Northshore Home magazine highlights the best in architectural design, new construction and renovations, interiors, and landscape design.
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1206063
49 Marimar Homes, LLC, is a collaboration between interior/architectural designer McInnes and designer/ stylist Erickson that was forged in 2015 when the two talented friends found their first carriage house project and swung into restoration mode. Familiarity fueled their affection, and with the help of real estate agent Betsy Bullock, they now seek out and adopt down- on-their-luck carriage houses to uplift and resell. "We became so enamored of the process that we keep our noses to the ground," explains Erickson. Every project presents its own set of challenges, and the duo is dedicated to finding solutions and doing it right. They end up creating living spaces with such savvy layouts and appointments that their carriage houses sell in a blink. In fact, the Beverly Farms carriage house was snatched up before it was officially on the market, allowing Marimar to customize the space to the new homeowners' needs. What won the team over to the 2,800-square-foot carriage house upon first sight in the winter of 2017 was its unique location. Set between an equestrian center and conservation land, the property basks in all-angle views. Even with snow on the ground, the grove of locust trees on the one-acre site creates a compelling setting. Those factors were in perfect sync with Erickson and McInnes's penchant for increasing window sizes and creating a light-filled space while framing sight lines outside. That said, several major challenges stood between the successful revamp and what they were given at the onset. For example, although the structure was in good condition, the floor plan was a bear. Standing at 1-1/2 stories with seven dormers upstairs, the building's design made wedging two bedrooms and an office into the second floor a conundrum for the two designers initially. Where to relocate the staircase was a major issue until they opted to place stairs going up and down to one side of the entryway door. The team recycled large corbels for the kitchen island. The stair railing is kept modern. Furnishings are kept simple.