Interior Remodeling in Natick | Millhawlk Design & Construction
Scope
The client wanted to transform the existing laundry into a pantry and mudroom, enlarge the living room by removing a wall from the guest bedroom, and remodel the guest bathroom by updating the shower and vanity, while also relocating the laundry into this space.
New Pantry and Mudroom
We began with the design by ensuring the existing corridor and laundry could be code-compliant for conversion into a pantry and mudroom. The first step was relocating the wall between the hall and the existing laundry to gain an additional 20″ in the hall. This allowed us to add a bench, clothing area, and storage along the wall while still maintaining a 42″ circulation path. This small wall relocation created a significant optimization of the space without compromising the area designated for the new pantry.
While the space is narrow, we optimized the design by incorporating multiple functional components along the wall: a custom bench with drawers and cubbies beneath, a hook area above the bench, and additional storage cubbies at the top of the wall. To bring life to the small space, we chose a green shade for the cubbies.
For the pantry, the goal was to maximize storage capacity, as the family is growing, and the house has limited storage space. With that in mind, the design incorporated multiple types of shelves and drawers, allowing for the storage of a variety of items—not just food. A countertop was also added to provide space for equipment and additional support.
All the cabinetry and millwork were handmade by Millhawlk’s team, carefully crafted with every detail approved by the client. Custom cabinetry is the best choice for maximizing space in projects like this; however, costs increase considerably due to the materials (we used solid alpine plywood for the cabinet boxes and doors) and the time required for fabrication.
Living Room
The client wanted to enlarge the living room by removing the wall between the existing living room and the guest bedroom. In addition, we designed custom cabinetry with a TV wall and side bar.
To follow the mood of the entire project, we painted an accent wall in Sherwin-Williams Secret Garden. For the cabinetry, we used walnut wood, adding warmth and richness to the space. Additional recessed lights were installed, and the entire first floor was repainted in Sherwin-Williams Aesthetic White, with trims in Sherwin-Williams Practical Beige.
For the bar, we created open shelving and, at the base, installed an ice maker with a custom wood door, a freezer, and a handmade wine rack. Since the bar is recessed, we also added a central light fixture to highlight the space.
Guest Bath and Laundry
The existing bathroom originally had a plastic stand-up shower, a stand-up tub, and a vanity. The client wanted to optimize the space by integrating the laundry area and remodeling the entire room.
We removed the stand-up tub and, in its place, installed a countertop with a washer and dryer below, along with a custom side storage cabinet built into the wall. A sliding door was added to conceal the machines when the bathroom is in use by guests.
For the shower, we removed the prefabricated plastic walls/pan, fully tiled the space, and replaced the shower trims. The toilet was also replaced. For the flooring, we matched the living room, using 8” natural walnut wood-look tile. The vanity was upgraded with a new custom base and quartz countertop, complemented by updated hardware and a new rounded mirror.
