We’re so excited to share Project Eastern Charm: a stunning main level renovation done on a classic Cape-style home built in 1958.
After living in this house for more than 20 years, Maggie and Mark were ready to transform the outdated main level of their home into a brand new space.
Our Mood Board:
Maggie & Mark’s wishlist:
- Transform the dated brick fireplace into a sleek linear design
- Combine kitchen + dining room to create one open space with double islands
- Reimagine the bathroom
- Improve the flow into the family room (eliminate step-up)
- Add central air and eliminate the old hot water baseboards
We’re happy to report that we ticked every box on their list! Join us as we take you on a tour of the before & after photos inside their 50’s Cape style renovation! With custom, intentional, and thoughtful design… we turned a beloved but dated home into a fresh, modern space.
The Exterior
On the exterior, we wanted to give this home a bit more personality and curb appeal without a full structural modification.
Maggie really loves the look of black exterior windows, so we took the opportunity to incorporate them when we enlarged the front windows to bring in more light.
We added a charming curved roof over the entryway, and mixed two different textures of siding to add some depth and visual interest.
What was once a flat, plain façade now feels warm, welcoming, and full of character.
The Living Room
Inside, the living room told a similar story as the exterior. It had great bones, but felt dated and uninspired.
The red brick fireplace was once a focal point, but now it felt out of place with the style Maggie envisioned.
Additionally, the stairway leading upstairs was closed off and boxy, cutting into the room’s flow and making the space feel even smaller.
Now, the living room feels like an entirely new space. The dated brick fireplace was replaced with a sleek linear electric fireplace surrounded by custom built-ins, all painted in Benjamin Moore’s Vintage Vogue. This color is a rich, modern green that instantly adds character and livens up the space.
Opening up the stairway created a better flow into the rest of the main level and made the entryway feel light and airy.
The Bathroom
Just down the hall sat the home’s original 1958 bathroom, and it was clear it needed just as much attention. The layout felt fairly cramped, and since this is the only bathroom on the main floor (doubling as a guest bathroom), it was important to make it both comfortable and visually appealing.
To solve the cramped layout, we borrowed about a foot from an adjoining closet, which allowed us to widen the bathroom.
With this additional space, we were able to check off a must-have on Maggie and Mark’s wishlist: replacing the old tub with a walk-in shower.
The new tile features a striking blue subway tile accent wall and a two-level storage niche. We also reworked the doorway to accommodate a larger full-size vanity in a warm wood tone, topped with a 2” thick quartz countertop for a rich, timeless look.
Paired with modern black fixtures and a bold gold-framed mirror, this bathroom was transformed into a beautiful new space.
Kitchen + dining Room
Moving into the kitchen and dining areas, it was clear these spaces also needed a complete overhaul. The kitchen still had its original cabinets, and although the appliances had been retrofitted over the years, they never truly fit the space.
Painted countertops were well past their prime, and the overall layout felt cramped and dated. The adjoining dining room was small and closed off, limiting natural light and making the whole area feel disconnected.
We made a plan to create a space that met Maggie and Mark’s wishlist. This included:
- larger windows
- the removal of outdated baseboard heaters
- a spacious island with seating
We knew the best solution was to combine the kitchen and dining room into one open, functional space.
The new kitchen and dining space is now the heart of the home, designed to be both beautiful and highly functional. By combining the two rooms, we created an open layout filled with natural light from the new larger windows.
A spacious island with seating anchors the design, hiding a microwave and a drink cooler.
A second smaller island houses the dishwasher and a clever hidden paper towel holder above the trash cabinet. We also chose to have spice pull-outs flank the stove for easy access while cooking. To make the most of every inch, we added a custom in-wall storage nook along the staircase wall, providing both function and charm.
Eliminating the old baseboard heaters further streamlined the look, allowing the cabinetry and wood details to shine. With 2” thick quartz countertops, layered lighting, and a balance of Benjamin Moore “Horizon” cabinetry with warm wood accents, this Cape-style kitchen remodel turned a cramped, outdated layout into a modern gathering space perfect for everyday living and entertaining.
The Family Room
The family room started out dark and dated with wood paneling and baseboard heaters.
Now, it’s a light-filled family gathering space. Summary of what we did:
- updated the walls with a board and batten texture
- raised the ceiling to a subtle vault,
- leveled the floor to eliminate the step-down from the kitchen
The space feels open and airy, yet still being cozy for everyday living. Maggie and Mark said that this was a very underused space, so we’re excited that it is now the main family room flowing right off the kitchen!
From the exterior facelift to the interior main level room transformations, every part of this 1958 Cape style home was thoughtfully reimagined to fit Maggie and Mark’s lifestyle.
What was once dated, cramped, and lacking character is now a bright, functional, and welcoming home that feels both timeless and modern.
The blend of smart design solutions like storage niches, expanded windows, and custom cabinetry make this custom space so special.
With warm finishes and personal touches, this renovation proves that even an older cape-style home can feel like a modern space.
We hope this project inspires you to see what’s possible when style and functionality come together.
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