Downsizing with Delight: A Fresh Start in Southern New Hampshire

Keene Condo. © Ann Henderson Interiors.

Transforming a Dated Condo into a Personal Sanctuary

Downsizing can be a bittersweet journey, letting go of the past while creating a new chapter that feels entirely your own. For our client, a vibrant single woman in her 60s, this meant leaving behind her beloved family home for a more manageable and relaxing lifestyle in a peaceful condo nestled within nature’s embrace in Southern New Hampshire. The challenge? Turning a dated, impersonal space into a reflection of her vibrant personality and practical needs.

A reflection of her vibrant personality and practical needs
 

Making a Condo Feel Like Home

Though her new home offered beautiful surroundings, it lacked the warmth, function, and personality she craved. Working closely with her, we created a list of “must-haves” and set to work reimagining the layout and design to overcome the unique challenges of her space. As a result, we delivered a tailored design plan with thoughtful details throughout. The kitchen was the biggest transformation. We opened up the space by removing a disconnected dining area and expanded it with a new LVL beam. Now this space is a bright, welcoming kitchen featuring a 10-foot island, waterfall countertops, an espresso bar, drawer microwave, and induction oven, every element on her wish list.

The living room posed its own challenge with its long shape and misplaced fireplace. We reconfigured the layout to maximize seating and coziness, covering the old fireplace wall in nickel board and relocating a new electric fireplace to create an inviting focal point. A glass banister with a Lucite handrail modernized the central staircase, bringing a fresh, open feel to the main floor.

Upstairs, we transformed the primary suite by relocating the washer/dryer and closet, creating a luxurious walk-in closet, and maximizing space. In the bathroom, our client’s dream of double sinks in a small space came to life with an elongated sink and two faucets, beautifully housed in a salvaged bar storage case. The most dramatic change was converting a small bedroom into a stunning bathroom retreat complete with a soaking tub and breathtaking views. A cozy library with a full-size daybed now serves as a welcoming guest space.

We were delighted to design a vibrant space for our clients' new chapter. Blending old and new, this once dated condo now reflects our client’s dynamic lifestyle and love of refined, comfortable living.

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