A Home Makeover for Mom

Designer Tyler Karu renovated this York, ME, house for her most important client ever.

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By: Jaimie Dalessio Clayton

From: HGTV Magazine

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Photo By: Dylan Chandler

Photo By: Erin Little

Photo By: Dylan Chandler

Photo By: Erin Little

The Story

Over the past decade, designer Tyler Karu and her mom, Candace, a writer, have invested in and renovated seven properties together. But none have felt as special as their most recent collaboration: a forever home for Candace on a wooded waterfront lot in York, Maine. The cottage was built in 1964, and though the roof was sound and the floors could be salvaged, the rest needed a total rehab. “After a certain age we can all use a makeover, and this place was no exception,” Candace says. She asked Tyler to oversee the design, and Tyler’s partner, contractor Kyle James, managed the renovation. “It was truly a family affair,” says Tyler. She chose quiet colors to keep the focus on her mom’s extensive art collection — and the surrounding landscape. “We agreed on the concept right away,” says Candace. “My style can veer into eccentric, but as a writer, I have always valued having a good editor, and Tyler is the best.”

From: HGTV Magazine

The Exterior

Candace replaced the siding and columns, and added green shutters and a new mudroom entry.

From: HGTV Magazine

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Midcentury Wood Lantern

Henry Settee

The Living Room

“The art needed to be the star of the show,” says Tyler. She gave the pieces — including portraits by Candace’s mom, artist Jean Pilk — a luxe backdrop in the form of Schumacher grasscloth wallpaper. The sofa is by Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, and the coffee table is by Jonathan Adler. “This room feels cozy in the winter and airy in the warmer months when I fling open the windows to let in the breeze off the water,” Candace says.

From: HGTV Magazine

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Solid Linen Pillow Cover

Lewis and Wood Papyrus Pillow Cove

Regina Andrew Design Gold Tone Clam Bowl

Wells Sofa

The Kitchen

Function and beauty were equally important to Candace, a food writer and recipe developer. The floor plan wouldn’t allow for a larger kitchen, but Tyler and Kyle maximized the space by using slightly smaller appliances, including a 30-inch fridge. The backsplash is natural walnut. “It’s unexpected and makes this utilitarian space feel special,” says Tyler.

see more: Gorgeous Kitchen Backsplash Options and Ideas

From: HGTV Magazine

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Linen Tailored Cafe Curtain

Dümler & Breiden Vintage Vase

The Breakfast Nook

Onyx tile flooring and warm white paint on the walls (Balboa Mist by Benjamin Moore) complement Candace’s paintings and some of her most prized vintage finds, including the table, chairs and hanging lantern. Tyler had a bench built to maximize seating in this corner, Candace’s unofficial office. Mouse, a Chihuahua mix, loves this spot too!

From: HGTV Magazine

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Douro Lantern Chandelier

Borgen Pitcher

Robin Wishbone Dining Chair

The Bedroom

Tyler paired the grasscloth Schumacher wallpaper in this room with matching trim and a painted ceiling. “It’s a full mood,” she says. Candace found the nightstands at a local antiques store; the lamps come from Etsy, and the bed is from Anthropologie. “This room holds so many pieces that I’ve collected over the years,” Candace says. “They represent the life I’ve lived.”

learn more: Pro Tips for Incorporating Antiques Into Any Space

From: HGTV Magazine

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Lyon Mediterranee Vintage Travel Poster

Elderberry Linen Sheet Set

Menara Bed

Hailey Geometric Medallion Rug

New Eclipse Pleated Lampshade

The Powder Room

Tyler and Candace looked at wallpapers for six months before they chose this one from Cole & Son. To complement their pick, they installed tile from Fireclay in two colors. Tyler found the perfect vintage mirror at the Brimfield flea market in Massachusetts right before Candace moved in.

see more: 20+ Powered-Up Powder Room Decorating Ideas

From: HGTV Magazine

A Home Makeover for Mom

Related To:

Shop This Look

The Story

The Exterior

Shop the Look

Midcentury Wood Lantern

Henry Settee

The Living Room

Shop the Look

Solid Linen Pillow Cover

Lewis and Wood Papyrus Pillow Cove

Regina Andrew Design Gold Tone Clam Bowl

Wells Sofa

The Kitchen

Shop This Look

Linen Tailored Cafe Curtain

Dümler & Breiden Vintage Vase

The Breakfast Nook

Shop the Look

Douro Lantern Chandelier

Borgen Pitcher

Robin Wishbone Dining Chair

The Bedroom

Shop the Look

Lyon Mediterranee Vintage Travel Poster

Elderberry Linen Sheet Set

Menara Bed

Hailey Geometric Medallion Rug

New Eclipse Pleated Lampshade

The Powder Room

Shop the Look

Cole & Son Topiary Leaf Green Wallpaper

Alderson Octagon Rattan Wall Mirror

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