LOUISE M. SMITH DESIGN, LLC

A thoughtful addition to a house in Franconia, New Hampshire not only adds necessary scope but also creates light-filled spaces that engage with the outdoors. The new family room, private office and master suite are well-proportioned, and they feel airy and cozy simultaneously. The addition and the updated kitchen help brighten the previously dark first floor. A large pocket door between the renovated kitchen and new sunny family room can be closed for a quiet getaway when needed or opened for a more social kitchen when entertaining; additionally, the large opening brings in more light into the old part of the house. The new saltbox form is harmonious with the existing house.

As with many of Louise M. Smith Design's projects, one of the goals of this addition was to modernize and update the home without losing its original character and history. The existing style of the house was returned to often when choosing materials, fixtures, accessories and, of course, in the design of the new spaces in the house.

West Cambridge House II is a Queen Anne home in the West Side of Cambridge. An existing cluster of rooms and a deck at the back of the house called for the creation of one large kitchen, complete with discreet mudroom storage and an everyday dining space. The existing deck adds visual space to the new room as well as easily accessible outdoor lounging opportunities. The circular room in the front surrounded by windows is perfect spot for a cozy library. The materials and details complement the era and style of the home, while also brightening it with modern takes on more traditional design moves.

An 1860s worker's cottage in West Cambridge had many simple, lovely existing details but was in need of spatial rethinking to accommodate a family of four with two small children. The largest move is the relocation of the existing kitchen so that it spatially relates to the existing living room. This is accomplished by a seven foot opening between the new kitchen and living room. In addition, the vacated kitchen becomes a perfect location for a mudroom / laundry room space. A home office for two with built-in desks, shelving, and cabinetry and a fully renovated master bathroom, breathe new life into the private space of the house. 
Contractor: M.F. Keane Contracting

A dignified brick Georgian Revival in West Cambridge is transformed to fit the modern functions and needs of a family of five. Prior to renovating, the layout of the house was akin to a rabbit warren, with small, dark rooms feeding into other small, dark rooms. The main stairway lacked presence and was closed in by walls and crowded by several doors opening up to closets, a galley kitchen, and a dark half bath.

The design completely opens up the first floor of the house. The foyer, the kitchen, a casual eating and comfortable sitting area inhabit one large space. Prominent structural beams housed in soffits, crown moldings, and iconic lighting are what create the definition between the individual rooms. A front den / office and a formal dining room are kept in their original locations, somewhat removed, but gain generous openings into the large space. Lastly, a mudroom and half bath are situated in a logical position off the driveway, back entrance to the house.

The details and materials in the house are a marriage between traditional and contemporary. 

Contractor: M.F. Keane Contracting

Interior Designer: Cecilia Walker Design

As seen in Domino Magazine: https://domino.com/cambridge-ma-georgian-home-modern-renovation

The insertion of carefully chosen materials as well as a functional design updates this long thin bathroom under the eaves of an 1840s Victorian. Wood trim at the niches balances out the hard stone counter tops and floors.

Contractor: Eric Keppeler

Contractor: Wendell Klein Builders

Several discrete projects render a summer house in Mattapoisett, MA, more functional for three generations of a family. A 1950s laundry room becomes a multi-use mudroom with a new entrance from outside, a playroom off the kitchen gains a new zinc topped island and more natural light with the removal of a dark circuitous back hallway, second floor circulation is cleaned up with a new hallway and a more open stairway landing, a bedroom becomes more "private" and an old unused wood shop becomes a much needed "apartment" with a bedroom and bathroom. The renovation respects the simple style, materials and details of the existing house and matches existing details and repurposes removed fixtures wherever possible.

Contractor: Fisher & Rocha, Inc.

The renovation of a cape house in Westport, Massachusetts opens up the rooms in the house, making the spaces more comfortable and user-friendly for a family of four. A tight, cluttered back entry becomes an organized, more welcoming mud room. A wall between a small kitchen and dining area comes down to create a lighter and more social kitchen to cook in, as well as gives the dining area more breathing room. 

As with many of Louise M. Smith Design's projects, one of the goals of this cape renovation was to modernize and update the house without losing its original character and history. The existing style of the house was returned to often when choosing materials, fixtures, accessories and, of course, in the design of the new spaces in the house. An example of this was keeping half of the original cabinets in the kitchen and blending in a new peninsula and "L" lower cabinet.

Contractor: Dennis Talbot Construction

This pre-war apartment renovation combines existing formal living and dining spaces with an isolated kitchen to create one open space for all family activities.  The design preserves original ceiling trim, flooring borders and selected existing infrastructure to distinguish different areas without physically separating them with walls.

In Collaboration with Julia M. Leeming, AIA

Light and openness are paramount in the renovation of a 1930s brick colonial. The main design move is a complete overhaul of the existing kitchen. A large cased opening establishes a relationship between the kitchen and dining room, loosening up the flow of the first floor of the house and bringing daylight into the kitchen. The other significant change involves opening up a previously cramped entry vestibule to the foyer and main stairwell of the house.

Contractor: M.F. Keane Contracting