The photo above is of the large fireplace during our walk through. This great room was a surprise to us, it is not apparent from the exterior of the house, that this room existed. It did have some issues, some of you may remember the tree removal. That helped immensely. Now we have a slider with a transom over the top that brings in so much light during the day and gives us a great view of the pond out back. Removing the 8'-0" hearth has helped in being able to furnish the entire space. Of course relocating the kitchen into the room- affords us a place for us both to be- while Erik whips us up a gourmet meal I can sit on the couch and watch,American Loggers. Or did I get that reversed. It is, NOW, truly a family room.
This photo is dark- but really depicts what this room was like. This is looking back toward the driveway- there was a door into the great room right off the driveway and next to it another door into the garage and large fixed window.
This was taken during our gut of the space- where the ladder is leaning up against the wall was what was meant to be ( I think) a powder room- but was never realized. It just became another dark hall way with a large closet. We tore it out- opening it up to the existing house- with the intention of building a mudroom entry at a later date that would open up to the new open space. The door in the background opens up into the garage- for some time our dumpster (s) were in there and that is where a new smaller mudroom, giving a buffer from the garage, instead of just opening up into the great room.
AFTER
We kept the wood box- put new pine paneling inside. We drywalled the entire room- leaving the existing beams and natural posts.
New slider with transom above and replaced the door to the deck with a window. Much brighter.
Sliding barn door, Erik made the door from salvaged barn board and it is on wood rails that run on a metal track. This closes off the mudroom into the garage- if we want another layer from the garage in the winter. It is reminiscent of our trip to Austria- where they utilized many old materials. It helps tie in the old beams to the space as well. The mudroom has changed color since this photo was taken- stay tuned...
Ta DA!! Kitchen revealed, new window over the sink. Island. Pendants. There are a few things in here that need tweaking, but we are officially using the refrigerator, sink, dishwasher and stove. Erik added barn board to the underside of the Island, which really makes this a one of a kind piece.
It's a bit Shaker and a bit Scandinavian. We tried to stay with the classic lines with the cabinets, keeping the old details of the beams, while we edged it up with some modern fixtures. Of course, this post comes after about 15 different paint colors. We finally agreed on Farrow & Ball's, old white. It is a subtle color that is bright during the day and gives a warm cozy feeling at night.
We are planning on adding some more barn board to mimic the beam above the fireplace wall over the sink- but we ran out, so if you know any sources, do let me know. Preferably free. I don't mind dressing in black at night to get it either, if you know what I mean.
