At Harth Builders, we love guiding our clients through the design process! Our Blue Bell family came to us anticipating the need for a large addition to accommodate a garage and a primary bath since they had only one bath on their second floor. Their beautiful, old farmhouse had received a few additions over the years, some practical and in good shape, while other parts were in definite need of renovation and major work. They were also lacking an effective front door entrance since their existing front door was considerably off center on the home and didn’t present well. During our space planning conceptual phase, we presented designs that enabled our clients to decide they didn’t need a huge addition or a garage but better utilization of the existing floor plan along with a small addition to meet the family’s needs.
Renovations and new spaces created within the home include front porch, entry, dining room, kitchen, primary suite, hall bath, and basement. Doors and windows, both deteriorating, in the existing sunroom were replaced and this area became the dining room. Adjacent to the new dining room location is the two-story addition which includes a beautiful front porch with well-placed front door and foyer on the first floor and a primary suite on the second floor. The new covered front porch features a black metal standing seam roof, Provia front door with sidelites, porcelain tile with slate aesthetic, and a charming doorway paneled wood surround to complement the farmhouse’s original trim details. In the dining room, we removed a dated built-in cabinet and repointed the stone wall to bring out its old-world charm.
The kitchen was completely renovated to include custom cabinetry with ample storage, subway tile backsplash, complementary matte black hardware, and easy to maintain quartz countertops. Original window openings from the farmhouse were salvaged and reused and accented with new light fixtures. To expand the kitchen, we relocated the secondary basement staircase to where the original front door and entry had been, replaced the front door with a window, and thoughtfully concealed the new staircase with a rustic, reclaimed barn door.
On the second floor, the new primary suite is spacious and inviting. The primary bedroom features a board and batten accent wall and a walk-in closet with built-in drawers, tiered hanging, and open shelving. The primary bath includes a double vanity, spacious tiled shower with niche and shaving ledge, and a free-standing tub for relaxation after a hard day. Crisp black cabinetry, soft gray wall and tile colors, brushed nickel hardware, and a tile inset in the tile flooring provide a contemporary aesthetic with striking visual interest.
Also planned in the new addition was the expansion of the hall bath to suit the two teenagers sharing the room. To accomplish this, the floor plan was revised to include two vanities with sinks offset on opposite walls, a door so the new shower and toilet area can be used separately from the vanities, and an enlarged shower with an extra wide niche for toiletries. Fun accent wallpaper at the vanities adds both color and visual interest and coordinates well with the black painted cabinetry, white counters, and modern hardware. Further planning enabled an increase in closet space in each of the teenagers’ bedrooms.
New flooring in the home provides additional continuity, beauty and warmth, with wide width hardwood flooring installed throughout the first floor and carpet on the second.
This successful home renovation and addition maintains the farmhouse’s original features and charm while incorporating a redesigned floor plan that maximizes its use by addressing the needs of the entire family. The gorgeous results will be enjoyed by the family and its guests on a daily basis and for many years to come!
