Nature & Nurture: A Home Renovation

Written by JESSICA CINNAMON | Designed by JESSICA CINNAMON | Photography by STEPHANI BUCHMAN

The design world has seen a palpable shift toward the organic and the authentic. This trend isn't merely an aesthetic choice but a profound reflection of our innate desire to connect with nature in an increasingly urbanized world. From rustic retreats to modern abodes, the proliferation of natural materials has become a hallmark of contemporary interior design, offering a harmonious blend of practicality and aesthetics. And at the heart of this movement lies the enduring allure of wood.

Historically preferred for its practicality and availability, and more recently for its style and sustainability, wood has transcended its rustic origins to become a foundational element in modern homes, from ceiling to floor and everywhere in between. Its versatility is arguably its biggest attraction, ranging from the rich, warm tones of mahogany to the light, airy grains of oak. Its inherent beauty and timeless appeal bring a sense of warmth and authenticity to any space, including one of my most recent designs—a 4,900-square foot home to a family of five, which needed a major facelift and a re-imagined floor plan. Our work encompassed a complete main-floor renovation, the second-floor principal suite, and basement upgrades that elevate the underground.

Overcoming Common Design Challenges with Creative Solutions

The original home was dark and compartmentalized, so we opened the floor plan to brighten the space. The kitchen was closed off from the living and dining room­—a deliberate design feature of the past that has made way for open, social spaces in the modern home. We removed the walls between the living, dining, and kitchen along with all bulkheads. There were also several structural elements that we could not change and had to be incorporated into the design. The solution came in the form of functional millwork to hide structural and mechanical components. We also put a lot of thought into the ceiling designs, ensuring that the open floor plan felt fluid given the varying ceiling heights.

Pro Tip: While open-concept layouts are desired, they do require some planning to ensure they remain visually organized and functional. Establish “zones” within the open area and outfit each one with its own dedicated grouping of furniture, lighting, and accessories. Adding an area rug can also help to distinguish the zone. This will give it a distinct purpose within the broader space. Maintain a uniform flooring material throughout, to ensure good visual flow.

Kitchen storage and organization were another obstacle to overcome, as is frequently the case in a busy family home like this one. We incorporated smart design features such as an appliance garage above the counter on a pullout tray, a magic corner below, a kitchen aid lift, a charging drawer, and hidden storage below the island counter. A glass display cabinet served to visually connect the areas together while incorporating existing structural elements and HVAC. Crossing the line between feature and function are the wine display and a coffee station with a pullout cutting board and pocket door above.

Meanwhile, the family room suffered from imbalance. We gave it a new layout, shifting the fireplace to be centered and opting for a more modern, linear gas unit. Technically, we made the family room smaller in square footage, but the new layout is more practical for TV viewing and conversation, outfitted with the two sofas and two swivel chairs. The decorative, custom-made ceiling fixture is sprawling and fluid, well-suited to the space, and artfully crafted so as not to obstruct the view to the TV. Because this space was made for living, furniture choices are simple, featuring clean lines, minimal details, and neutral palettes. A custom wool rug is comfortable and durable underfoot.

Nature Takes Center Stage

Organic accents serve as focal points, adding warmth, depth, and character to every room. We used a combination of woods, natural marbles, and incorporated subtle textures throughout, to create a layered warmth.

In the kitchen, a marble archway was integrated into the millwork. Inset brass inlay detail separates the durable, man-made quartz countertop workspace from the natural marble tabletop that hosts meals and guests.

In the family room, a dark, natural marble-clad fireplace towers to the ceiling, contrasting the otherwise light room. The dark marble made its bold statement in other areas as well as a natural marble floating vanity with an integrated sink in the bathroom, a floor in the hallway, a feature wall in the mudroom (complete with a new dog shower), and as punctuated dark accents throughout.

Underfoot, natural hardwood flooring serves to carry the organic motif throughout the home, while maintaining visual continuity between spaces.

Dark Meets Light Color Palette

The light, neutral tones through the home are timeless, chosen to evoke a clean and bright aesthetic. Layered lighting was added to set a very deliberate mood of toned-down modernity, and to enhance the visual impact of focal areas in the home. To maintain open sightlines and the free flow of light, we replaced the original closed-off staircase with a new, open-tread staircase that allowed a clear view from the front door through to the back of the house.

There’s no doubt that this house was already a home to my clients, where they had made many wonderful memories over the years, with more to come. As their needs and tastes change over time, my goal was to make the space a more functional and stylish place for this family to continue to enjoy for years to come.