From Deck to Dream Kitchen: A Full-Home Renovation in Dartmouth
In Dartmouth, MA, a recent renovation project showcases how thoughtful planning and skilled execution can breathe new life into a home—inside and out. Our client approached us with a clear vision: to enhance the outdoor living experience, create a better flow throughout the home, and craft a kitchen that truly functions as the heart of the house. What followed was a multi-phase transformation involving deck upgrades, the addition of a screened room, and a full kitchen overhaul.
Rebuilding the Deck: Strength and Safety
The original deck featured a recessed hot tub that had long since failed. The first step was structural: reframing and reinforcing the deck to support a new hot tub. We carefully reviewed the specs and dimensions of the replacement tub and made sure the new framing and footings could handle both its weight and the water it would hold. Unlike the original setup, the new installation includes a code-compliant emergency disconnect—making the hot tub not just beautiful but also safe and up to modern standards.
Installing a Screen Room with Smart Foundations
Next came the addition of a screened room to enhance the outdoor living space. One standout feature here was the use of helical screw piles instead of traditional concrete footings. These are quicker, cleaner, and more precise. With no need for excavation or concrete pouring, we were able to place the supports exactly where they were needed—no guesswork, no shifting.
We repurposed the original staircase by disassembling it, rolling it into its new position, and securing it with the same helical screws. Not only was this a sustainable solution, but it also saved the homeowner significant cost compared to building a new stair.
To finish the space underneath the deck, we opted for a cost-effective yet visually appealing solution: rather than wrapping the area in PVC, we power-washed and painted it white, which dramatically improved the look at a fraction of the cost.
The Open-Air Screen Room Design
The screened-in room was designed for maximum airflow and visibility. Built with pressure-treated lumber and 6x6 beams, it blends durability with aesthetic appeal. Wide fiberglass screens and a standard storm door complete the room, giving the homeowner a breezy, bug-free space to enjoy Cape Cod’s beautiful summer evenings.
We also realigned the deck access point to flow naturally into the house—laying the groundwork for what would become a completely reimagined kitchen.
Reinventing the Kitchen: Flow, Function, and Style
The original kitchen was cramped and poorly laid out. We removed the old access point to the deck and installed a triple sliding door to the new screen room, dramatically improving light, traffic flow, and access to outdoor entertaining space.
This wasn’t just a facelift—it was a full transformation. We repurposed and refinished some of the existing cabinetry, seamlessly blending it with new cabinets. Thanks to Cypress Design Co., the new layout maximizes every inch of available space.
Highlights include:
A chef’s island with integrated stove, prep sink, and storage
Pop-up outlets and USB ports for convenience
Wood-look tile backsplash for easy cleaning
Clever cabinet reconfiguration for optimized storage
Even the flooring tells a story: it’s not tile, but vinyl click-and-lock flooring, fully adhered to the subfloor. Durable and scratch-resistant, it was chosen specifically to withstand wear from the homeowners’ two large, lovable poodles—Eloise and Travis.
Custom Touches: A Kitchen Made for Dogs
One of the most charming parts of the project was designing a dedicated space for the homeowners’ dogs. The custom-built feeding station features:
Two individual food and water bowl stations
Built-in lighting
Tilt-out cabinets for food storage
Upper cabinetry repurposed from the original kitchen for added pantry space
This isn’t just a pet nook—it’s a thoughtful integration of function and love into the home’s design.
A Unified, Open-Concept First Floor
With no interior walls between the kitchen, dining, and living areas, the home now enjoys a wide-open layout ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. The design flows seamlessly from one space to the next, creating a feeling of unity and airiness that the original floor plan lacked.
Final Thoughts
This Dartmouth renovation wasn’t about flash—it was about smart, intentional upgrades that made life easier, safer, and more enjoyable for the homeowners. From heavy-duty structural improvements to personalized pet-friendly design, every choice was tailored to the way this family lives.
Whether you’re updating a single space or taking on a full-home renovation, this project proves that function, comfort, and craftsmanship can all come together to create something truly special.