Northshore Home magazine highlights the best in architectural design, new construction and renovations, interiors, and landscape design.
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1325707
44 WINTER 2021 I T MIGHT SOUND CRAZY, BUT SEVERAL YEARS AGO BETH Smithson and her husband moved their family a mere two streets over from their home in Andover to a 1957 multi-level ranch that needed a lot of work. "We were looking for more space with a better backyard and knew we were going to renovate it," says Smithson, an interior designer. "We liked the neighbor- hood and wanted to retain the visual aesthetic of the house with the houses around it, which were also built in the 1950s by the same developer." After a few modest renovations, the couple recently decided to renovate the entire first floor—a bunch of dim, outdated, boxy spaces that comprised the kitchen, an eating area, dining room, and sitting room. "The original kitchen was very small, as was the separate eat-in area," says Smithson. "The 'formal' dining room was also a separate space, partitioned by old louver doors. All the electrical outlets were original, and you needed an adaptor when plugging in modern three-point appliances. Circuits were overloaded, and we couldn't use the microwave and toaster at the same time." Addition- inspire nshoremag.com/nshorehome/ Above, the couple replaced the home's original hulking chimney with this stylish LED double-sided fireplace that has a variety of built-in lighting options to create multiple moods. A large island offers loads of prep space. The undercounter cabinets were installed by B&G Cabinet.