice is natural or engineered stone. Quartz composite brands such as Caesarstone or Silestone are beautiful, durable and give you a high-end look for less. Most stone (with the exception of marble) is easy to care for and resists staining, making it the top go-to material for both bathrooms and kitchens.

Above: A light fixture mounted onto the mirror is a fresh, modern look

Another great, modern look is to mount your lighting directly to the mirror. The mirror helps amplify light in the space, making tasks such as putting on makeup or styling your hair easier and brighter. Also, if it is within your budget, consider a “frameless” glass shower enclosure. The look is clean, unfussy, and sure to appeal to all potential homebuyers.

Left: The vanity top before renovations
Right: The vanity top is replaced by a quartzite top and backsplash

 

photo credit: Jon Moore, Architectural Photography

You’ve just picked up your morning cup of coffee. The sun is shining, the windows are down, the long New England winter has finally ended. Construction projects are popping up left and right. As you drive through your neighborhood, it’s abuzz with activity. Suddenly, you stop short and do an epic double take when you see one of your neighbors has painted their house. Neon. Yellow.

It’s happened to us all at some point, right? We’ve all passed homes of varying offensive shades and thought, “What on earth where they thinking?” Bright, bold colors can work (as in Cape Town, South Africa, above) – but in your classic New England neighborhood? You’ll stand out for all the wrong reasons.

Spring is the perfect time to give your home a new look, as well as repair any damage that may have occurred during winter storms. Choosing the right color of exterior paint can be a delicate balancing act, and, done incorrectly, can lead to a costly mistake if you don’t take some important factors into consideration.

1. Choose the right professionals. Did you know a designer can help you select your paint colors? A professional designer will help you assess your favorite colors, factor in the overall vision for your home and produce a cohesive color palette for your exterior for a nominal fee. In addition, designers have great relationships with painters and can refer you to a qualified professional painter. A successful paint job is only as good as the preparation; a professional painter will meticulously prepare all exterior surfaces before painting.

2. Think you can pick the perfect neutral? Think again. It’s easy to pick the perfect beige, right? Believe it or not, it can actually be a difficult task if you don’t understand undertones. What’s an undertone? Sensational Color defines undertones as “attributes that the human eye does not immediately see.” Beiges can have a multitude of undertones including red, green, yellow and gray. Spread out over an enormous surface, such as your entire home, a beige with a red undertone can appear pink.

3. Consider your environment. Is your lot shaded? In full-sun all day? Are you in a wooded area? By the shore? Did you know that different environmental and lighting factors can completely change how you perceive your exterior paint color? What colors are your roof, chimney and driveway? Selecting a color that works in your existing lighting conditions and complements your permanent structural elements can be a challenge – but not impossible. Both Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams offer color visualization tools where you can upload a photo of your home and digitally apply color. It’s a great place to start, and once you’ve narrowed down your favorites, it’s vital to purchase sample pots of each color. Paint a large swatch on one side of your home, and over the next week, observe how the color changes during different times of day.

4. Consider your neighborhood. As mentioned above, no one wants to be “that house.” While maintaining your individuality and personal style is important, you also want to complement the other homes in your neighborhood. Thinking of selling in the future? Some exterior paint colors will actually help your home sell faster. Designers are knowledgeable about color trends and see which colors people respond to more readily. A real estate professional can also get you on the right color track. Our good friends, Alyson Karpowicz and Stephanie Burns at Benoit, Mizner, Simon & Co. know a lot about curb appeal. These ladies can tell you which colors get rave reviews and more showings. Often, designers and real estate pros collaborate to get homeowners top dollar for their property, so finding the right people to work with in your area is always a wise investment.

Are you thinking about adding some curb appeal to your home with a spring makeover? Choosing an exterior paint color is a big decision – but don’t fear, professional help is here! Contact us today to discuss your next exterior project.

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There may be a foot of snow left on the ground here in New England, but spring is on everyone’s minds. It’s never too early to start planning for the warmer weather, and that includes revamping your outdoor spaces.

Are you dreaming of a Memorial Day Weekend cookout? Did you know it’s only ten weeks away? It seems like a lifetime, but custom pieces can often take several weeks to arrive. So if you’re looking to entertain in style – plus beat the winter doldrums – it’s best to start planning for your dream deck.

Here is an outdoor deck we recently completed that is the perfect party spot. The large sectional is ideal for guest seating and since it is modular, different configurations can work in almost any space. The comfortable cushions are made from Sunbrella fabric. What’s amazing about Sunbrella? The fabrics are specifically constructed to be both mildew and stain resistant, and the colors never fade. You can clean it with regular soap and water for minor spills, and even bleach for more serious stains. That’s how these luxe cream cushions can still look new for years to come.

Outdoor rugs are perfect for creating and defining cozy conversation areas. These rugs are tough stuff – meant to withstand sun, rain and mold. But not everything you incorporate into your dream deck has to be meant for the outdoors. For this project, garden stools, lanterns and other decor items created a true outdoor living room feel.

The most important element in any outdoor space is Mother Nature. Fill brightly colored pots and window boxes with flowers and greenery. Beautiful hibiscus plants will banish all thoughts of winter.

Last, it is vital to invest in some quality furniture covers as our long New England winters can take their toll on outdoor pieces. Even if your furniture if weather-resistant, it should still be put away once the chill returns to the air. By cleaning, covering, and properly storing your new deck furniture you’ll be able to enjoy it for years to come.

Have an outdoor space that needs some help? Contact us to start your project today!
Want to see more of our work? Check out our Portfolio.