This 1830s home remodeling project was extensive. The kitchen was sandwiched between the main house and the garage and had very little natural light and views.

The clients hired Mike Maines — co-author of The Pretty Good House — to design a new free-standing garage and convert the original garage into a light-filled living space open to the kitchen.

Mike established a master layout for how the new living room, kitchen, and dining areas would relate. I fine tuned the kitchen details.

Beyond dialing in the storage and flow, my goal was to work with the gravitational force of the space. The light and view from the new living room is beautiful. But the light and view from the wall of windows in the adjacent dining space was even better. Standing in the space, it was easy to feel the pull of dining area.

I kept the galley layout that Mike established and rearranged the zones to move the prep area and sink closer to the dining space.

While every space and client is unique, understanding those invisible tugs is where I always begin.

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER: Mike Maines, Mottram & Maines

CONTRACTOR:  Benjamin + Co.

PHOTOGRAPHY:  Erin Little

STYLING:  Janice Dunwoody

FEATURED IN:  Decor Maine, No. 7, 2022