My Houzz: Colorful Cape Cod
A cozy reading nook, vibrant colors and travel treasures bring grace and comfort to a Massachusetts family's home
For 15 years, homeowner Carey Nielsen lovingly renovated her 1950s Cape Cod home and filled it with colorful inspiration. “My children were young at the time we moved," she says, "so I felt a strong need for bright, bold and fun spaces with lively color." A whole-health educator, travel guide and mother of two teens, Nielsen says she spotted this diamond in the rough in Wenham, Massachusetts, north of Boston, just as the real estate agent was putting a sign out on the street.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Carey Nielsen and her 2 children
Location: Wenham, Massachusetts
Size: 3,100 square feet, 5 bedrooms
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Carey Nielsen and her 2 children
Location: Wenham, Massachusetts
Size: 3,100 square feet, 5 bedrooms
Today the home is gracious and comfortable, filled with treasures gathered throughout Nielsen's life. Cherished pieces include artwork by herself and her kids, furniture built by her father, paintings by her mother and, pictured here, a prayer wheel from a trip to Tibet she guided.
Nielsen was ecstatic to find these tufted fuchsia chairs at Timeless Interiors. They go perfectly with her Susan Sargent rug.
On the opposite side of the original house, the kitchen was opened up to become a functional and bright gathering place with an eating nook and reading chairs. The fabric on the upholstered chairs is also by Susan Sargent.
A reading table holds a lamp and doubles as home to Lu-Lu, Nielsen's beloved beagle.
The handmade artwork is a joint venture between Nielsen and her father: He built the frames, and Nielsen painted them and mounted the photos.
The handmade artwork is a joint venture between Nielsen and her father: He built the frames, and Nielsen painted them and mounted the photos.
On the main floor behind the kitchen and living room lies the focus of the addition: a deep and inviting reading nook.
The cozy reading nook welcomes in plenty of natural light, and colorful pillows invite reading, lingering and enjoying views of the backyard.
The cheerfully orange mudroom off the kitchen contains plenty of storage for coats and shoes. A vaulted ceiling and birdhouse collection reflect Nielsen's joyful, whimsical style.
Here is a cozy dining banquette with colorful handmade Susan Sargent cushions and artwork by Nielsen's mother, Carol Henrici.
This bathroom, with its clever and attractive sink and vibrant color, is also within the family room addition. It doubles as the laundry room.
"I love my bright colors, but I also found the need to find spaces that are more subdued," Nielsen says. This master bedroom, added above the family room, is the ultimate retreat. Perched high among the trees, the room is surrounded by light and windows, and its palette is soft and pastel. Just outside, within the giant pines, hangs a large bird feeder, which is a hub of activity and peaceful entertainment.
The master suite features a built-in bookshelf, a walk-in closet and a hallway space that's home to a massage table and treasures from Nielsen's travels to Mount Everest. Nielsen's father built the jelly-roll cabinet.
Nielsen's master-bath suite includes a beautiful bathtub and a window that streams in soft sunshine. Simple and tranquil, this is her favorite spot in the home.
A beautiful wood deck outside the kitchen links to the family room, the screened-in-porch (on the left) and the backyard.
Here's a shot of the wonderfully maintained and modest exterior that is loyal to the house's heritage.
The living room was opened up to include the dining room space and create better flow. A handmade rug by Vermont artist and author Susan Sargent serves as a bright visual centerpiece.
"I met Susan Sargent and fell in love with her use of vibrant colors, Scandinavian design and creative choices for furnishings," Nielsen says. "It's a heavy influence on how I connect with my environment."