Upstairs, the transformation centered on opening the main living areas. A load-bearing wall between the kitchen and living space was removed and replaced with a structural beam, allowing the layout to expand. The ceiling was vaulted, and new skylights were added to bring in light from above. A simple wood-wrapped beam now draws your eye upward, reinforcing both the height and the openness of the space.

What had been a series of separate rooms now feels like one continuous environment.

Creating that openness required careful coordination behind the scenes. Introducing the vaulted ceiling meant creating a new point load. The beam had to carry that load without interrupting the openness the family wanted.

At the same time, the design needed to reflect the family’s vision. With a strong appreciation for architecture within the family, details like the exposed beam and proportions of the space had to feel intentional, not just functional.

Systems were updated to support the new layout, including HVAC adjustments to ensure consistent comfort throughout the home. Site constraints, like the existing septic system, also influenced how the new garage addition could be positioned.

The transformation extended to the exterior as well. The front of the home was reworked to create a more defined and welcoming entrance, anchored by a covered stoop and warm wood door that gives the house a clearer sense of arrival. Updated siding, brick, and wood elements helped tie everything together, so the outside reflects what’s happening inside.