Sleek storage lockers at the entry accommodate all of the family members. The bench is made from wood salvaged during the remodel.
Now, a picture window frames the views into the garden, and a tall glass and steel door accesses the backyard.
A close-up shows how the salvaged wood is integrated with the new rift-cut white oak cabinetry.
The upper cabinets were removed and replaced with a wall of blue-green handmade tile, with a glaze that reflects the sunlight.
Kaplan designated a walk-in pantry for storage, which is what makes it possible to remove the upper cabinets. Not only does the pantry save money spent on cabinetry, it’s nice to have everything on display and easy to find: “I don't want to open all these cabinets,” says Kaplan.
The refrigerator is to the side of the pantry and forms a niche with a wine fridge and appliance garage separate from the cook’s main work space.
Now, an eight-foot sliding door brings light into the kitchen and enables fluid movement between inside and out. The wider steps can serve as seats during a party, and they make for a graceful transition to the yard.
Attention to detail, and a curated approach to materials, has yielded an inviting, easy to care for and very grown-up tree house in the woods.