Inspiration for a new year: a light-filled renovation for a family of four
January 4, 2021
a dream MASTER RETREAT
The opportunity to convert an attic into a third-floor master oasis was an exciting space planning challenge for us.
THE ASK - bright, streamlined and a real sense of retreat from the world.
OUR VISION - a sophisticated sanctuary in the trees.
The new staircase was the defining architectural driver for the layout. By positioning it slightly off-centre in the floor plan, we were able to appropriately zone the bathroom, dressing room and bedroom.
The big challenge in a third-floor conversion like this is creating ceiling height and bringing in natural light. Our solution? Long shed dormers on both sides of the roof to gain height and a combination of skylights, transom windows and twin front and rear façade windows. All of this glazing brings an immense sense of lightness to the floor and allows a wonderful connection to the large trees that shelter the property.
It was very important to me that we be respectful of the beautiful exterior architecture of the home. This meant bringing only one of the shed dormers all the way to the front of the house. The other dormer was cut short of the bedroom so that it’s not immediately visible from the front street view of the home. To resolve the resulting sloped wall above the bed, we included skylights to create a sense of height. We even worked with the contractor to make a full-scale plywood & lumber model of the bed onsite to ensure our clients would be able to comfortably sit up and read in bed! The back of the bespoke headboard is angled to fit perfectly into the wall – every inch counts.
A standalone tub was a must-have for our client and we situated this with a view directly into the beautifully treed and very private backyard.
We stole space from the custom medicine cabinets to install a full-width transom window above the vanity to bring in southern light.
Beautiful custom cabinetry occupies the space between the bedroom and bath, defining a light-filled dressing area with custom interior fittings.
she’s come a long way baby…
A CHIC & WELCOMING MAIN FLOOR
The design promise for the living & dining room was to brighten it way up and create a comfortably elegant space to spend real time in as a family and with friends. With a very treed location and eastern exposure, bright natural light was a challenge.
Our clients inherited bad lighting and drab wall finishes from the previous owners. We reworked the lighting plan and painted the walls out in a warm white to create a fresh and airy feel. Playing up the contrast between light and dark fabrics and finishes allows the lighter elements to stand out and really brighten up the space.
Speaking of standing out – the gorgeous Emma Hayes wallpaper on the dining room wall celebrates a natural focal point and immediately draws the eye in from the front hall.
On the flip side, we dramatically reduced the scale and ornateness of the previous fireplace by replacing it with a simple and elegant bespoke mantle and surround.
when we say it’s better & brighter we mean it…
DETAILS ARE EVERYTHING
Leather strapping does double-duty to support the floating bookshelves and also act as bookends in this little boy’s big-boy bedroom.
Gorgeous lilac marble wraps seamlessly around the monolithic v-shaped legs on this bespoke dining table with white-washed oak top, keeping things light, bright and gorgeous.
To use every square inch of space in the master bedroom, these custom bedside tables are extra deep for great storage and are installed into the dead space under the roofline behind the bedroom wall.
Thanks for allowing us to share this very special project. Inspired to tackled your own transformation? Drop me a line at mc@meghancarterdesign.com and let’s chat.
All interior architecture & design by MCD. Construction by Bakerhill Renovations. Photography by Alex Lukey.
