Total Home Transformation

Every home has a story. For the Mersky's, their 1991 log home tells the story of Ben’s past, present, and eventually their family’s future. Steeped in nostalgia and overflowing with family memories, this family home is more than just a structure – it’s been a gathering place filled with love throughout generations. 

As the Mersky family grows, so does their vision for a home that honors tradition while seamlessly accommodating the need to create a more modern and functional space to raise their children. After a lot of consideration and planning, the decision was made to embark on a complete interior and exterior renovation of the existing home and expand the home with a two-story addition. 

Building a completely new home without tearing down the existing home brings excitement and a few challenges. The goal is to blend the intrinsic beauty and history of the log home with new construction. The original log home utilized post and beam interior framing which we were able to incorporate into the new renovation design.

Our work began with listening to understand the vision for the project as well as what was most important to retain. Through our conversations, it was determined that every room in the two-story home would be remodeled. To accomplish this, we removed the interior walls on the first floor to create a new first-floor layout to includes a foyer, flex space, guest ensuite, and a new powder room. 

The second-floor layout largely remained the same. However, we completely updated and remodeled the existing rooms to include two full baths and two bedrooms. For additional living space, we repurposed a bedroom to create a loft.

The Mersky’s growing family and love for gatherings dictated the floor plan in the addition. The first-floor layout includes a larger dining area, an updated kitchen with a large pantry, and a friend’s entrance including Garman’s signature bench and peg details. The second floor of the addition houses an owner's suite. This space infuses a touch of luxury, creating a sanctuary complete with a full-tile shower, a walk-in closet, and a large bay window to serve as a reading nook. Next door to the owner’s suite is a nursery for the newest addition to their family.

In terms of their home's interior design aesthetic, the Mersky family identifies with a blend of boho and cottagecore styles. To align with their personal preferences, the design incorporates natural materials such as wood and stone. The space is enriched by a fusion of layered textures and patterns, featuring a palette of rich, warm colors and jewel tones. Specific design elements reflecting this fusion include wood floating shelves, custom-stained pocket doors, quartz countertops, vibrant wool jewel-toned stair runners, and a mix of brass and matte black metal accents seamlessly integrated throughout the home. A new HVAC system was added to increase the home’s efficiency and overall comfort.

The outside of the home was transformed as well to create tranquil spaces for quiet moments and relaxing places to watch the children as they play. The renovation includes a new larger front porch, a new rear-covered porch, and a patio. Each outdoor living space was designed to utilize stamped concrete. Exterior finishes included new siding, doors, and windows. Utilizing natural timber trusses, stone, and metal roofing allowed us to keep the classic aesthetic of the original log home.

The project is expected to be completed by late spring.