Harth is in the business of complete home transformations which was exactly what our Lower Gwynedd clients wanted! Having decided to age in place in their current home, they knew a full renovation with an addition was needed to accomplish their dreams. Their wish list included a first floor primary suite, a finished basement to use as their main family room for entertaining, a guest bedroom, and a two car garage. They wanted their home’s exterior to have a fresh new appearance and for the interior to reflect their unique avant-garde design style.
An extensive change to the floor plan of the entire home was accomplished with a two-story addition that more than doubled its square footage. The new entry features a contemporary front door and sidelites, vaulted ceiling with striking black finish, custom wood and metal baluster stair railing, and herringbone tile inset surrounded by solid hardwood. Custom designed by the client, a dramatic wall mural leads guests down the new stairway to the basement family room. The finished basement is a perfect new space for entertaining and, in addition to a comfortable living room, it offers its own bar, powder room, gym, and backyard walk-out.
The new, light-filled first floor primary suite includes a spacious bedroom, walk-in closet, and tray ceiling with wood beams that give charm and visual interest. The luxurious, contemporary new feel of the home extends into the primary bath with an oversized zero-threshold shower with rain head and two wall niches. Oversized pink penny tiles at the vanity and black geometric floor tile complement the concrete-looking quartz countertop with double sinks and wall mounted faucets; all providing a one-of-a-kind experience.
In the main living area, a new bar was added where the original rear entrance had been located. Offering both function and aesthetics, it aids the family’s entertaining needs while providing an eye-catching burst of coral on the cabinets with a black vertical tile backsplash and a fun, moody jellyfish wallpaper print. Adjacent to the bar area, the relocated dining room is a beautiful, inviting space with a vaulted ceiling with wood beam that set the mood for fine dining and entertaining.
The home’s expanded floor plan allowed for a first floor laundry room, mud room, and guest bedroom that doubles as a craft room. Formerly in the basement, the laundry relocation supports aging in place and now includes a rear door for convenient access to the back deck and rear yard. Featuring built-in cabinetry to organize coats, backpacks, and shoes, the mud room connects the addition to the new large two car garage and provides access to the unfinished second floor over the garage – a perfect future hangout for their kids or rentable space for additional income! Durable, long-lasting materials were selected for each room and are accented with fun paint colors, distinctive wallpaper, or contemporary tiles.
The home’s fresh exterior appearance combines Hardie Board siding in Shou Sugi ban finish accented with stained wood planks. This combination creates a dark, dramatic look and ties together the existing house with the new addition. Metal railings on the front and rear of the house add great curb appeal and the dramatic rear stair leading to the finished basement and powder room provides easy access from the pool so guests will not track wet feet through the main house. The new covered rear porch with stained wood plank ceiling is a perfect place to BBQ and entertain.
From inside to out, the remodeled and expanded home has increased functionality throughout and a powerful, modern energy with bold colors and patterns that are sophisticatedly combined for long-lasting appeal. The fun, welcoming new spaces are perfect for the family to hang out and create new memories together and with their guests for decades to come!
