Selkie / Lenox
Lenox, Massachusetts 2010
The renovation of a non-descript 1970’s ranch house on a quiet road provided the opportunity to open the house to light and views. The client, a successful businesswoman who travels constantly, expressed the desire for a house that was easy to care for and functioned like a good hotel suite.
A series of small rooms in the 2400 square foot house created a dark, cramped atmosphere. Walls were removed to open the living, dining, den and kitchen to each other, giving an open plan that is bathed with light from three directions. Two of three original bedrooms and a small bath were combined into a master suite with a large dressing room and bathroom. The roof on the bedroom wing was raised to match the existing shed roof over the living room, providing ten foot ceilings in the master bedroom and guest room. Large windows were added to flood these previously dark rooms with light. A previously enclosed stair to the basement was opened to the entry and large floor to ceiling windows installed to bring light into the lower level. The existing basement was turned into an office and bedroom for a teenager by changing the grade at the rear of the property and adding new windows.
Downsizing from a 6000 square foot 19th century country house filled with antiques, the owner wanted to explore a modern aesthetic in her new house. The interiors reflect the client’s desire for a crisp background filled with clear bright color. In the public spaces, major pieces are kept neutral with accents of strong color that can be changed with the seasons. As a counterpoint, the master bedroom is a tranquil oasis, with a soft palette developed around a set of vintage hand painted wallpaper panels. This project is the subject of a continuing column in House Beautiful.