It’s always helpful when clients come to us with a clearly defined idea of how they want to change their space. But it is even more helpful when they remain flexible and open to alternative solutions, like these clients who were looking to renovate in Reading.

The primary goal for this busy family was to redesign the second floor of their home to accommodate four bedrooms and an office. They also wanted to add a mudroom on the first floor. Changing the layout of the second floor enabled us to make changes to the design of the front of their home, updating the placement of windows that previously felt disproportionate and also adding new siding and trim. To complete this project, the existing second floor was entirely removed. We raised the roofline, creating additional attic space, and also expanded the second floor over a kitchen addition done by previous owners.

In the spirit of remaining open-minded, our client decided to use the space she had previously envisioned becoming an office for a laundry room instead. The two second-floor bathrooms gained square footage and space for double sinks and larger showers. The bedrooms gained better closet space and the desired office idea was realized, but instead of its own room, it was tucked into a hallway leading to the primary suite.

Design wise, our client’s aesthetic leaned more simple, with light colors. They chose white siding for the outside of the house, complimented by a light blue front door. A new covered porch with warm-toned hardwood floors became the entry to the family’s new mudroom. Inside the mudroom, we chose materials that were hard-wearing to withstand the comings and goings of three children. The porcelain floor looks like cement, but was better suited to this room because of its durability. A shiplap detail on the back wall adds texture that ties the open room together. Their floating shelf and bench were custom-built on site and stained to match the hardwood flooring from the outside covered porch.

Upstairs, the laundry room presented an opportunity to have a little fun with bold choices. With geometric wallpaper from Kravet, hexagon tiles on the floor and a mint green light fixture, the room makes a dull task like laundry feel a bit more enjoyable. The kids' bathroom was another area for fun design choices, with a patterned floor made from porcelain tile and fun globe light fixtures. The custom-built and stained floating shelves provide storage while matching the warm wood toned mirrors above the console-style vanity. In the primary bath, we chose to use light wood and white quartz countertops, offset by black-rimmed mirrors for contrast. The shower has a combination of white subway tiles and an accent marble hive shape tiles inside the niche and against the far back shower wall. The Utopia Sconces from Visual Comfort finish the bathroom with a clean, elegant look.

The end result of this project brought our clients more space in both bathrooms and bedroom closets, as well as increased function for their family through the new mudroom and laundry room. The design choices reflected their personal style and we are grateful to have worked with them.