THE VISION
With 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom and a kitchen that was straight out of the 1950's, our clients knew the home had "great bones," but that was about all it had going for it. They longed for a large open-concept kitchen and great room area coupled with private spaces to retreat.
The location was perched on a hillside overlooking the Huron River and the clients wanted to be able to capture the setting and maximize views to the beautiful property and the river. Thus a seamless connection to the beautiful surrounding lot was also important as they were looking forward to spending more time in the garden.
The Team
Design & Architecture: Jimmy Bevilacqua & Katie MacGillivray
Project Manager: Meadowlark Project Management Team
Professional Photography: Sean Carter
DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE
Schematic Design
With and existing 1322 square feet, our designers knew that an addition would be necessary to achieve the goals our clients were looking for. The challenge was to add onto the home, but maintain the charming Craftsman/Cape Cod aesthetic that attracted our clients to the home initially.
Our clients were close to retirement and were looking to this home as a place to retreat and enjoy their grandchildren and their love of gardening. Creating spaces that would allow them to enjoy both were key design drivers.
Their wishlist included:
- A private primary suite that captured views of the river and the back garden
- A large open-concept kitchen with dining and casual living areas to enjoy large family gatherings
- Open views to the back garden and to seasonal views of the river
- Office space for working from home
- Outdoor areas for entertaining and relaxing
- Child-friendly sleeping accommodations for overnights with Grandma and Grandpa
Design Development
Meadowlark listened and understood the client’s goals and vision and constructed a two-story addition on the back.
As the project got underway, we found that the home didn't have the "good bones" our clients were hoping for. Thus major structural modifications to the roof were needed to take this home well into the next century(s).
Aside from this, the new structure took shape. The new addition included a primary bed and bathroom upstairs with adjoining laundry facilities, and a large open-concept kitchen/dining/family room area with large windows across the entire back wall.
The whole-home renovation and addition included:
- A large great room area with lots of windows and double door access to back deck
- A large rear deck for outdoor entertainment
- A new first floor powder room and an update to the existing living room to include a work-from-home-office area
- Motawi Tile fireplace surround
- William Morris wallpaper in powder room
- Remodeled kitchen and oversized island
The Results
Coupled with a beautiful, open design concept and the manipulation of natural light, this interior remodel offers a warm and natural tone, adding to the experience that is this charming Cape Cod home.
Meadowlark’s Design Department worked closely with the clients to create a home that would not only work for their family, but also would maximize the spectacular views overlooking the Huron River. A two-story addition on the back and major structural modifications have transformed this small cottage into a comfortable and functional home that they can enjoy for many years to come.
