SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL

Welcoming and warm, soft with shots of contrast, the neutral palette helped transform the décor from heavy and dark to fresh, light-filled and timeless.

MAIN WALLS Alabaster

Sherwin Williams

KITCHEN CABINETS

Cloth No. 283

Farrow & Ball

Anew Gray

Sherwin Williams

WIFE’S OFFICE

Chelsea Gray (lightened by 50%)

Sherwin Williams

Custom cut tiles in the primary bathroom create a lively pattern for the floor. The previous bulky undermount tub surrounded by tiled steps was removed in favor of a stylish freestanding bathtub, creating an updated look with an open and airy feel.

DINING ROOM

Gateway Gray SW 7644

BUNK ROOM

Purbeck Stone No. 275 Farrow & Ball

LAUNDRY ROOM

CABINETS

Pigeon No. 25

Farrow and Ball

MUDROOM CABINETS

Down Pipe 26

Farrow and Ball

The hub of the home presents the most dramatic revision. “Interior design has changed drastically over the years since the Tuscan era, especially when it comes to the kitchen,” Stewart explains. To create a blank canvas with which to work, the team removed gratuitous walls and flooring transitions, as well as a mass of heavily carved cabinets, two-level countertops, busy granite and elaborate embellishments. The overhaul went far beyond aesthetics to include functional changes that drove an open-concept kitchen that includes a butler’s pantry, multiple islands, creatively hidden appliances and open shelves. Today, the family gathers in the freshly conceived space elegantly outfitted with a tongue-and-groove ceiling, white oak and painted cabinetry, understated plaster hood, quartzite countertops and a pair of oversized brass dome pendant lights. The transformed room opens to a casual dining area and relaxed family room. “Today’s kitchens double as entertainment areas, so you have to make them spacious and welcoming,” Cude says.

OPPOSITE

Throughout the home, the team replaced heavy dark wood with white oak to promote a lighter, transitional style that begins with the front doors and detail-rich entry.

Sage

Reeded

Of course, Stewart explains, the recast home isn’t without its surprises. The overhauled mudroom, for example, now doubles as a dog room with bed cubbies integrated into custom cabinetry, a treat-throwing machine and a Dutch door featuring a see-through grid in its lower half. “Now the dogs can watch the owners’ activities without always being part of them,” Metekingi says. A dressed-up laundry room—furnished with richly painted cabinetry and function-forward amenities—makes the most out of mundane chores, and a cleverly orchestrated bunk room hosts two double bunk beds, a play area and plenty of storage to serve visiting grandkids.

Saying “arrivederci” to their old Tuscan style, the owners relish their newly reimagined residence and praise the entire design team for creating a comforting environment that is timelessly transitional and loaded with delightful details. The wife says it simply, “Tri City Construction and Lucca Design did all the work and we get the benefit of living in this beautiful home.” a warm