1840s Farmhouse Refresh

Preserving the character of a historic home while demanding modern functionality is a delicate balance. For these homeowners in Hanover, MA, their 1840s home had a laundry and entry area that lacked the organization and amenities needed for a busy modern lifestyle.



The Almar team came in to completely reimagine the footprint, turning a cramped utility area into a high-functioning mudroom and laundry suite, complete with a brand-new powder room.

The Challenge: Historic Slopes and Strategic Layouts



Working within a home built in 1840 always presents unique structural puzzles. Our Design and Project Managers collaborated closely to address significantly sloping floors—a common trait in older New England homes—ensuring the new custom cabinetry and appliances sat perfectly level.



A major structural shift involved relocating the entry door. By moving the entrance from the kitchen to the mudroom, we improved the overall flow of the home and created a dedicated “landing zone” that keeps outdoor clutter away from the heart of the house.



The goal was to blend classic farmhouse warmth with sophisticated, durable finishes.



• Mudroom Organization: We installed Schrock Trademark mudroom cabinets (provided by Cape Cod Lumber) in a deep, moody green. These feature integrated bench seating and “locker-style” storage to maximize organization. To tie the spaces together, we utilized Top Knobs (Clarence collection).
• Laundry Sophistication: The laundry area features a custom sink cabinet from In House Kitchen Design, topped with Calacatta Miraggio Duo Quartz from Hub Stonework.


• The Finishes: A Delta Nicoli pull-down faucet in Champagne Bronze, adds a touch of modern elegance against the natural wood tones.

• Architectural Details: We replaced hardware with Schlage exterior knobs and added an Andersen 400 series transom window to pull natural light into the new configuration.

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The Transformation

The end result is a seamless transition from the outdoors to the interior. The homeowners achieved their goal of a highly organized mudroom, a streamlined laundry center, and the much-needed addition of a stylish half-bath. By redesigning the kitchen wall where the old door once stood, the kitchen now feels more private and intentional, while the new suite handles the heavy lifting of daily chores with ease.

Photography by: Tara Lee Callow