There are few things I love more then a good Before & After story. This traditional meets modern farmhouse renovation I recently completely in Northampton, MA is no exception. But more then that, what’s been on my mind lately is the concept of “designing for how you want to feel.” This is what I always intuitively what I’ve done with every project, but I never really talk about. We all of course come to the table with styles we like and dislike, but once that kind of direction is decided, my deeper mission is always to design a home that feels damn good to be in. Because, that’s the kind of space “home” should be. Home should kind of give you a hug at the end of the day. With that in mind, let’s get on to the details of this recent project of mine that was featured in Homepolish mag a few weeks back.

My client is a busy mother of three girls, who also runs her own business. When I first walked through the home, what I realized first and foremost, was that it wasn’t supporting her. The house was making life feel more difficult and I don’t know a person on this earth that needs any more difficulty in their life. Am I right? The home was built in 1890, so it’s bones were mighty achey, the spaces were snug and closed off from one another, and this 127 old lady needed a makeover.

When I get started with a client, I like to ask them questions so I can get clear on their style. My clients was on the traditional side of the spectrum, but she was open to seeing what that would mean through my lens. We decided on traditional meets modern farmhouse as a direction and after that my mission was to create a home for this family that would feel like their own private retreat after a busy day. As a business owner myself, I know how busy life can feel and with three kids to boot, I knew what she needed most was a space that was highly functional, well thought out and relaxing to be in.

I knew we needed to open up the space, allowing for more light and gain connection to the outdoors. Her backyard abuts a nature preserve, and adding a deck was also high on her wish list. So…we took down walls, moved a bathroom and connected the kitchen right to the outside with beautiful french doors that lead out to her new deck.

We increased her kitchen cabinet space, added a big closet for all the coats and shoes and bags, created a brand new bathroom that also houses her laundry, created a new dining area and added all new windows and doors.

What we ended up with is a warm, inviting, traditional-modern farmhouse and I couldn’t be happier with the results.

Creating spaces that make people feel happy and supported, makes me feel like I’m doing what I was put on this earth to do.

Enjoy the before and after photos below!

Talk to you next time,

xoxo

Shannon