Real-Home Makeover: Home Addition

The homeowners couldn't resist the 1940s stone cottage, but the growing family needed more space than the 1,800-square-foot home provided. So they added on. To keep the addition from distracting from the home's original architectural charm, they settled on a straightforward carriage house design. Sitting the addition at an offset angle from the main house created a niche for a small patio.

The new family room includes a loft and offices for the kids and grownups that can be updated with minor adjustments as the family grows.

A sweeping arched window adds interest to the addition. The cottage's eyebrow window over the front door inspired this detail.

Another unique feature in the new family room is the railing detail around the loft, which is intended to grow with the family. The railing on the end is hinged to swing inward for access to a second gathering space.

To keep the television and fireplace from competing for attention, the homeowners grouped them together. When a fire is roaring, doors that blend into the room's shiplap siding hide the TV.

Tucked underneath the loft, the grownup office can be closed off with two sets of French doors. The table and recessed bookshelves offer plenty of space to spread out and store items.

The kids in the house had some say in how their new work/play space would function. The desk area is wide enough to accommodate two seats, and the built-in storage above the desk is the right height for them to grab what they need. The homeowners designed this space to grow with the children.