“Originally a formal living room with limited natural light and a small opening into what is now the kitchen, this space underwent a dramatic transformation to suit our lifestyle,” explains interior designer Kelli Suozzo. “We elevated things a bit by vaulting the ceiling and introducing three skylights, flooding the room with an abundance of natural light. So much light that a solution dyed acrylic fabric was selected for the furnishings to protect against fading. A sliding door now seamlessly connects the room to the backyard, blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living. The fireplace received an update, featuring a modern limestone surround nestled between recessed oak built-ins that tie back to the wood tones in the kitchen. The coveted swivel chairs offer versatility, allowing occupants to enjoy the backyard view, see what’s cooking in the kitchen, or unwind in front of the TV. I love the drama the higher ceiling provides and the way the light dances through the space at various times in the day.”

Drapery fabric by McLaurin & Percy.

“Previously in the front of the house, the kitchen was relocated to the back of the house and opens into the living room to create a free-flowing space,” Kelli says. “We vaulted the ceiling in the living room and were planning to do the same in the kitchen but after much debate, kept the original height and added returns to each side wall to delineate the spaces and maintain a feeling of coziness. Varying heights create a dramatic transition between rooms, framing the kitchen perfectly and highlighting the contrast between the custom curved hood and the straight lines throughout.”

“An Imperial Danby marble countertop rises halfway up the wall to form a ledge that wraps the kitchen, which houses a rotating collection of all my favorite objects, pottery and artwork. It was important that the kitchen felt styled like any other room in the home.  

“Originally designed with a round table in the center of the space, we quickly pivoted to a banquette once we realized that this would become a main artery of the house. With two teens rushing downstairs and into the butler’s pantry for their obligatory morning coffee or guests flowing in the front door and out to the screened porch, this proved to be a good move. Tucked away and so much more welcoming, the banquette is the perfect spot for relaxed dinner parties (we love entertaining) but also a comfy place for high schoolers to do homework, adults to take zoom calls or for Ripley, our new puppy to take naps while watching the comings and goings. The custom dining table sat chair-less for months until we discovered the perfect vintage set at Brimfield Antique Market on a buying trip for our retail store nest. The original plan was to recover the chairs but after living with the lavender upholstery for a bit, the whole family warmed up to them as they were intended to be.”

“The custom millwork in matte walnut with exposed dovetail joints and reeded glass adds storage but also acts as a serving buffet and bar while entertaining.”

“A nod to the original kitchen which formerly resided in this area, we created a separate scullery for all the unsightlies,” Kelli admits. “The coffee maker, toaster, blender, milk frother, electric kettle and more are all housed (and can be washed with the addition of a sink and dishwasher) in this space. For the materials and overall palette, I envisioned a darker contrast to the lightness of the rest of the home and opted for a soapstone countertop and custom sink paired with a dark blue grey zellige tile that envelops the space. I adore the light reflecting quality and glossy sheen the tile adds in an imperfect handmade way.”

“To add a sense of drama and expansiveness, we vaulted the ceilings and layered in beams and a v-groove treatment. Our aim was to not only add architectural interest but also to create the illusion of a larger space in a modest footprint. A picture window added to the west side, offers a view of the adjacent wetlands, connecting the interior with the exterior and further enhancing the room’s spacious feel.”

“The original version of this bath was straight out of the ’70s – a closet, a chimney through the middle and a stall shower with a ceiling that was no higher than 6 feet – all crammed into the same footprint. We removed the chimney, relocated the closet, and expanded the shower for today’s living.”

“Still cozy in size, we decided to take the wood flooring into the bathroom to connect the spaces and add softness and warmth. Pocket doors were added for privacy but are left open most of the time,” Kelli says.

“Down the split-level stairs, we merged three rooms into one and created the ultimate hangout space with a TV and Media Room that seamlessly flows into a California-inspired white oak wrapped bar. We opened the space further by adding sliding doors that allow the natural flow to extend to the adjacent patio in warmer months and the view of the wetlands to be fully appreciated year-round. It’s the ideal spot to gather before (and after) dinner parties to enjoy drinks, unwind with friends and create many lasting memories. And while this was not the original goal, having a separate space on the other side of the house allows our family to entertain separate groups simultaneously, ensuring everyone is spread out yet still feels welcome and accommodated. 

“After many fruitless attempts to squeeze the laundry onto the second floor, we came to the realization that it was staying put. We typically place laundry rooms on the second level alongside bedrooms, but with an active family of surfers, beachgoers, fishermen, and playful pups, this location proved perfect for our needs. Now integrated into the main living spaces and visible to passersby, it was essential for the laundry room to have aesthetic appeal. The sink is functional, but the utilitarianism is balanced with the addition of a skirt. Expanding on that feel, the addition of the v-groove paneling and hooks, modern graphic floral wallpaper and brick chevron flooring (that we decided to run throughout the entire lower level) lends a sense of permanence and familiarity, as if the room has always been a cherished part of our home.”

“Our screened porch stands as the heart of the home and is probably the most used space by all. Again, we played with scale, varying ceiling heights and the verticality of the fireplace to create an impactful transition to the exterior. From the early morning hours, you can find someone enjoying their coffee and reading the paper, and as the day unfolds it turns into a hub of activity and then a space to entertain or wind down at the end of the day. The fireplace was a last-minute addition and because of it, we continue to embrace this space well into the fall months, relishing the last moments of outdoor living.”