Originally built in 1920, this Hingham, Massachusetts home is a quintessential Cape-style home that needed a few updates. Designer Christina Di Loreto of Blend Designs had just sold her family’s prior home off-market and was desperate for a new place to live. “We were not thinking we would walk into a complete remodel, but the home had a certain unique appeal, and we were up for a challenge,” she tells us. 

“Being an interior designer, and this being my home, I knew exactly how to tackle this remodel,” Christina says. “First was to hire my good friends who are architects [Hoadley Martinez Architects] to help bring my internal vision to life. We worked together for months designing a home that looked as if the integrity was never changed. However, the home endured quite a lengthy renovation.”

The house had a bright blue asphalt roof, an overgrown yard, and little curb appeal—but the bones were strong. It just took a little “moving things around” to get the right layout. “The current kitchen was a living room,” Christina recalls. “We extended the ceiling heights, added new windows, and created the cozy banquette—which added additional square footage to the home and is my favorite spot. It serves as my office with the best views, where we meet clients, and where we have family meals.”  

The previous dining room was converted to a family room with a custom built-in, new windows, and incredible views of Hingham Harbor. For more connection to the outdoors, they changed the previous kitchen into a screened-in porch. It was added after extensive leveling of the yard and major retaining because we are at the base of a huge hill. “My husband loves the covered porch for morning coffee in the warm months,” the designer shares. 

A charming sunroom was completely rebuilt with a new foundation while preserving the original roof line and size. “Hoadley-Martinez did a wonderful job redesigning it as it was originally with a few added details like faux posts and huge windows,” Christina explains. They also made one very important change for their family. “The stairs were rebuilt to suit my 6’4” son who would have hit his head,” the designer laughs. “And the entire second floor was removed and rebuilt to accommodate higher ceilings and larger windows which capture the amazing views of the harbor.” 

Working with the architects, Christina says the end goal was to make this home a showstopper—and it is! “I often see passersby’s taking photos as they drive by,” she shares with a smile. “The home is often described as ‘very California’ looking—bingo! This is my whole business model. California designs for East Coast living, hence the ‘blending’ in Blend Designs.”

Take a tour in the slideshow.