First order of business was the demo , which the homeowners tackled themselves , gutting the whole bottom floor to save money , as well as managing the construction . “ They took on a lot ,” Blakely says . The bathroom got a facelift ; the shower was retiled and the open brick was preserved . The sink , a perfect size for the small space , is original to the house .
What ’ s gone , however , are the small boxy rooms that were once the kitchen . Gone , too , is its ceiling ; the couple liked the look of the exposed beams , part of the original structure .
With that approach , there ’ s always the possibility of uncovering unpleasant surprises . “ We were fortunate . There was just some piping ,” Blakely says of what became a design feature .
What had been the kitchen space is now a sweet breakfast nook with a view of the back patio , and it also faces the new kitchen . Vintage black pane factory windows that the wife found separate the two spaces , preserving an open look and creating a focal point .
RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY l FEBRUARY 2021 69