Mill Cove I

After purchasing their dream property, a young family took on a significant interior renovation, tailoring the space to fit their needs. The design features modern, light-colored finishes that maximize daylight and focus views toward the landscape, creating an airy atmosphere while enhancing functionality and style throughout the house.

To meet the needs of the new owners, the lower level (a daylight basement facing due north) became the focus of the project, requiring careful planning and precise execution. Existing spaces were reconfigured simultaneously with the creation of an additional bedroom and bathroom. A highly functional laundry area, with abundant storage, folding surface, and pullout ironing board, is concealed off the hallway so as to disappear when its large sliding doors are closed. The new floor plan maximizes the impact of exterior walls for their windows; benefiting high priority spaces with natural daylight, ventilation, and in the case of the new bedroom, satisfaction of egress requirements.

In an effort to keep costs in check, the new floor plan worked diligently to consolidate all plumbing necessities and, where possible, utilize existing supply and drain lines. Therefore, the general layout in what is now the primary bathroom remained the same as existing, while the selection of fixtures and finishes, along with the removal of an alcove shower wall, delivered drastic change to the space. Great care was taken to also preserve the existing forced air HVAC system, without change, and only one preexisting sprinkler head required relocation—by a few inches.

Engineered white oak flooring was installed throughout the lower level, replacing a low-quality, toxic material installed by interim previous owners. A matte whitewash on the floor, white paint, and large format porcelain tile (48” x 48”), selected to minimize grout joints and simplify visual appearance, completed the palette. Electric radiant floors increase occupant warmth and comfort, especially when Maine’s harsh winters endure outside.

As the project developed, it became clear that the bathrooms themselves were the focal point, each emitting soothing and inviting, spa-like qualities. As a result, an upstairs water closet was added to the renovation scope, furthering the aesthetic reach.