Distinct Elegance: A Tale of Two Spaces in Hampton Falls
This home is a testament to the art of balancing design and functionality. From the very first step inside, the house sets a tone of elegance and uniqueness. Greeted by a traditional Japanese foyer—clean, minimalist, and designed for removing shoes—the entry immediately signals that this house is something special. Turning the corner, your eyes are drawn through the living room to a massive kitchen with soaring ceilings and clean lines. The stark contrast between the intimate, serene entry and the expansive, modern kitchen introduces the idea that this home beautifully reflects two distinct styles, perfectly harmonized.
A Social Hub: The Kitchen
The kitchen at this Hampton Falls retreat offers vibrant energy, open space, and welcoming warmth. The extremely high ceiling, with windows perched at the top, created a unique challenge, particularly when balancing it with the large island below. Using my widest-angle lens helped capture the grandeur of the space, though careful positioning was key to avoiding distortion. Flooded with natural light from oversized windows and accentuated by the high ceilings, the design strikes a perfect balance between boldness and functionality. The striking black backsplash creates a dramatic contrast to the warm wood cabinetry, while sleek, functional elements like double sinks and minimalist pendant lighting complete the contemporary look. After experimenting with various arrangements, we decided the island was best left empty, allowing its clean lines to speak for themselves.
What truly brought this space to life, however, was the homeowner’s personal touch. A passionate coffee enthusiast, he roasts his own beans, and during the shoot, he treated us to the best espresso I’ve ever had.
A Spa-Like Retreat: The Personal Spa
As you move through the home, the energy shifts once again. Passing through the main bedroom, you enter a meditative retreat that embodies tranquility and calm, a serene sanctuary that feels like a high-end spa. Natural light streams through the large window, bathing the space in a soft glow that highlights the earthy tones and textures. The minimalist design is complemented by warm wood cabinetry and curated details like wall-mounted faucets and glowing sconces, creating a space that invites relaxation. The soaking tub, placed symmetrically in the center of the expansive bay window, anchors the room. Capturing it required finding just the right angle to showcase its elegance while maintaining balance with the shower to the side.
The Japanese influences evident in the foyer resonate here as well, with the simplicity and balance of the design fostering a deep sense of harmony. Behind the scenes, this space also came with some playful moments. Mari and I spent an unexpectedly long time meticulously arranging the rolled towels under the vanity, striving for that perfect placement that would balance form and function. And I can’t forget to thank Mari for buying a new pair of slippers for the shoot—an extra touch of coziness that completed the look. Mari, I hope you’re enjoying those slippers as much as I enjoyed photographing them!
Design Harmony at this New England sanctuary
This serene personal spa and kitchen at 10 Hardy showcase the power of thoughtful design to create spaces that feel both unique and cohesive. Mari Woods’ expertise shines in her ability to balance contrasting aesthetics—the calm retreat of the bathroom and the lively functionality of the kitchen—within the same home.
If you’d like to see more of my work, please visit my Portfolio. I’d love to help bring your vision to life through photography that captures the essence of your design.