The sweeping renovation came with several challenges, beginning with Cicada’s marching orders: overhaul the 4,500-square-foot, story-and-a-half home on a large suburban lot into the ultimate family residence to accommodate cozy popcorn-and-movie nights as effortlessly as entertaining a school fundraising committee of 20 or hosting a casual adults-only dinner party.
“Our biggest challenge was to configure a new floor plan to provide them with the amenities of a large, open kitchen and main living area,” Tara says.
The Cicada team relocated the staircase, removed a three-story masonry fireplace, and, for the homeowners’ two small sons and daughter, restructured the second floor into a haven for sleep, study and play.
“No matter the hurdle encountered, we were able to pivot the design and construction to adjust,” Tara says. “We designed the beams and columns on the main level to provide room dividers, allowing each space to feel more intimate.”
With the homeowners’ penchant for soothing, natural tones, Cicada cleverly showcased warm hues and varied textures throughout the home to subtly—but effectively—steal the show. Finished with well-chosen neutral materials and a curated mix of modern and traditional fixtures, Tara describes the home as mostly transitional, with earthy components throughout.
“Knowing we were designing and building their forever home, we wanted to ensure the design had a lasting impression and wasn’t following too many trends,” Tara says. “Really, it’s a home to grow with the family.”
Both the homeowners’ (and Tara’s) favorite part of the project is the kitchen. A focal point of the main floor, it features custom bleached white oak cabinets, warm brass accents and Michelangelo Calacatta honed marble countertops.
The kitchen is a workhorse for the homeowner, who jokingly refers to herself as a short-order cook, preparing meals on the gleaming Monogram gas range to suit every family member’s whim.