NORTH ARLINGTON 

While this Arlington family loved their home's size and location in a sought-after neighborhood, they wanted significantly upgraded finishes and customization throughout. The first step in this make-over was working with Interior Designer Cathleen Gruver to design built-ins crafted by Master's Woodshop to meet each family member's unique needs.  These included pieces for his office, a number of closets and the homework areas for the children.

Then, the husband and wife focused on projects that were most meaningful to each of them. As a wine lover and collector, he wanted to make space in the mechanical room for an attractive wine cellar and incorporate wine crate panels in the decor. After creating a hallway to the wine cellar which hid the mechanical equipment behind sliding wooden barn-style doors, Cathleen had the concrete stained to create a worn look. Using wine crates which the husband had collected, she designed a unique wall covering to reflect his love of wine and give the newly created space the warmth and the look of a vineyard cellar.

The wife's vision was to have a private get-away that could be used as an office, retreat and yoga studio. Working with architecture firm, Studio Z Design Concepts, Cathleen took an unfinished loft over the garage and added shiplap walls, a kitchenette and built-ins for storage in the eaves. The finishes were kept light and bright to maximize the appearance of the space and included bleached wood floors.

Spaces within the home frequently used by the family, like the mudroom, laundry and powder room were all upgraded.  Finally, floors were refinished, walls were repainted and panel and crown moldings were installed. The family is thrilled with their freshly renovated home and looks forward to the completion of the exterior landscape makeover now underway.