The beautiful, old barn on this Topsfield estate was at risk of being demolished. Before approaching Mathew Cummings, the homeowner had met with several architects about the structure, and they had all told her that it needed to be torn down. Thankfully, for the sake of the barn and the owner, Cummings Architects has a long and distinguished history of preserving some of the oldest timber framed homes and barns in the U.S. Once the homeowner realized that the barn was not only salvageable, but could be transformed into a new living space that was as utilitarian as it was stunning, the design ideas began flowing fast. In the end, the design came together in a way that met all the family’s needs with all the warmth and style you’d expect in such a venerable, old building. On the ground level of this 200-year old structure, a garage offers ample room for three cars, including one loaded up with kids and groceries. Just off the garage is the mudroom – a large but quaint space with an exposed wood ceiling, custom-built seat with period detailing, and a powder room. The vanity in the powder room features a vanity that was built using salvaged wood and reclaimed bluestone sourced right on the property. Original, exposed timbers frame an expansive, two-story family room that leads, through classic French doors, to a new deck adjacent to the large, open backyard. On the second floor, salvaged barn doors lead to the master suite which features a bright bedroom and bath as well as a custom walk-in closet with his and hers areas separated by a black walnut island. In the master bath, hand-beaded boards surround a claw-foot tub, the perfect place to relax after a long day. In addition, the newly restored and renovated barn features a mid-level exercise studio and a children’s playroom that connects to the main house. From a derelict relic that was slated for demolition to a warmly inviting and beautifully utilitarian living space, this barn has undergone an almost magical transformation to become a beautiful addition and asset to this stately home.

A Regency Transformation

Dawn Christine, Architect PLLC

The architect claimed unused attic space in order to enlarge the master closet within the existing roofline and create a functional space with high end features, including backlit shoe storage. A fun multi-ringed chandelier softens all of the rectilinear geometry in the space. Photo Credit: Keith Issacs Photo, LLC Dawn Christine Architect

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Storage and Wardrobe Design Ideas with Open Cabinets

As compact urban living becomes the norm, there has become a higher demand for smart storage solutions. As a result, there are more innovative storage ideas than ever. Aside from storage baskets and shelving units, you can now install custom-made built-in wardrobes, shape-shifting storage cubes, and even concealed units. Browse the photos on Houzz for inspiration for a wide variety of storage and wardrobe solutions, from cube storage to wall units, shoe racks and sliding doors. You’ll find walk-in wardrobes boasting spinning shoe racks, lounge chairs and display cases with lighting; as well as more simpler storage solutions like room dividers that double as storage, pull-out baskets and floating shelves. If you decide to revamp your wardrobe or storage space, it’s important to consider whether built-ins are a suitable option. Although more expensive, shop-built and installed components are more durable and bring all of your elements together in one unit. If you can’t afford a built-in wardrobe, or if you need more storage, consider baskets, dividers, storage containers, hooks and racks to help ensure every item has a place, and opt for sliding doors to save space. A professional organiser can help you get setup.

How many cabinets should built-in wardrobes have?

The size of your built-in wardrobe should be largely dependant on how much hanging space you actually need. Just because you have a blank wall, for example, doesn’t mean it has to be filled with a large wardrobe. Position shelves above hanging space to be more ergonomic, and only add drawers if you plan on having an open wardrobe as this will add to the overall price. A dresser or chest of drawers is a better option for fold-away clothes, so long as you have the room. Shoe collections can also take up ample room in a built-in wardrobe, so consider a purpose-built cabinet or shoe racks instead.

How do I organise my wardrobe or cupboard?

With so many shoes, ties, clothes and bags to stash, wardrobe organisation is key. Use hooks, storage baskets, drawer partitions or dividers to keep your belongings in order. Storage baskets are great for storing things like belts and scarves, while shelf dividers can keep knits, jeans and shirts neatly packed away. Take pride in your shoe collection? Create a shoe storage display using a few strips of moulding mounted to the wall so you can hook your shoes. Similarly, an open robe can make your clothing a feature.

What extras can I include in my wardrobe design?

If you want a luxurious wardrobe, consider including a small sitting area with a window seat, storage ottoman, or lounge chair. You could also add a makeup vanity, complete with a jewellery box and makeup drawer. A viewing area with full-length mirrors will also make getting ready a breeze. Wardrobe lighting will bring the space to life – use display lighting to showcase your clothing, task lighting for functionality and mood lighting to set the scene.