Yummy/Yucky: A Ritzy Redo In The Suburbs

A large historic home in a ritzy suburb of Boston is on the market for $1,435,000. The sellers gave it a massive update to the tune of $400k, but with mixed results.

The exterior is a traditional New England colonial, covered in a thick blanket of snow, likely from the storm we had over the weekend. Looks quite lovely, right?

boston.com

Inside, though, things get a little weird. Or shall I say “yucky”.

boston.com

Here’s the description directly from the article:
“They also added a master bedroom with a large L-shaped storage bench and an enormous ensuite bathroom-closet combination with cherry and green onyx his-and-hers vanities, a spacious glass-enclosed steam shower with handmade glass tile, all opening up into an extensive built-in cherry closet complete with window seats.”

Why I think this is a yucky bathroom:

• Too many high-end fixtures. Onyx, really? It’s totally excessive, looks a bit like swirled poo, and the sellers likely won’t come close to recouping the $$ they put into it.
• The shower looks like a display cabinet, just waiting to show off your naked bum. I prefer my privacy when contorting myself to shave my legs.
• The modernity of the bathroom, with it’s Asian vibe, does not at all fit in with the rest of the house. Check out the article and I think you’ll see what I mean.
• A window seat in the closet? Other than a perfect hideaway for a child to read a book, I truly see no point in this. It reminds me of the “Cribs” episode from way back with Kimora Lee Simmon’s closet, which had a refrigerator. If your closet is that big, and you spend enough time in it to warrant snacking, there’s a problem.

Now on to the “yummy” – the kitchen. It’s to die for.

boston.com

Why I love it:

• It’s spacious without seeming cavernous. Kitchens that are too large can be awkward. Sometimes I think my own kitchen is a tad too large (or at least the appliances are spread too far apart).
• I can tolerate the cherry island because it’s a nice contrast to the white cabinetry.
• I want that stone back splash in my own kitchen!
• The breakfast nook has loads of natural light.
• The only thing I would add is a larger countertop on the island so you could comfortably pull up a stool.

So what do you think? Is the bathroom yucky or do you think it’s yum-o? Do you like the kitchen as much as I do?