Houzz Tours
My Houzz: Family Finds Its Dream Home With Video Chat
A longing to return to their roots leads a couple from California to their home, now renovated, in Massachusetts
Almost a decade ago, Steve Hambling’s job in finance at Apple brought him and his wife, Joanna, to Silicon Valley in California. But after nearly eight years on the West Coast, it was time to come home to the East Coast to be near family and friends. So when Steve found his current job in Boston, they quickly began to search online for a house.
Using a video-calling app, Joanna’s parents gave the couple a visual tour of a house in Boxford, Massachusetts, that the couple thought might be perfect. The Hamblings loved it enough to put an offer on it without ever seeing it in person.
Painting: Anna Botti Montone
Using a video-calling app, Joanna’s parents gave the couple a visual tour of a house in Boxford, Massachusetts, that the couple thought might be perfect. The Hamblings loved it enough to put an offer on it without ever seeing it in person.
Painting: Anna Botti Montone
The house, built in 1998, wasn’t without its flaws when the Hamblings bought it, and the family spent seven months living with Joanna’s parents while they completed renovations. One of the biggest projects was the kitchen, which initially had a structural beam running vertically down the center of the space. They knew they wanted it removed, but the process of replacing the support system involved both a structural engineer and a fire marshal to oversee the installation.
Joanna’s goal was to create a farmhouse-style kitchen with an air of sophistication.
Joanna’s goal was to create a farmhouse-style kitchen with an air of sophistication.
Joanna has loved decorating every home she has lived in, but because of the size of this space, she decided to hire Jim Buhrer and Kimberley Holiver from Refined Renovations in Andover, Massachusetts, to help her implement her design ideas. Joanna enjoyed the collaborative process with Jim, saying, “He was professional yet fun to work with and had so many cool ideas that I wouldn’t have done on my own.”
The renovated kitchen now has two large islands: one for prepping food and the other for eating. Both islands have plenty of storage in the form of drawers and cabinets. It was an effective way to fill the large space with functionality.
The renovated kitchen now has two large islands: one for prepping food and the other for eating. Both islands have plenty of storage in the form of drawers and cabinets. It was an effective way to fill the large space with functionality.
The sink sits in the corner in front of a large set of windows, providing a beautiful view of the backyard.
Sink: Shaws Original via Rohl
Sink: Shaws Original via Rohl
The rustic beams across the ceiling give extra character to the inviting farmhouse-style kitchen.
Bar stools: Coaster Fine Furniture
Bar stools: Coaster Fine Furniture
The kitchen opens to the dining room, making it perfect for entertaining friends and family. The Hamblings were able to host both of their families this past Christmas, a first for them, thanks to the size of the space.
The dining room continues the subtle farmhouse theme, with a candle chandelier and textured wooden cabinets.
Dining table: Restoration Hardware; dining chairs: Crate & Barrel
Dining table: Restoration Hardware; dining chairs: Crate & Barrel
Boxford has a more rural vibe than the couple is used to, so they decided to add country touches to their home to embrace their new bucolic locale. Joanna found a wagon wheel at an antiques shop and put it on the rustic mantel in the dining room to echo the other round shapes in the space.
The stone fireplace between the dining room and the living room is open on both sides, so the fire can be enjoyed from multiple rooms simultaneously.
On the living room side of the fireplace are two white upholstered wingback chairs. The large tufted ottoman can be used as a footrest or as a surface for a tray of snacks.
Tufted ottoman: Arhaus
Tufted ottoman: Arhaus
Fur throw pillows add soft texture to the more tailored furniture shapes.
A carefully arranged vignette draws attention to a side of the living room that usually gets less foot traffic.
The far section of the living room houses a large sectional with plenty of space for the whole family to relax. “I love sitting on the couch with a blanket and watching movies with my husband,” Joanna says.
Coffee table: Restoration Hardware
Coffee table: Restoration Hardware
A table with a chess set fills an open space behind the sectional. The shiplap accent wall was added during renovations, carrying that sophisticated farmhouse feel into the living room.
There is a bar area in the lower level, which opens up to the yard, where Joanna and Steve like to entertain. The full kitchen makes it easy to provide guests with drinks and snacks without having to go up and down the stairs.
Bar stools: Crate & Barrel
Bar stools: Crate & Barrel
Vintage arcade games opposite the bar provide additional entertainment options for guests. A playroom for the kids is located beyond the games.
Around the corner is a handy cubby area, where the kids can hang up their coats when they come in from the adjacent garage. The space was previously a large closet, but the Hamblings decided that it would be more convenient if it had a combination of open and closed storage.
Steve works from home one day a week, so it was important for him to have a dedicated workspace. It is on the first floor by the entryway, so he can be near his family, but it also has French doors in case he needs a quieter environment.
Plaid chair: Arhaus
Plaid chair: Arhaus
Upstairs, son Sawyer’s room is filled with colorful action figures. Airplanes dangle from the ceiling.
Bed frame: Pottery Barn Kids
Bed frame: Pottery Barn Kids
A bathroom is conveniently attached to Sawyer’s bedroom. Its shark theme complements the navy blue and red used throughout the bedroom.
Daughter Sienna’s bedroom has an enchanting purple-and-white color scheme, with a beautiful canopy over the bed.
Bed frame: Bassett Furniture
Bed frame: Bassett Furniture
Rainbows and butterflies abound, and tea parties happen often in her colorful space.
A bathroom connects Sienna’s bedroom to older sister Scarlett’s bedroom and carries on the purple theme.
Another butterfly print decorates the girls’ shared bathroom.
In Scarlett’s room, white furnishings offset the rosy-pink hues.
Bed frame: Bassett Furniture
Bed frame: Bassett Furniture
Warm florals and soft textural accents fill her space.
The couple’s master bedroom has a more muted color scheme, with warm gray and silver tones.
Duvet: Pottery Barn
Duvet: Pottery Barn
A large walk-in closet provides ample space for Joanna and Steve to hang their clothing and store accessories.
The family is happy with their long-distance decision to purchase this house, and they have quickly made it their own.
My Houzz is a series in which we visit and photograph creative, personality-filled homes and the people who inhabit them. Share your home with us and see more projects.
Browse more homes by style: Apartments | Barn Homes | Colorful Homes | Contemporary Homes | Eclectic Homes | Farmhouses | Floating Homes | Guesthouses | Homes Around the World | Lofts | Midcentury Homes | Modern Homes | Ranch Homes | Small Homes |Townhouses | Traditional Homes | Transitional Homes | Vacation Homes
My Houzz is a series in which we visit and photograph creative, personality-filled homes and the people who inhabit them. Share your home with us and see more projects.
Browse more homes by style: Apartments | Barn Homes | Colorful Homes | Contemporary Homes | Eclectic Homes | Farmhouses | Floating Homes | Guesthouses | Homes Around the World | Lofts | Midcentury Homes | Modern Homes | Ranch Homes | Small Homes |Townhouses | Traditional Homes | Transitional Homes | Vacation Homes
Who lives here: Steve and Joanna Hambling; their children, Scarlett, 6, Sawyer, 5, and Sienna, 2; and their dog, Shushee
Location: Boxford, Massachusetts
Size: Four bedrooms, 4½ bathrooms