Our clients struggled with the fractured layout of their traditional Tudor style home in Weston MA. Typical for the time period in which it was built, a series of unconnected rooms and a kitchen too small for the gathering of the family or entertaining guests was literally cramping their style. The homeowners were seeking to reimagine the space, making room for larger gatherings while maintaining the intimacy of separate individual spaces. A truly collaborative process between the homeowner and our design team resulted in a blending of formal and casual design transforming the space into a bright and flexible living area that allows for both cozy family dinners or a party for a crowd. To open the fractured space, the Feinmann team removed two walls between the kitchen and the family room. A bright, casual dining area with functional built-in seating anchors one end of the room. Upgrades in appliances and ample work surfaces make this a true cooks kitchen. The painted cabinetry along the perimeter of the kitchen keeps the space feeling bright while the rich, dark brown lyptus wood cabinetry on the island adds warmth and contrast. The black walnut bar invites guests to linger while keeping them out of the busy cooking area. Sunlight, pond views and an elegant raised coffered ceiling in the seating area off the kitchen create a cozy place to relax, take in the view of the pond or catch a game on the new custom wireless audio flat screen television. What was once a divided floor plan is now a truly connected space thanks to the ingenuity and vision of the Feinmann design team. Photos by John Horner

A small kitchen designed around the oak beams, resulting in a space conscious design. All units were painted & with a stone work surface. The Acorn door handles were designed specially for this clients kitchen. In the corner a curved bench was attached onto the wall creating additional seating around a circular table. The large wall pantry with bi-fold doors creates a fantastic workstation & storage area for food & appliances. The small island adds an extra work surface and has storage space.

Music room with baby grand piano. Photo by Benjamin Benschneider.

This project presented unique opportunities that are not often found in residential landscaping. The homeowners were not only restoring their 1840's era farmhouse, a piece of their family’s history, but also enlarging and updating the home for modern living. The landscape designers continued this idea by creating a space that is a modern day interpretation of an 1840s era farm rather then a strict recreation. The resulting design combines elements of farm living from that time, as well as acknowledging the property’s history as a horse farm, with staples of 21st century landscapes such as space for outdoor living, lighting, and newer plant varieties. Guests approach from the main driveway which winds through the property and ends at the main barn. There is secondary gated driveway just for the homeowners. Connected to this main driveway is a narrower gravel lane which leads directly to the residence. The lane passes near fruit trees planted in broken rows to give the illusion that they are the remains of an orchard that once existed on the site. The lane widens at the entrance to the gardens where there is a hitching post built into the fence that surrounds the gardens and a watering trough. The widened section is intended as a place to park a golf cart or, in a nod to the home’s past, tie up horses before entering. The gravel lane passes between two stone pillars and then ends at a square gravel court edged in cobblestones. The gravel court transitions into a wide flagstone walk bordered with yew hedges and lavender leading to the front door. Directly to the right, upon entering the gravel court, is located a gravel and cobblestone edged walk leading to a secondary entrance into the residence. The walk is gated where it connects with the gravel court to close it off so as not to confuse visitors and guests to the main residence and to emphasize the primary entrance. An area for a bench is provided along this walk to encourage stopping to view and enjoy the gardens. On either side of the front door, gravel and cobblestone walks branch off into the garden spaces. The one on the right leads to a flagstone with cobblestone border patio space. Since the home has no designated backyard like most modern suburban homes the outdoor living space had to be placed in what would traditionally be thought of as the front of the house. The patio is separated from the entrance walk by the yew hedge and further enclosed by three Amelanchiers and a variety of plantings including modern cultivars of old fashioned plants such as Itea and Hydrangea. A third entrance, the original front door to the 1840’s era section, connects to the patio from the home’s kitchen, making the space ideal for outdoor dining. The gravel and cobblestone walk branching off to the left of the front door leads to the vegetable and perennial gardens. The idea for the vegetable garden was to recreate the tradition of a kitchen garden which would have been planted close to the residence for easy access. The vegetable garden is surrounded by mixed perennial beds along the inside of the wood picket fence which surrounds the entire garden space. Another area designated for a bench is provided here to encourage stopping and viewing. The home’s original smokehouse, completely restored and used as a garden shed, provides a strong architectural focal point to the vegetable garden. Behind the smokehouse is planted lilacs and other plants to give mass and balance to the corner and help screen the garden from the neighboring subdivision. At the rear corner of the garden a wood arbor was constructed to provide a structure on which to grow grapes or other vines should the homeowners choose to. The landscape and gardens for this restored farmhouse and property are a thoughtfully designed and planned recreation of a historic landscape reinterpreted for modern living. The idea was to give a sense of timelessness when walking through the gardens as if they had been there for years but had possibly been updated and rejuvenated as lifestyles changed. The attention to materials and craftsmanship blend seamlessly with the residence and insure the gardens and landscape remain an integral part of the property. The farm has been in the homeowner’s family for many years and they are thrilled at the results and happy to see respect given to the home’s history and to its meticulous restoration.

Treve Johnson

This whole house renovation done by Harry Braswell Inc. used Virginia Kitchen's design services (Erin Hoopes) and materials for the bathrooms, laundry and kitchens. The custom millwork was done to replicate the look of the cabinetry in the open concept family room. This completely custom renovation was eco-friend and is obtaining leed certification. Photo's courtesy Greg Hadley Construction: Harry Braswell Inc. Kitchen Design: Erin Hoopes under Virginia Kitchens

Our inspiration was from the Designers Guild fabric, to hand paint the stripes on the wall, with the round sofa swiveled to watch television and no doubt play on! The iconic bubble chair is never out of place, a timeless, fun piece to hang.

Warm and inviting this new construction home, by New Orleans Architect Al Jones, and interior design by Bradshaw Designs, lives as if it's been there for decades. Charming details provide a rich patina. The old Chicago brick walls, the white slurried brick walls, old ceiling beams, and deep green paint colors, all add up to a house filled with comfort and charm for this dear family. Lead Designer: Crystal Romero; Designer: Morgan McCabe; Photographer: Stephen Karlisch; Photo Stylist: Melanie McKinley.

Email me at carla@carlaaston.com to receive access to the list of paint colors used on this job. Title your email "Heights Project Paint Colors" Miro Dvorscak, photographer

Featured in Houzz Idea Book: http://tinyurl.com/boxdypd

Anyone can have fun in this game room with a pool table, arcade games and even a SLIDE from upstairs! (Designed by Artisan Design Group)

kazart photography

Deering Design Studio, Inc.