Family Friendly In-Law Suite in South Berwick

Some projects stand out not just for the craftsmanship, but for the story behind them. Our recent renovation of a 1,200-square-foot space above a garage is one of those projects—a perfect example of how thoughtful design and careful planning can bring a family closer together.

When we first walked into the space, it was a wide-open blank canvas. The homeowners—a young couple expecting their first child— brought us in to transform the space. The goal was clear—create a warm, functional home-within-a-home where the grandparents could live independently, but still be just steps away to enjoy time with their soon-to-arrive grandchild.

Working closely with the family, we reimagined the layout to make every square foot count. The new design includes a bedroom with ensuite bathroom, a kitchen, a sitting area near the woodstove for cozy winter days, and a light-filled spot by the large-format windows that overlooks the wooded lot. The suite’s open-concept layout allows for connection while still offering distinct spaces for relaxing, cooking, and dining.

The kitchen was designed with both function and conversation in mind. It’s a galley-style layout, but one side features only a four-foot-high wall so whoever is cooking can still engage with family and guests in the living area. The clients opted for a modern, two-tone approach to cabinetry—sleek black lowers paired with crisp white uppers—for a fresh, contemporary feel. Because they were downsizing from a larger home, maximizing storage was a top priority, so we incorporated as much cabinetry and functional storage as the space would allow.

The bedroom is tucked into a quieter corner, creating a restful retreat. The ensuite bathroom features a spacious walk-in shower with a Swanstone surround—both beautiful and durable—along with modern fixtures and plenty of storage.

In collaboration with the client, there was a lot of thought put into the finishes. We used Sherwin Williams – Whitetail (SW7103) in all rooms and we’re especially happy with the vinyl plank flooring. The Coretec Originals Classics Norwegian Maple iss durable, easy to maintain, and its warm tones perfectly complement the knotty pine wood paneling that’s prevalent throughout the space. Together, they create a cozy, welcoming feel that blends seamlessly with the rest of the home.

In addition to the kitchen and bedroom, we made sure the living area offers multiple ways to enjoy the space. The woodstove corner will be a go-to spot for chilly winter afternoons, while the large deck and reading nook space with big windows provide two spaces for a connection to the surrounding wooded landscape year-round.

When the project was complete, the parents could already picture themselves cooking in their new kitchen, enjoying a quiet morning watching birds on the deck, or stepping outside to spend time with their grandchild. For the homeowners, the new suite offers peace of mind knowing their parents are nearby and comfortable—yet still able to enjoy their own private space.

For us, this project was more than just a renovation—it was about designing a space that strengthens family ties and makes everyday living richer. And in this case, we had the privilege of doing it in our own home town!