Kevin Browne Architecture, together with Wright Ryan Homes, has modernized this historic coastal home in Falmouth, Maine. The renovation provided a professional couple and their growing family some much needed additional living space, transforming it into their “forever home”. The owners loved their existing home and location but wanted to expand while retaining the historic home’s style and character.
The site already had spectacular landscape, outdoor spaces, and ocean views, so we integrated the expanded design around these features. The newly designed spaces were oriented to maximize water views without affecting the existing pool, patios, landscaping, or outdoor fireplace.
DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECT Kevin Browne Architecture BUILDER Wright Ryan Homes ENGINEER Albert Putnam Associates INTERIOR DESIGN Nicola’s Home
The project team maintained the traditional, more solid architecture on the entry side of the house, while employing a lighter, more modern design facing the ocean to maximize the view.
To update the existing facade, the natural-colored brick was painted white, the existing windows were made taller, and the height of the main entry door and portico was increased. These updates gave the home a grander scale and proportion, elevating the look while maintaining traditional materials and tying into the new addition.
The interiors were refreshed as well, with white oak ceiling beams added to the kitchen and living area ceilings to delineate spaces in a fairly open floor plan.
What We Love About This Home
This historic Coastal Maine home has been beautifully transformed into a forever home for a growing family. Its expanded design preserves the classic charm while maximizing ocean views, outdoor living spaces, and natural light, creating a perfect blend of timeless character and modern comfort. We love a lot of notable details in this home, from the beautiful stone fireplace in the living room to the open staircase design and the waterfall kitchen island that feels so open and airy.
Tell Us: What details do you love most about this home, and what would you do differently if this were your personal abode? Let us know in the Comments below!
Note: Be sure to check out a couple of other fabulous home tours we have showcased here on One Kindesign in the state of Maine: Resilient modern home in Maine rises above a rugged coastal landscape and Warm and inviting farmhouse nestled in a picturesque Maine countryside.
The main stair was replaced with a modern, open stair with a steel center stringer and glass rails.
The height of the newly expanded area over the garage was kept as low as possible to avoid obstructing the neighbors’ views of the water, while maximizing second-floor space with a low-pitched hip roof.
The insulation throughout was upgraded, while all existing windows were replaced to improve the home’s energy performance.
The stairs are a main feature of the first floor and were also designed to be “see-through,” keeping the kitchen open to the other spaces. A custom coffee bar and cold-rolled steel glass interior doors brought refreshing, timeless elements into the space.
PHOTOGRAPHER Liz Daly Photography
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