Maine Coastal Gem!

My friend, the talented interior photographer, Jamie Salomon of James R. Salomon Photography, shared this fabulous home in Bar Harbor, Maine with me recently. He was kind enough to let me provide you a private tour .

The owners of this gorgeous historical home on the water wanted to do a renovation.

You can see how much character the home has and they wanted to keep that feeling so they called upon Anthony Barnes of Barnes Vanze Architects to help design their renovation. Let's have a look: The Entry Hall is a lovely of mix of old and new. Notice the stone arches which lead into the Dining Room. I like the choice of the wood and white paint on the staircase.

The Dining Room is just beautiful. Notice how the granite stone of the archway is echoed in the stone fireplace. Also notice the detailing in this room. I love the wood arched doorway and the built in; they both also echo the stone archway. Peeking further you can see the stunning wood and marble Butler's Pantry.

Also notice the coffered ceilings which add an additional layer of detail - the ceilings are very high, so it also brings them down a bit - I also love the turned wood chandelier.

Here is a close up of the Butler's Pantry area. It is interesting to me that french doors open up right beside it. I think this is a great idea, and a very thoughtful part of the design, to have access to the Pantry for entertaining indoors and out. Great architects always think ahead!

Moving to the Kitchen we see more period style details incorporated like this charming oval window over the sink.

Pulling back and getting a larger view of the kitchen you can see how every inch of space was utilized including under the stairs. Also notice the stone work and the transition of stone to plaster up the staircase. I love this effect and how it cleverly solves the design problem - so you don't harshly have stone butted up against plaster.

Another kitchen view where you can see an antique fireback incorporated into the white subway tile behind the stove. Wonderful combinations of old and new!

The family room captures the views of the water at every turn. You can only see a bit of the fireplace, but it is also the same granite stone we have been seeing in other parts of the house. Perfect coastal decor with antiques, sisal rugs and slipcovers. Notice the ceiling detail - love it!

Finally a perfect tub for a perfect retreat - Isn't this a beautiful home in Maine??

To learn more about Barnes Vanze Archietects click HERE

For more inspiring interiors photographed by James R. Salomon Photography click HERE.

(All photos Jame R. Salomon Photography and not to be copied with permission)

An English Tudor Adds a Conservatory Kitchen

I adore English Tudors. I wanted so badly to live in one when I moved this last time (our ninth move!). But, we had a short window of time and none were for sale that would work with our family. We ended up buying a lovely 1930's Royal Barry Wills Center Hall Colonial. Beautiful and historic, but my heart still belongs to the Tudors.

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A common complaint is that they are dark. Yes, the smaller windows, sloping ceilings and dark wood can make them feel dark, but I find with the right decor and some modifications they can be sunny, beautiful, and very cozy.

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Still, I hold fast to my dream that some day I may own an English Tudor. I follow the MLS listings and am always on the watch for ideas and inspiration. So imagine my delight when I saw this new Conservatory Kitchen Addition on this wonderful 1920's Tudor by Barnes Vanze Architects. The owner, a professional chef, wanted to add light to the home and have a "summer style" kitchen. They wanted the addition to have a true garden feel. The result is a beautiful space which incorporates all the conveniences needed for a professional chef and a tremendous amount of natural light which floods into adjoining rooms.
The center island is large and great for food prep, as well as entertaining, while the host prepares the meal. It is made of antique, reclaimed chestnut and has refrigeration drawers built into it. Additionally the owners wanted a dining table in the space and a banquette seating/lounge area. Notice the professional stove and striking hood with copper accents. I also like how they used furniture with the cabinetry. Notice how some of the furniture has strong colors so it doesn't disappear in such a large space.
The iron and glass shelves were custom designed and forged especially for their space. There are no over head cabinets. Notice the detail around the window and the ceiling - spectacular! I also love the soapstone sink and gray/green cabinet color.
The actual building lot dropped off in the back so the owners were able to create a room beneath the Conservatory. The new space houses a wine cellar, bath and media room. It also allowed the owners to create a new patio/entertaining area.

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This is excellent example of how the right addition on an older home can completely transform it. Read more about the architects and the fabulous renovation here.