Classic comfort
October 31, 2024
Sarah Andrews designs a Dilworth house with a family-friendly flow while respecting the home’s history.
by Cathy Martin | photographs by Heather Ison
Over the years, the charming 1940s-era Dilworth home had been through a series of renovations, but the piecemeal approach had left the kitchen — the heart of the home — choppy and enclosed. The kitchen cabinets lacked ample storage and were beginning to fall apart, and the stove hood didn’t function well, leading to a few pesky visits from the fire department. There wasn’t a drop zone to keep coats and backpacks tidy, and an uncovered wooden deck — in full sun and exposed to the elements — was rarely used.
After seven years in the home, the family of four decided it was time for change. Following the lead of friends who had worked with Traditions Interiors, the homeowners connected with Sarah Andrews, lead designer at the home boutique at Park Road Shopping Center.
In the dining room, an existing crystal chandelier and a vintage rug are paired with a new pedestal table and retro chairs with a cane inlay for a mix of old and new. Removing a clunky column in the kitchen created an open space for a large island with quartzite countertops. Accessories are from Traditions, and the custom hood is by Mudwerk.
“Sarah and I have similar taste, but I lacked confidence and experience in putting things together,” the homeowner says. “She was able to help me put my ideas together and make decisions for a cohesive look.”
Before joining Traditions 16 years ago, Andrews worked for local architect Lindsay Daniel. So after the homeowners had engaged builder Montgomery Homes and architect Meyer Greeson Paullin Benson, the designer was able to jump right in to fine-tune plans and help select finishes.
“In terms of aesthetic, I wanted it to be calm, peaceful, traditional — but with some modern lines,” the homeowner says. At the top of the punch list was the kitchen.
“The L-shaped kitchen that had been cobbled together over time didn’t really make a lot of sense,” Andrews says. To make it more open and functional, a column was removed to create space for a large island. With no room for a pantry, a larder cabinet was designed to maximize storage and house small appliances and pantry goods. “It’s really the workhorse piece of the kitchen,” Andrews says. “It looks like a piece of furniture.”
A mudroom was added for a much-needed drop zone for backpacks, coats and parcels. In the living room, which doubles as a home office, open shelves were replaced with new cabinets to house a printer and other office supplies. The draperies are a botanical-inspired Pierre Frey fabric.
From the open kitchen and family room, new sliding doors create a seamless flow to a screened porch, blurring the lines between indoors and out. To keep the family room bright, the porch was designed with three large skylights. With a fireplace, outdoor kitchen and dining area, the porch has become a three-season room and a comfortable spot for the family to enjoy al fresco meals.
“Now with the roof and retractable screens we can enjoy the feeling of being outdoors even if it is raining or the mosquitos are out,” the homeowner says.
A new mudroom — the primary entry from the driveway — provides a convenient spot for jackets, bags, mail and packages, and has become the preferred hangout for the family’s golden retriever. Cabinets and lockers keep personal belongings tidy and out of sight; a durable checkered floor camouflages dirt and debris tracked in from outside.
A trio of skylights in the new screened porch keep adjacent interior rooms bright. The sofa, chairs and dining table are from Traditions; the lanterns are from Hudson Valley Lighting.
Structurally, the living and dining rooms were left mostly unchanged. In the living room, open display shelves were replaced with closed cabinets so the room functions as both a workspace and a sitting room.
“The house was built in 1942, so I wanted to honor the history of the home while also updating it with today’s conveniences,” says the homeowner. By incorporating natural fibers, texture and a design that’s not too feminine or masculine, Andrews created a space that’s classic, livable and inviting.
“Everybody’s been to that house where you’re afraid to touch anything or to sit on something,” the designer says. “That’s not how I want my guests to feel, or my family.” And in this case, her clients shared the same sentiment.
“I think the biggest compliment you can get is, ‘I feel so comfortable in your house,’” Andrews says. SP
