Northshore Home magazine highlights the best in architectural design, new construction and renovations, interiors, and landscape design.
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1142011
88 ly, but the interior wouldn't be as spectacular without Lisa Duffy, who owns Savoir Faire Home in Andover. "We hired her on an hourly basis," says Robin, "and then there were so many design decisions that we quickly gave her the whole project. We couldn't have done it without her." The atmosphere Duffy created in the house is personal, comfortable, and accented with rustic ele- ments. The great room and the living, dining, and kitchen spaces are open to each other. "We wanted a large, beautiful kitchen with a little bit of a Tuscan feel to it," says Robin. "It's perfect for entertaining family and friends, which we love to do." The open raftered cathedral ceiling features shiplap, and an arched window lets in lots of natural light. Kitchen designer Joan Davis in Beverly helped implement cabinets from Cronin Cabinets in Charleton. An impressive 13-foot-long island painted a darker gray is topped with statuario marble. For textural interest, the backsplash is made of tile that looks like antique brick, and a custom zinc hood is undoubtedly a beau- tiful focal point. Between the kitchen and the living area is an im- pressive dining table, a custom statement piece Duffy brought in from Italy. Reclaimed wood adorns the nooks flanking a limestone fireplace, while the other walls are painted a warm taupe. "The color palette I chose for this house is really keeping those blue and grays and browns you see outside," says Duffy, who adds that the white oak floor has a simple clear matte finish. The outcome is that the home has subtle references to its seaside location as well as a relaxed European Old World feel. The master bedroom suite above the garage is what the Nelsons were really looking forward to having— and it truly delivers. Duffy chose a rustic European farmhouse bed to complement the rough-sawn beams, which tie into the look of the beams downstairs. Since she wanted to accentuate the views of the marsh outside the master bathroom window, Duffy chose an elegant wallpaper pattern that mimics the grass. Above the tub, an oversize chandelier makes a creative statement. "I treat lighting like it's artwork or jewelry for the house," says Duffy. "To me, it's more about the feelings evoked than anything else," says Jones. "If someone walks into a house and says "Wow!" or is speechless, then it's right." But he also looks to the home's practical aspects, not- ing, "Of course, it has to also function flawlessly." With this house, and the way it sets up the next chapter of their lives, the Nelsons couldn't be more sat- isfied. "Every place in the house you look is just enjoy- able," says Brad. That sounds like a happy homeowner. For Resources, see page 106. A screened porch is a relaxing space that has both a view of the water across the street (to the left) and the marsh beyond the backyard (to the right).