Montco Family Transforms Old Property into Their Dream Home

In a picturesque setting in Montgomery County, Maryland, a Mediterranean-style stucco home is surrounded by an array of maple and oak trees, providing a serene backdrop for its residents. This expansive property, characterized by its tri-level deck complete with a hot tub and a covered porch that overlooks a neighboring sylvan pond, offers an inviting outdoor space.

Spanning nearly 5,000 square feet, the home features an array of interior qualities designed for both comfort and style. Its impressive interior includes oak flooring, custom Amish-crafted red oak kitchen cabinets, and a family room highlighted by a grand cathedral ceiling. The property also includes a fully equipped basement featuring a sauna, gym, and a spacious great room that opens to a patio, serving as a perfect play area for the homeowners’ two young sons. The second floor comprises four bedrooms and three bathrooms, with ample storage provided by closets enhanced with drawers and shelving.

However, the home, built in 1988, exhibited certain dated aesthetics. The kitchen displayed a backsplash with peach-colored tiles, while the outdoor decks were showing signs of wear with a faded rust stain.

To modernize the first-floor living spaces, homeowner Casey Lyons enlisted the expertise of interior designer Val Nehez. Seeking to transform the house into a loving home, Nehez collaborated with her senior designer, Ulli Barankay, to deliver a fresh outlook on the interior.

The kitchen renovation retained most cabinetry but introduced a wall adorned with white subway tile and open shelves, a striking white marble island, and modern globe light fixtures paired with stylish curved black faucets. Seating is provided by mustard-colored chairs surrounding a white table, contributing to a new aesthetic reminiscent of a Southern California kitchen, as described by Nehez.

In the central hallway, the entry doors, closet doors, and stairwell were painted a deep green, complementing the new slate flooring. The dining room reflects influences from a large abstract painting, showcasing swirling white designs on a green canvas sourced from the family’s art collection.

The living spaces were reimagined as well, with enhancements including a new copper plate and mantle for the living room fireplace, which serves as a focal point alongside the whitewashed stone fireplace in the family room. The revamp included carefully selected furnishings, such as a tan leather sofa and a green velvet sofa, alongside contemporary accents, creating an inviting and distinctive ambiance.

Outdoor spaces benefited from a fresh coat of moss green paint to the decking, harmonizing with the lush surroundings, while the covered porch received stylish upgrades, making it a refined setting for viewing the changing autumnal landscape.

Key pieces of furnishings came from Material Culture, an antique store in Germantown, while lighting options were procured from Minima, a contemporary boutique in Old City. The deliberate selection process aimed to embody the homeowner’s taste, creating a cohesive aesthetic throughout the residence.

The revamped powder room features striking black porcelain fixtures and wallpaper with a distinctive zebra motif, effortlessly signifying the homeowners’ unique style.

Following the successful remodeling, Casey and her family have reaped the rewards of a thoughtful design process that transformed a dated house into a vibrant and functional home, perfectly suited for family activities and shared memories.

This overhaul not only reflects modern design principles but also reinforces the importance of personalization and functionality in contemporary home renovation.