We’re excited to reveal how we transformed this expanded 1960s cape into a more functional, modern, and beautiful home for a family who has lived here for over a decade.
The Living Room
We first met Kathy and Walter a few years ago as they began exploring how to reimagine their home. When they were ready to kick off their transformation, we walked through every option for improving the layout, flow, and functionality. Although they had a dream backyard with a beautiful in-ground pool, access was limited to a small first-floor den that had once been a bedroom.
Beside it was the original living room. By combining these two rooms, we created a larger, open-concept main living space with seamless indoor-outdoor access.
Before the renovation, the home’s original living room (being used as a dining room) featured an old wood burning fireplace. To open up the space and combine it with the adjoining room, we needed to install an engineered beam to support the new, expanded layout.
We concealed the new beam with shallow coffered ceiling detail that brings depth to the room, an especially helpful design choice in homes with lower ceilings.
Our clients still wanted a fireplace, so we centered an electric unit between custom bookcases and added 4′ sconces for warmth and balance.
To complete the look, we used an earthy palette featuring Benjamin Moore Heather Gray, Balboa Mist, and rich wood tones, giving the space a calm, timeless feel.
The back room was originally a bedroom, complete with a long closet that we removed and replaced with a custom bar area.
We added a sink, fridge, and nugget ice maker. With the new layout providing direct access to the backyard and pool, this spot now functions as a seamless indoor-outdoor refreshment hub.
Here, we had a little fun with the details: we chose warm charcoal cabinets in a slim shaker profile, paired with a geometric marble backsplash that adds pattern and movement. Reeded glass on the upper cabinets brings in texture and softness, giving this bar area a layered, custom look.
The Kitchen
The old kitchen looked fine at first glance, but up close you could see the age of the cabinets (just painted white) and feel how tight the layout really was.
In the new design, we reworked the floor plan and borrowed space from an adjoining room, creating a more functional footprint that finally fit the wish list: a separate island, a 36″ gas range, and plenty of extra storage.
The refrigerator wall and additional storage drawers were all made possible by expanding into what used to be: the old family room.
This extra square footage allowed us to create a much more functional kitchen layout. Keep scrolling to see the floor plan of exactly how we converted the family room.
Additionally, we built a walk-in pantry off the kitchen, and Kathy had the great idea to add a pass-through window! It makes it so much easier to move items back and forth, and keeps the kitchen running smoothly without extra steps.
The Family Room Conversion:
One of the biggest transformations came from repurposing the old family room into a far more functional space. Previously, it was the first room you walked into from both the garage and the front porch, which made the layout feel awkward, and it was completely disconnected from the home’s main outdoor living area.
Now, the space was used to expand the kitchen, add the pantry, and a proper mudroom at the side entrance of the house!
The Mudroom
The mudroom is located on the furthest wall of the old family room – placed where it’s most accessible through both their side door and garage doors.
The mudroom features earthy tones, layered textures, and, most importantly, tons of storage. We painted the built-ins in Benjamin Moore High Park, paired with terra-cotta herringbone floor tiles to bring warmth and character to the space.
We also added a built-in feeding station for their new puppy, Wes! It has a running tap and keeps the bowls tucked away. This is going to get plenty of use for years to come.
Opposite the bench wall, there’s a coat closet, shoe rack, and a much-needed utility closet for the main level.
The Walk-in Kitchen Pantry
I love a functional pantry! It’s a place where you can hide your everyday mess and pretend it doesn’t exist.
Built just beside the new mudroom, this pantry became the perfect spot for a second oven, an under-counter refrigerator, and an extra sink for our clients.
We finished the cabinetry in Benjamin Moore Pale Oak, giving the space a soft, warm backdrop that still feels clean and elevated.
This renovation was all about creating a home that truly fits the way this family lives: more functional spaces, better flow, and thoughtful details that make everyday life easier and more enjoyable.
From the expanded kitchen, the custom mudroom, and the new indoor-outdoor connection; every change in this home was designed with intention.
Planning your own renovation?
Avoid overwhelm, and grab our free, Design-Build Playbook. It walks you through the step-by-step process we use on every project so you can feel confident, prepared, and excited for your own home transformation.
More from our blog:
