At Home in Amberley

Working with an older home can pose challenges especially when the clients hopes to build a large addition. Our clients had dreamed of a big kitchen, drop zone mudroom, first floor laundry room, and open first floor living space. They wanted to make this their forever home and to do that the space on the first floor would need to be opened up and enlarged with an addition. One challenge was to keep the ceiling flush between the existing home and the addition while still supporting the second floor of the home.

Garage space for the home was tight for this family. They had a goal of a large garage addition and plenty of space to park oversized vehicles. In order to make this a forever home, we had to look into the future and how they would use the space. Planning for future projects was a goal of this project as well as incorporation outside living space with many entertainment zones and a family pool.

The Solution:

A flush beam designed to support the second floor of the home was incorporated along with plenty of open floor plan space, a covered porch, a pool and patio entertaining area. As you enter from the pool, the tile floor greets wet feet as they make their way to the powder room or laundry room. The kitchen has plenty of space for family gatherings and entertaining. Seating at the island and knee wall will make sure everyone has a seat. The custom cabinets with full height quartz splash bring a elevated look to the new kitchen. Incorporating the fun personalities of the clients allowed us to bring in vibrant, fun, wallpaper designs and plenty of personality.

Exterior:

The homeowners wanted a classic and modern aesthetic for their exterior elevations. A creamy white brick painted in White Duck with Iron Ore trim accents ties in their new black windows. Timbertech decking in Pecan was chosen for their rear and side decks, which was also placed as a drink rail on both the front and rear porches. The new front porch columns were wrapped and stained to match the Pecan decking, adding texture and warmth to the exterior. The porch ceilings were painted in Waterscape, a nod to the haint blue ceilings often found in the South, where their family resides. A modern stainless cable railing was chosen for all decks, to create a seamless view of their beautiful, green surroundings.

Interior:

The heart of this home is truly the Kitchen. A large, open-concept Kitchen and Living Room was a must for a large family who loves to socialize and entertain. Function was just as important as beauty for our client- and the balance of both lead to a stunning and useful design. Custom Maple inset cabinetry in the color of Linen was chosen for a majority of the perimeter cabinetry. The island was created with custom inset cabinetry, in a natural finish Walnut- a true showstopper. Glass-front, accent cabinets in Black Magic were placed on either side of the drywall wrapped hood, with a natural walnut interior to bring the island’s beauty to eye-level. Tape lighting placed inside the glass-front cabinetry offers ambiance and highlights these homeowners décor. Sea Pearl Quartzite was chosen for the perimeter counters and full-height backsplash, offering just enough lightness, depth, and interest without competing with the surrounding finishes. Infinity Leathered Quartzite was chosen for the island with a 3” upgraded mitered edge that really makes a statement and ties together the Black Magic accent cabinetry. This stone was also placed on the nearby seating wall, openly dividing the Kitchen from the Living Room. Two natural Walnut wrapped columns flank the seating counter, a nice connection with the island. Two-toned Brizo Faucets, Elkay Stainless Sinks, and Top Knobs Honey Bronze Cabinet and Appliance Pulls were additional enhancements found within the space. A stunning Linear suspension chandelier by Arteriors is hung above the 10’ island.

The Living Room is certainly not to be outdone by the Kitchen. Additional storage cabinetry on either side of the existing wood burning fireplace was designed in custom Maple with the same Black Magic finish on the Kitchen accent cabinets. The glass-front upper cabinetry all has the same natural Walnut interiors as the island- it is the small details that add up and create this beautiful and cohesive space. The existing brick surround was removed and replaced by a 2×6, Cle Zellige tile in Natural Bejmat. This was the perfect material choice in place of the brick, to add modern appeal and unique texture and warmth to the space. The same black Infinity Leathered Quartzite was used as the hearth stone. Sherwin Williams Cheviot was selected throughout the 1^st floor as a warm neutral backdrop for all of these finishes. Existing White Oak hardwoods were sanded and refinished. A custom blended stain of Weathered Oak and Silvered Gray was created as a perfect light yet warm tone.

Adjacent to the Kitchen, the Existing Dining Room received less intensive changes, yet still had a major impact. A portion of the existing stair wall was removed to create an open flow from the Entry, Stairs, and Dining Room. New black metal balusters and handrails and newels painted in Black Magic to coordinate with the cabinetry elsewhere. A vibrant and playful wallpaper was chosen and placed on all walls, Studio Four NYC Poppies Noir. The existing 1965 built-in cabinetry remained untouched, as requested by our homeowners. Another linear chandelier by Arteriors was placed above the dining table, adding a beautiful touch of elegance and modern appeal.

On the other side of the staircase, were the homeowner’s office. Not shy from making bold statements, a rich paint color of Homberg Gray was selected for the walls and trim, and a textured cork wallpaper with gold flecks was placed on the ceiling. This room is full of drama and inspiration.

Another room that doesn’t lack drama is the Powder Bath. This small space packs a big punch. A bold wallpaper by Eskayel in Dynasty Indigo was selected for all walls. Black hex floor tiles were selected to anchor the black accents found within the wallpaper. A modern and clean Thaddeus console vanity was sourced from Restoration Hardware, and a sleek Moen Cia collection faucet was chosen to complete the look.