Before we get ahead of ourselves, this home was going to need a lot of work to achieve such a result.
The house was originally Mediterranean Tuscan style. The exterior was faux stone and stucco with white
trimmed windows and doorways. Arched doorways are common in this style of
house. To achieve the Cape Cod look this project had to be treated as a blank
slate. Everything inside had to be removed so that a successful transformation
could occur. The clients had specific requests and pieces that they wanted to
be part of the design.
Once it was decided to do a Cape Cod style house plenty of research had to be done, as well as developing the right color palette. A team was formed from our preferred list of contractors. Floor plans and drawings were created to give the client an array of options and concepts on the finished look. 3D renderings and landscape samples were shown to determine what the client would enjoy. For this particular project we also had to get the approval from the Bayshores Committee to make sure it followed the community’s guidelines. Once approval was received we obtained the proper permits and began construction.
The faux stone and stucco were replaced with
real stone and wood panels. The sitting area was moved behind the fountain and
closer to the house. This created more privacy for the clients as well as
giving them more space. Over the patio table heaters and lights were built into
the wooden awning for those cool California nights.
To enter this residence you walked through an arched doorway with a brown door. A small mirror hung against a painted wall and dark walnut floors were throughout. Dark colors usually absorb light coming in, making them appear even darker. It was hard for natural light to survive in this atmosphere. For the new entry way, the front door was expanded and turned into a French Dutch door so that more natural light and fresh air could enter the house. What was once faux stone and drywall was now Sudan Weave in Sand by Ralph Lauren woven wallpaper, which extended throughout the house. The wood flooring went from Walnut to Brazilian Red Oak as well as being wider planked. Behind the door a larger mirror was placed which helped in making the room look bigger as well as reflecting the light from outside to the inside. Upstairs the second floor was squared and a patio was added.
Book cases were built
into the walls to provide more storage and decorating space. A new fire place
was built out of limestone. A Kravet Carpet from the Barclay Butera Smart Rug
collection protects the wooden floor and is great for the high traffic living
room. Barclay Butera Hampton chairs were reupholstered in 100% linen fabric,
which is softer than cotton. The ottoman was reupholstered in the same fabric
to match the chairs. The ceiling was transformed into a Tongue and Groove wood
panel ceiling, also known as a V Groove. Other pieces that make this room
unique are the Baker End Tables and the Barclay Butera Sussex sofa
reupholstered in raffia with cotton cushions. Custom designed curtains were
created for this project. Stacked moldling lines the house, helping emphasize
the Cape Cod look. The doors open and also stack to provide more of an opening
and allow a cool breeze to enter the house along with more light.
