This interior designer asked her neighbor to redesign her house – the result is a modern light-filled family home

The article discusses the transformation of a 1950s ranch home owned by Jenn Lamarre in June 2009. Initially, Lamarre sought basic updates like an open kitchen and upgraded appliances. However, her decorator and friend, Barrie Benson, identified a more fundamental need: the introduction of vibrant color to revitalize the space, which Benson described as a “granny ranch” that felt too dated for Lamarre and her two young daughters. Lamarre, who considers herself a non-neutral person and finds liberation in being surrounded by color, agreed that the house's character did not suit muted tones. The renovation involved both architectural changes and significant decorative updates. Architect Matt Benson, Barrie’s husband, from Meyer Greeson Paullin Benson, collaborated with Salins Group Construction to remove a wall separating the breakfast room. This structural modification created a more open and central gathering area in the kitchen, enhancing the home's functionality and flow. The most impactful changes, however, stemmed from the extensive use of paint. Barrie Benson noted Lamarre’s deep appreciation for color, suggesting that almost every shade in the spectrum was utilized. The home now predominantly features Lamarre’s preferred combination of peacock-blue and bright green, with strategically placed pops of orange to introduce vivid contrast. The kitchen, for instance, incorporates lemon yellow accents, inspired by a set of china inherited from Lamarre’s mother, which served as a sentimental focal point for the color scheme. This deliberate application of color has resulted in an energetic and modern living environment where diverse bright shades harmoniously coexist. For Lamarre, the ultimate outcome is a home that radiates fun and happiness for herself and her daughters, reflecting her vibrant personality and preferences. The project demonstrates how thoughtful color integration, alongside minor structural adjustments, can significantly alter the ambiance and perceived age of a living space, moving it from dated to modern and lively. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #ColorPalette #RanchHome #ModernMakeover #HomeDecoration #ArchitecturalRedesign #VibrantLiving

This article highlights various home renovation projects where designers successfully transformed problematic spaces into functional and aesthetically pleasing areas. Each case study presents a unique challenge and a tailored solution, offering insights into effective interior design strategies. The first project addresses a cramped kitchen in a 1969 raised ranch/split level. The homeowners, who both enjoy cooking and entertaining, found their original kitchen lacked space, functionality, and adequate lighting. The solution involved a complete gut renovation, maintaining the kitchen's original width but extending its depth by 16 feet and adding a 9-foot covered porch. The layout was reconfigured with an island replacing a peninsula, creating distinct functional zones and ample space for multiple cooks. The design incorporated classic yet unique elements, showcasing the homeowners' art collection and drawing color inspiration from the outdoors, resulting in a functional, artistic, and timeless space. The second renovation tackles a dated 1980s bathroom. Characterized by green-and-white tile, gold fixtures, a traditional cherry vanity with a green marble top, and a large, unused corner Whirlpool tub, the bathroom also suffered from insufficient storage and excessive grout lines that detracted from the overall aesthetic. The objective was to modernize the space without clashing with the home's traditional style. The designers removed the soffits to enhance ceiling height and replaced the Whirlpool tub with a soaking tub positioned to face a private backyard. Large 24-by-24 glossy tiles were installed horizontally on the walls to balance the room and reduce grout, while a dark, raised-panel vanity provided storage and a contemporary contrast. A third project focuses on a contemporary Pittsford home where the kitchen was isolated and the living spaces were awkwardly configured, despite ample square footage. The main issue was a lack of connectivity and inefficient use of space. The designer undertook a radical approach, gutting the entire main living area and raising the ceiling from 8 to 9 feet. The kitchen's location was shifted to create a well-proportioned living room, and a previously sunken family room was raised to the same level, forming a mudroom. This rearrangement, without adding any new square footage, resulted in an open-concept floor plan that better suited the homeowner's lifestyle. The fourth set of challenges involves a historic 1835 farmhouse. The first problem was a small, 88-square-foot bathroom shared by a family of four, featuring a large Whirlpool tub that consumed valuable space and made traffic flow difficult. The renovation aimed for a farmhouse-appropriate aesthetic while maximizing space. The solution involved removing a small window, eliminating the tub, and building a large shower where the window once was. Light colors, such as off-white ship lap and bead board, along with tile planks resembling bleached wood, were used to create a spacious feel. Custom mahogany vanities provided much-needed storage. The second problem with the farmhouse was its architecturally unbalanced exterior and a confusing, indirect main entry. A two-story, 400-square-foot addition was designed to balance the house and create a clear, welcoming entry from the driveway, complete with a copper roof and period fixtures. The interior entry was designed with a double-height ceiling and materials like distressed ship lap and hexagonal tiles to maintain the rustic aesthetic, while also incorporating ample storage. Finally, a 1978 contemporary home in Webster had an isolated kitchen tucked behind a wall, disconnected from the main living areas. Additionally, the homeowners faced a unique challenge with low doorways, particularly problematic for one homeowner who is 6 feet, 10 inches tall. The solution involved gutting the kitchen and back hallway, reconfiguring the mudroom, laundry room, and kitchen. The popcorn ceiling was replaced, and windows were relocated to optimize the appliance layout. An L-shaped kitchen design allowed for multiple work areas. Crucially, without adding square footage, the remodel connected the kitchen to a usable family room, transforming the home's flow and family life, and raising the doorways to accommodate the tall homeowner. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #KitchenRemodel #BathroomRenovation #SpaceOptimization #OpenConcept #FarmhouseDesign #ContemporaryHome

This article highlights the comprehensive renovation of a three-story Dupont Circle rowhouse, transformed into an “indestructible” yet sophisticated living space by designer Kerra Michele Huerta of Kerra Michele Interiors. The project aimed to create a home that could withstand the active lifestyle of a family with two hockey-playing sons and four rescue dogs, while also providing an elegant environment for entertaining. The renovation encompassed the entire first floor, including two entryways, a powder room, dining room, living room, and kitchen, in addition to the upstairs hallway, master bedroom, and one of the children's rooms. This extensive project, valued at approximately half a million dollars, addressed the challenge of designing a space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing for a busy family. Key to the renovation was adapting the narrow footprint of the historic rowhouse to accommodate modern living. In the kitchen, Huerta strategically relocated the refrigerator to the opposite side of the room from the partition wall, which now features open shelving, creating an illusion of greater space. She also incorporated clever storage solutions, such as banquette benches in the dining nook with drawers for dog food containers. To enhance visual height, cabinets and tiles were extended all the way to the ceiling. The living room was designed with durability in mind; instead of a single coffee table that might be damaged by the children, two movable cocktail tables were introduced. The Room & Board sectional was upholstered in a resilient, stain-resistant fabric, and the rug comprised Flor tiles, allowing for individual removal and washing. One of the primary challenges was ensuring that all elements of the design were highly durable, capable of resisting the wear and tear from energetic boys and multiple dogs, while still maintaining a sophisticated appearance. Huerta's favorite aspect of the project was the custom kitchen backsplash, which featured a unique shade of light gray tile from Waterworks, specifically created for the project and named “Kerra gray.” The installation of the backsplash involved careful, piece-by-piece arrangement by Huerta and her junior designer to achieve a balanced, non-repeating pattern. Other thoughtful details included styling built-ins with the family's existing accessories and travel souvenirs, and incorporating a magnetic board in the kitchen for organizing school announcements and paperwork. The home also features specific design choices reflecting the family's interests and needs. A cheetah painting in the powder room inspired other feline-themed decor throughout the house, including cat-printed drapes in the master bedroom. For the upstairs hallway, washable Flor tiles were used to create a practical runner. One of the sons received a “big boy” bedroom redesign to suit his transition into middle school with a more mature aesthetic. The master bedroom also received a sophisticated update. The overall design demonstrates a successful integration of robust functionality with refined style, addressing the unique demands of a vibrant household. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #FamilyFriendlyDesign #HistoricRowhouse #DurableDesign #KitchenDesign #LivingRoomDesign #CustomInteriors #SpaceUtilization

Derek and Cliona Hosty embarked on a nearly decade-long journey to transform a modest 1930s two-bedroom Dublin home into a spacious dwelling suitable for their family of seven. The initial phase of their ambitious renovation project faced an unexpected obstacle when their first redesign proposal was rejected. Upon submitting an alternative plan, planning permission was further delayed due to objections from Irish Water regarding the relocation of a water pipe in their back garden. Despite adjacent properties receiving approval for similar alterations, Irish Water insisted on a six-meter access on both sides of the pipe, a requirement that could not be met due to space constraints. Cliona took direct action by visiting Irish Water's offices without an appointment. During an impromptu meeting with the officials handling their case, she presented their plans and explained their desire to divert the pipe along the back garden. This direct engagement proved successful, leading to Irish Water's agreement and the subsequent approval of their planning permission. This challenge with Irish Water was one of many encountered by the couple over three years from purchasing the house to finally moving in. However, their determination to create an ideal home for their family remained unwavering. Their commitment eventually paid off, culminating in a home three times the size of the original, earning them a spot in the top three of the "Home of the Year" final. The house is meticulously designed to cater to their family's needs, featuring abundant natural light, expansive living areas, smart storage solutions, and innovative design elements. This achievement is particularly notable given the turbulent Irish property market they navigated and their experiences living abroad in Norway. In Norway, Derek worked for Telenor, and the family appreciated the country's work-life balance and affordable childcare, which cost less than €300 per month. They observed a more equitable distribution of parental duties, with many fathers actively involved in school pickups. A memorable experience in Norway was the birth of their fifth child, Seimi, where hospital stays were remarkably affordable. Despite the advantages, the social integration with Norwegians proved challenging, and the harsh climate, with snow from October to May, eventually prompted their return to Ireland in January 2018. Back in Ireland, they secured a mortgage by leveraging Derek’s employment history to avoid probation issues. They soon found a two-bedroom house in Ballinteer, an area they admired for its amenities and walkability, which they saw as a blank canvas for their renovation aspirations. Initially, their plans were deemed "overbearing" by planners, necessitating a reduction of 25 square meters from their proposed floor plan. This setback prompted them to rethink their design, focusing on creating a kitchen island large enough for seven people and incorporating ample storage and sleeping arrangements for their growing family and occasional guests. They also decided to lower the ground floor level to achieve higher ceilings. While awaiting final planning approval, they proactively undertook demolition work, removing the old kitchen and bathroom extensions, and stripping the house of its ceilings and floors. The renovation journey was financially demanding, as they simultaneously paid rent on their temporary accommodation and a mortgage on the house undergoing renovation. This led them to temporarily relocate to Galway, staying with Derek’s parents, until construction commenced in December 2019. The Covid-19 pandemic further disrupted the project, halting construction in March 2020. Once work resumed, Cliona and Derek personally managed the build, traveling frequently between Galway and Dublin to oversee progress while juggling work and childcare responsibilities. They finally moved into their dream home in July 2021, three years after its purchase. The old house underwent a complete overhaul, with replastering, insulation, underfloor heating, and full redecoration. Significant structural changes included relocating the front door to the side of the house and replacing the original entrance with a window, creating two living rooms downstairs and two bedrooms upstairs. The new extension features a large open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area with a spacious island, innovative lighting, and customized features like symmetrically placed ovens. The house also includes a new downstairs bathroom and an upstairs en-suite bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe. Another bedroom boasts a unique sleeping unit accessible by a ladder, designed to accommodate multiple children or guests. Cliona's minimalist aesthetic, influenced by her time in Norway, is evident throughout the decor. Her passion for interior design, sparked by decorating one of her children's bedrooms, led her to develop a significant social media following. She meticulously researched suppliers, opting for cost-effective solutions like laminate flooring from Tipperary and concrete lights from New Style Lights. The couple views their challenging three-year renovation as worthwhile, having resulted in a family-centric, practical, and aesthetically pleasing home filled with fun and unique touches. #HomeRenovation #FamilyHome #InteriorDesign #DublinProperty #DIYRenovation #HomeOfTheYear #IrishWater #NorwayLiving

This article showcases six distinct interior design projects by local Rochester designers, highlighting their unique approaches to transforming living spaces. Each project demonstrates how designers blend client needs with creative vision to achieve functional and aesthetically pleasing outcomes. Bob Breissinger, owner of Designers Library, details a kitchen remodel in a Perinton ranch house. The original kitchen was dark and enclosed, prompting a complete overhaul. Breissinger's team removed soffits, gutted the room, and eliminated a wall between the dining room and den to create an open floor plan. This transformation allowed for two islands, a 36-inch stove, a prep sink, and various ovens. White perimeter cabinets, white and amber-gray granite counters, and glass-fronted, lit cabinets contribute to a light and airy feel. Walnut-stained oak floors were matched to existing den floors, creating a cohesive look. The project dramatically changed the home's feel and functionality, making it ideal for cooking and entertaining. Ayse Lewis, an interior designer based in Canandaigua and Rochester, shares her personal project: an 800-square-foot cottage on Canandaigua Lake that she transformed into a 2,000-square-foot, two-story home. Lewis, who always envisioned living on a boat, retained the original footprint due to legal requirements but maximized the lake views with numerous windows. Her design features a non-traditional nautical theme, incorporating colors from nature with touches of red and black. The master bedroom offers spectacular views, with a black-and-white zigzag rug evoking waves and pinkish-yellow lighting creating a sunset ambiance. The all-white, open-plan kitchen takes advantage of the lake views, designed to let natural outdoor colors infuse the space. Lewis emphasizes meaningful design that balances aesthetics with practicality, especially for a home frequently visited by grandchildren. Margit Jacobson, an interior designer and senior project manager at Leighton Design Group, discusses designing a grandchildren's suite in a Canandaigua Lake house. This project creatively utilized existing architectural elements like a pickled-wood ceiling, wood floors, and sloped roof angles to create specialized children's spaces. Jacobson focused on making the room functional and whimsical. She designed a reading nook with a daybed and open storage in a corner, alongside Dutch doors concealing a playroom. A built-in desk with a continuous paper scroll for art projects and a metal board above it offers creative outlets. The closet was converted into a nursery with wallpaper, built-in storage, and a chandelier, transforming it into a magical space. Jacobson highlights the satisfaction of seeing children actively engage with the room as intended. Robin Muto, owner of Robin Muto Interiors, addresses the challenge of merging disparate aesthetic preferences of a husband and wife in a Pittsford home. Muto, an interior and lighting designer, navigated the couple's preference for French Country (feminine) and industrial urban (masculine) styles. Through inspiration photos, she discovered common ground in the color gray and a rustic, warm aesthetic. The project, a whole-house interior design completed in two phases, prioritized the family room as a stylistic anchor. Muto opted for simplicity, focusing on color and texture rather than elaborate patterns. Elements like plain natural linen drapes, a traditional English sofa in linen velvet, a shabby-chic linen sofa, an industrial coffee table ottoman, and burgundy chairs were combined to create a handsome yet inviting space that satisfied both partners. Heather DeMoras, from Heather DeMoras Design Consultants, recounts the renovation of a 1901 Queen Anne home in Canandaigua. The goal was to preserve its Victorian charm while updating it for modern living. DeMoras conducted extensive research to ensure period appropriateness, incorporating Victorian and Arts & Crafts styles for a more casual feel. Period hardware, lighting from Historic Houseparts, and Bradbury & Bradbury wall coverings were selected, with colors inspired by the home's stained-glass windows. The kitchen was expanded by integrating the butler's pantry and a smoking room, featuring hidden appliances and custom cherry cupboards. Bathrooms incorporated Carrara marble, hand-painted subway tile, and oil-rubbed bronze fixtures. In the bedroom, a fabric matching the wall-covering was used for curtains around a bay window, creating a cohesive and anchored look. Jason Longo, founder of JDL Design, shares a career-defining project with a client in Henrietta. This client, a positive and resilient woman, sought a light, efficient, and eco-friendly home with warm colors after her husband's passing. Longo, who went full-time with his design company around this time, collaborated closely with her. The project involved improving the entry by creating a foyer and separating it from the new dining room (originally the living room) with a wall. The great room became the new living room. Longo reconfigured windows, added walls, and installed a flat wall of windows with an alcove in the dining room, alongside built-ins and an arch-top alcove. In the living room, square windows were replaced with a small arched window above a tiled fireplace, flanked by new windows. The client's trust allowed for significant structural changes. Longo reflects on her profound impact, as she validated his work and inspired him, even as she battled terminal cancer during the project's completion. #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #KitchenRemodel #LakesideLiving #ChildrensRoomDesign #VictorianHome #DesignChallenges #ClientRelationships #SpaceTransformation