MAK Design+Build

MAK’s charge was to unify and update this home in a way that improved the layout and the traffic patterns, bringing the spaces together in cohesive design while adding some distinction and presence to the front of the home. The goal was to blend the home in such a way that the obviously different sections would become indiscernible from each other.

The growing needs of our clients led them to favor the size and location of this former rental property. Unfortunately, this long-neglected 3 bedroom, 2 bath home suffered from serious layout issues and completely lacked curb appeal.

A poorly planned 2-story addition had been haphazardly slapped on the back of this once charming early-century home, leaving a slew of unwelcome discomforts for the owners. The hallway between the original structure and the addition was taken up by a narrow yet imposing stairway to the master suite, which meant traffic from the front to back of the house was routed through a bedroom. Additionally, the original home and the addition took no visual cues from the other, making them disparate in look and feel, further accentuating the distinction between the spaces.

Out front, a non-descript entry below a shed roof and a remnant chimney from a long-forgotten wood burning kitchen stove jutted clumsily from the roofline, making the view from the street anything but appealing.

Update entire home borrowing classic details and materials in a simplified and modernized style.
Create clean, simple lines and functional spaces that can serve as neutral backdrops for dramatic fixtures and décor.
Add energy-efficient features throughout in a complimentary and unifying strategy.
Consider future plans for backyard living, improving intercourse between interior and exterior spaces.
Add curb appeal and unify exterior finishes between the previous addition and the original structure.
Utilize green building techniques wherever possible, giving special care to indoor air quality.

Relocated Staircase and Front Entry.
Reconfigured and updated Kitchen, Hall Bath and Dining room.
Reconfigured and updated Great Room, including adding new French Doors to Exterior, removing wood burning fireplace and replacing it with a high-efficiency gas insert in more convenient location.
Reconfigured and updated Master Suite to include walk-through closets, a desk area, a completely remodeled and enlarged bathroom, and a window seat with storage.
New high-efficiency windows were installed throughout, utilizing existing openings wherever possible.
A new high-efficiency HVAC system was installed, utilizing 3 zones to balance comfort and energy conservation.
Original interior doors and top-nailed oak flooring were reclaimed and reused wherever possible.
All doors and windows were re-cased in a unifying and traditional style.
Water-based, no-VOC paints and finishes were specified in every room.
All cabinet carcasses were made from formaldehyde-free Purebond® plywood and all cabinet components were finished with water-based, no-VOC finishes.
Energy efficient and ENERGY STAR rated appliances were installed wherever applicable.