Our journey with the Transitional Farmhouse began back in 2015, when a young family approached us with a clear mission: to renovate their recently purchased home and make it their own—slowly, intentionally, and with heart.
Their home, nestled in the coastal woodlands of Rye, NH and bordered by protected wetlands, had strong bones and rustic charm. It was a classic fixer-upper that was full of potential but in need of a major transformation to meet the needs of modern life. Over the course of four years, we worked together to transform the home into a warm, modern farmhouse with four bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms, designed to evolve alongside the growing family.
Design Evolution: Three Phases Over Four Years
To keep the process manageable (both financially and logistically), we broke the renovation into three major phases. Each one built upon the last, allowing the family to remain in the home while we made updates that honored its character and natural surroundings.
1). Phase One: Creating the Primary Suite
We began by turning the unused attic space above the garage into a serene primary suite, full of light and architectural interest. Within the suite, gabled rooflines added dimension and the new en suite bathroom (equipped with tile flooring, a double vanity, and a free standing tub) offered pretty views of the backyard.
2). Phase Two: Kitchen & Main Living Space
Next, we turned to the heart of the home—the kitchen and adjacent living spaces. The layout was completely reimagined to improve flow of the space and maximize natural light. During construction, we uncovered a small challenge with the existing plumbing and electrical wiring, both of which had to be rerouted to support the new design and function properly. This phase also included expanding a wall of windows to bring the outdoors in, along with the addition of a new mudroom that connects seamlessly to the kitchen.
3). Phase Three: Dormers & Great Room
The final phase brought the most dramatic transformation. Two new dormers were added to increase headroom and usable space upstairs, while a vaulted great room became the home’s central gathering spot. With high ceilings and expansive windows, the room is full of natural light. Updated rooflines brought cohesion to the entire exterior, giving the home a more elevated, unified look. Outside, custom stone pathways and lush landscaping by Hale’s Landscaping helped ground the home beautifully in its natural setting.
Material Highlights
Because we were able to keep the home’s original footprint intact, much of our work focused on refining and enhancing existing spaces. That gave us the opportunity to layer in natural textures, custom details, and soft tones that reflect the family’s clean and airy aesthetic. We leaned into a palette that felt timeless and true to the New England setting.
Interior:
-
- Natural white oak flooring
- Walls painted ‘Simply White’ by Benjamin Moore
- Slate flooring in the mudroom for a durable, earthy contrast
- Painted knotty pine paneling in the primary bathroom walls
- Custom cabinetry throughout the kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms
Exterior:
-
- Natural eastern white cedar shingles
- Painted wood clapboard siding
- Marvin windows for a clean, traditional profile
- Asphalt roof shingles for long-term durability
A Lasting Transformation
Today, the Transitional Farmhouse is a light-filled, livable home that tells a story of collaboration, patience, and thoughtful design. The result is a home that feels effortlessly lived in with just enough modern farmhouse charm. It’s a space that not only meets the needs of a growing family, but reflects the personality and warmth of the people who call it home.
Thinking about your own renovation or custom build? Book a free 15-minute consultation with us to explore your next steps!
