Welcome to our new Boston-based blogger, Ronee Saroff!
Name: Libby and John Lodge (of John Lodge Architects)
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Most Boston dwellers are familiar with the pitfalls of living in period houses: small rooms, miniscule closets, and dim lighting. So when product designer Libby and her architect husband John stumbled upon a Cambridge Greek Revival with not one, but two large sunny common rooms, they jumped at it. Nine years later, they couldn't be happier with their choice.
The simple, elegant lines of the original architecture spoke to their modern sensibilities, but that didn't stop the couple from transforming the dated interior into a warm, functional space that would meet the needs of their growing family. Their use of reclaimed materials and a neutral palate with punches of bright color evoke a contemporary farmhouse feel that reflects both John's interest in sustainability and Libby's Swedish roots.
The obvious heart of the home is their vast multipurpose kitchen. In updating the space, the pair opted for a non-traditional layout that eschews upper cabinets and flow-stopping islands in favor an open plan that incorporates a wall of built-in cabinetry, a long banquette with storage underneath, and a cozy, sun-drenched reading nook. The result is a flow that most apartments this size rarely achieve. And with three children under the age of eight, having room to roam is a necessity.
The overall aesthetic is one that effortlessly combines antique finds like the rustic farm table with high end fixtures such as the hallway pendant from FLOS design. Thoughtful touches like the slate fireplace surround which doubles as a chalkboard and the banister John painstakingly constructed from four salvaged staircases make one thing abundantly clear: This is a house that love built.
Thanks, Libby and John!
Images: Ronee Saroff
We've had amazing response to our Apartment Therapy House Tour Submission Form. While we will work with homeowners of our favorite homes to feature full tours, we will also share the best as House Calls — short, quick tours of readers' homes. Submit your home here.
That kitchen is perfect for a house with kids in it. I'm very impressed.
view katzamboni's profile
Charming! It's traditional without being Ye Olde.
view Lisa (Montreal)'s profile
lovely home !
view carrefour_ny's profile
Nice, but this looks like a fairly large apartment to me--what is the square footage?
view dcirene's profile
I love it, can I have your furniture when you want to remodel.lol
view LadyLabRat's profile
Exactly... traditional without being Ye Olde. That says it all. Very nice.
Love the orange coffee table/kiddie table.
view arroyo's profile
That bedroom is so pretty. I love the built-in storage.
view brittanykate's profile
Love this! Anyone know where the bedspread is from?
view robinette's profile
i would like to build a banquette in our kitchen similar to yours. did you build it yourself, or hire a carpenter? if the latter, may i ask whom did you use?
view heyb's profile
I really like it and hope to see more in a House Tour.
view Nina79's profile
Ha...just got back from a weekend in Cambridge. It's hard to avoid "Ye Olde." But this house is very nice.
view sally305's profile
that bed wants a headboard - perhaps horizontally placed trim and paint below the lights
view sunan's profile
This place looks great. Traditional without being fussy or boring. I'm envious of all the built-in cabinets and shelves. The place looks ship-shape.
view slowdown's profile
I love that bedspread, too! Where is it from?
view rowmom's profile
So comfortable looking...would love to see more!
view junklover's profile
Lovely. Another vote for a full tour.
view abigailb's profile
Ditto those in love and ditto those in favour of a house tour!
view luftskibet's profile
I would love to see a full tour as well!
view michpc's profile
I love a quirky take on a classic!
view jessroo's profile
I absolutely love this. It looks so comfortable and charming. I, along with the others, would love to see a full tour.
view femininity's profile
This is really gorgeous. You've really done an exceptional job with a challenging space. I adore the sofa, pillows, orange tables, yellow lamps and the farm table! Great eye, great choices.
view peggy's profile
I love the look of this house, especially that the neutral background allows all the lovely wood tones and other colors to shine.
Motionspace Architects
Seattle Architect
view seattlearchitects's profile
My best compliment: it DOES look Swedish! The color schemes, the clean and bright but with warm woods. So nice.
I'd love to see a house tour.
view wigglebutt's profile