The renovation began in the kitchen, where the original layout and ornate cabinetry limited both functionality and flow. To create the large central island our clients desired, we moved the adjoining wall 18 inches into the living room, opening the space and establishing a more generous footprint for cooking and gathering. The reimagined kitchen features white oak cabinetry with hidden storage, dramatic black stone countertops with bold veining, and a sleek, modern aesthetic that feels both inviting and architectural.
At its center, a custom steel-and-glass display anchors the kitchen — a striking element that frames a passageway and visually connects the space to the rest of the home. This installation serves as both a sculptural divider and a curated display for the clients’ glass and art pieces, reinforcing the home’s new identity as a place where function and artistry coexist.
The renovation extended throughout the home. Every bathroom was fully redesigned with a refined, minimalist sensibility, layering natural stone, warm woods, and contemporary fixtures to create spa-like retreats. The foyer was transformed into a dramatic entry experience, anchored by a new three-story railing that draws the eye upward and floods the stairwell with light.
We also created a dedicated photography studio to support the clients’ artistic work — an inspiring space tailored to their creative process. And to showcase their remarkable collection of glass pieces, we designed a custom LED-lit display wall — a luminous installation that turns the collection itself into a focal point of the home.
The result is a complete reinvention: a home that no longer hides behind tradition, but embraces openness, light, and artful living. By blending modern architecture with subtle warmth, this renovation transformed a once-heavy French Country residence into a contemporary gallery for life and creativity.
Designer: Amber Milwee
Site Supervisor: Calin Camburov
Project Manager: Shawn Saffran
Appliances: Sub Zero Wolf
Lighting: Visual Comfort
Countertops: Rocktops
Photography: Beverly Funkhouser Photography
Amber Milwee
Director of Design, Smithouse Design + Build