"To enjoy the outdoors on summer evenings, a screen porch is a pretty delightful thing to have," Awad says. "One of the big requirements was to have a strong connection to the outside and a lot of daylight n the house. The old house was dark on the North side where the kitchen was, so we created large south- and west-facing windows and door openings to maximize exposure to sunlight.

Upstairs, the new master suite is a haven for Jeff and Kara. Expansive windows drink in light and provide views of mature backyard trees. "When you look out the window, it's like being in a tree house," Jeff says. "It's pretty secluded, especially for being right in the city." He also raves about elevating the washer and dryer to the upper level: "Having the laundry area up there is brilliant," Jeff says. "We're not constantly lugging laundry downstairs."

Jeff and Kara aren't the only ones who appreciate the remodeled home. They recently gave a tour to the family of the previous owner, whose grandfather had designed and built the house. "They were really happy that we didn't change the character of the house at all but rather had just polished it," Jeff says. "It still looked like the house they had grown up in. It's a special place."

Above right: A short hall with a butler's pantry links the kitchen and dining room. The floor plan keeps kids playing in the backyard visible from the dining room.

Right: The new kitchen is spacious enough for a table and chairs, which bask in sunshine from towering windows. It's a favorite family gathering spot.

Opposite: A screen porch nestles into a corner of the addition. Though filled with outdoor-style elements, the porch is designed to flow with the interior spaces, too.