House Tour: Renovate and Restyle

A remodel done in two stages transformed this house from dilapidated to delightful. Before the renovations, the closed-off interior, dated architecture, and little natural light left a lot of room for improvement. A transfusion of New England-inspired style and well-planned renovations transformed it into a light-filled, friendly, and functional home.

The exterior of the house captures a Nantucket look with the gray exterior color and white trim, a classic New England palette. The red door, a traditional symbol of welcome, achieves that purpose. The cheery hue provides an inviting focal point to the charming facade. Clapboard siding, varying rooflines, and plenty of windows support the Eastern Seaboard-inspired design. The white picket fence and pergola add interest to the simple lines of this one-story home.

The wide Dutch door welcomes visitors into the entryway of this home. The ceilings throughout the home were raised to enhance the sense of openness. To bring in more sunlight, the homeowners added skylights, which are fitted with muntins to soften the look. An Asian-style console and a zebra-print ottoman add a standout touch.

This open-plan kitchen used to be a small, cramped galley. The homeowners opened up the space and created an efficient U-shape layout -- with a central kitchen island -- that's perfect for entertaining. The island resembles an old piece of furniture; its dark stain offers a striking contrast to the white cabinetry and countertops. A pass-through connects the kitchen with the dining and living areas.

The all-white cabinets and marble countertops provide a light and bright atmosphere for preparing and entertaining in the kitchen. The neutral khaki wall color warms the space and enhances the crisp white cabinetry. A pot filler faucet adds convenience at the range.

The same style of moldings repeats throughout the house. The homeowners worked with a cabinet designer to match the moldings and trimwork in every room for a consistent, polished look and easy flow between spaces.

A breakfast nook overlooking the backyard offers the perfect spot for a morning cup of coffee. Situated next to the kitchen, this casual dining area shares the kitchen's crisp, classic style. Glass inserts in the cabinetry keep the look light and airy. Glass-paned French doors ease the transition to the outdoors.

The dining room boasts two Federal-style light fixtures that illuminate the long table. A pair of white upholstered chairs with printed accent pillows at each end offer a striking twist on host chairs. Botanical prints on the wall reference the home's indoor-outdoor connection.

Originally, the living and dining areas of the home were one long, continuous room with no definition between spaces. As part of the renovation, the homeowners added a new fireplace to anchor the living room. The fireplace creates a warm and cozy atmosphere and gives the open floor plan some definition.

The homeowners added a function-packed 900-square-foot addition, which includes a den, laundry room, and a guest bedroom. They worked with the architect to design a taller ceiling and create a space that works with the outdoors. French doors that open out save space and provide guests with easy access to the backyard.

The homeowners added a skylight to their existing bath to bring more natural light into the small space. They also added new cabinetry and tile for a fresh look.

This laundry room is packed with storage. Baskets hold laundry supplies and hooks offer a handy spot for wet towels and swimsuits. The side-by-side washer and dryer fit perfectly in between built-in cabinetry. The Dutch door leads to a patio and an outdoor shower.

The original backyard was sloped and provided little room for enjoying any outdoor space. The homeowners decided to backfill part of their yard with concrete to create a flat surface perfect for outdoor entertaining. They divided the space into various entertaining areas, including the covered dining patio, a grilling area, and formal gardens. The pergola structure is repeated to balance the front and back yards.