Nestled in a quiet Cape Elizabeth neighborhood, a busy family of four sought to renovate their traditional colonial home. With this whole-house renovation, the once dark and segmented first floor was transformed into a light-filled retreat that balances modern functionality with the home's colonial aesthetic.

Exterior changes included re-siding, using a lighter composite siding with a slightly different coursing to change the scale of the house. A formal front entry was created by replacing the brick stair with granite slabs and adding Doug fir to create a warm yet rustic welcome for visitors. New windows were replaced throughout to create modern aesthetic.

Inside the home the project began with removing the cramped powder room off of the entry into the kitchen, and tearing down the wall between the kitchen and the living room, bringing significant light into the space and creating a cohesive connection between all three rooms. This decision not only opened up the space but also enhanced the client's ability to entertain in their home. The kitchen was carefully designed to create a bright, light-filled space that also offered a variety of storage solutions, as well as a dedicated area for gluten-free food preparation and storage. A spacious white oak island serves as the centerpiece, providing natural warmth and texture as a complement to the light gray perimeter cabinets. The island not only enhances the kitchen's flow but also provides ample workspace for both everyday cooking and specialized food prep. Overhead, large pendant lights hang gracefully, ensuring the entire space is well-lit and inviting, while adding a touch of elegance. Thoughtful details and a balanced mix of materials make this kitchen both a practical and beautiful hub for the home.

New flooring throughout further unified the design, creating a complementing backdrop for the new custom cabinetry in the kitchen and living rooms. In the sunroom, windows were replaced, heated tile floor was installed and pine ceiling with white-painted nickel gap walls were incorporated to brighten the space.

The transformation continued with the addition of a dormer on the second floor, improving the function of the primary bathroom and closet, flooding the spaces with natural light, and doubling the square footage of both. The kid's bathroom was completely renovated with new tile and a custom white oak vanity, adding a playful yet sophisticated touch. And the home's original staircase and railing were replaced with a more sleek, modern design, transforming the formal entryway.

One specific challenge was finding a good location for the relocated powder room on the first floor. The team debated with moving it to a few different spots, before finally deciding to take space from the home office at the front of the house. The powder room evolved into a full bath, with the intention of it being a first-floor bedroom suite down the road.

The complete renovation of this colonial home successfully merges traditional architecture with modern design elements, creating bright, open spaces that are perfect for entertaining. The result is a harmonious blend of the old and new, providing a welcoming environment for family and friends.

‍