Context
This funky 1970’s contemporary home in Maine’s Cape Elizabeth had a beautiful view of the meadows beyond its living room and kitchen, but its boxy layout made it challenging to see past the living room and screened-in porch. The kitchen was in its own small box, which felt enclosed and broke up the home’s flow and sightlines in an awkward way.
We didn’t need to do a lot to make the house flow more easily; we just needed to make some smart decisions and bring a sense of fun and whimsy to the project. With a little demo and some structural craft, it was easy to make the entire living area more open, unique, and exciting.
Response
We took down sight blocks across the house, including a column and an island that prevented easy access to the kitchen. We created an opening in a devising wall so the view from the entryway now spans all sides of the home, bringing the kitchen back into view. Returning the kitchen to its rightful spot as the hearth of the home makes the house hum around its center.
We used small batches of all kinds of different woods to add texture and visual interest to elements like the wooden kitchen island counter and a soffit.
Finally, we added an unusual feature: a “floating nodule” off the dining room, a reading nook with glass on three sides that hangs out over the meadows. A person can climb in and feel like they’re floating above the beautiful view before stepping back into the spirited social space of the home’s open floor plan.
