Opening Up
Removing a wall between the living room and kitchen transformed this once-cramped kitchen into an open and efficient work space. On one side, the narrow island offers plenty of counter space for food prep, while the elevated breakfast bar provides a casual spot for guests to chat with the chef. The island's dimensions are small enough to prevent it from overtaking the space but ample enough to provide plenty of function. Two skylights above the kitchen's main work zone drench the space in bright natural light.
Built for More
To stretch space in the home?s only dining area, the homeowners installed banquette seating in the bay window. With seating built right into the bump-out, they could scoot the table closer to the wall to make the most of the limited kitchen space nearby. The decorative chandelier above the table resembles coral, a nod to the home's beach-side location.
Smooth Moves
Bumping out the front door by a few feet created a small foyer right off the open living room . The wide-plank wood floor in the living room and adjoining kitchen was stained dark brown to contrast gentle blue-green walls. A white marble surround and new mantel gave the fireplace a much-needed facelift.
Striking a Balance
The living room's two sofas expanded seating options and struck a balance between the homeowners' individual wish lists. While she wanted a dainty seating area, he wanted something that offered room to relax and recline. To satisfy both of their interests, one of the sofas is tufted and traditional, while the other is slipcovered in durable white denim. The striking zebra-print ottoman provides a cozy footrest or extra seating for guests.
Fabulous Fabrics
A variety of rich fabrics adds character to the light and airy master bedroom. An upholstered headboard creates a dramatic style statement, while the patterned bed skirt and throw pillows ensure the look doesn't read too traditional. Luxurious blue silk draperies flanking the wide French doors can be thrown open to reveal the patio beyond.
Complementary Palette
While blue and orange are a dynamic, complementary color palette, the hues used in this room are on the softer side. Smaller doses of sherbet orange add just the right amount of pep against the cool blues. White trimwork and linens contribute the right amount of timeless glamour to the bedroom.
Vintage Chic
To warm up this all-white guest bathroom , the vintage-look vanity was outifitted with green glass knobs and a glamorous marble countertop. A handful of other vintage-inspired details -- such as the traditional claw-foot tub and the thick grout lines between tiles -- give the bathroom undeniable character.
Get Outside
Paving the patio with brick and adding a long outdoor sofa turned the once-unsightly backyard into a relaxing oasis. An outdoor fireplace ensures the homeowners can entertain even when the temperatures outside dip a little low. The terraced area above the brick patio provides additional seating and houses the family's grill.
Cottage Style
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