The design goal of this project was to create stronger relationships between rooms and functions while encouraging outside views and defining private and formal spaces. The style of the home was transformed into a European feeling southern oasis.  The kitchen was moved to a more central location that now opens into the living, dining and entry spaces.  It has become the heart of the home for family living and entertaining, beautifully appointed with professional quality appliances and custom cabinetry.  A long island provides breakfast bar seating and gracious counter space for cooking, serving and gathering.  Opening walls with wide arches created the views and relationships between spaces needed for today’s lifestyles.  Space was taken from the main living room to create a stair to the attic for future expansion and easy access storage. This also reduced the large living room for a more intimate feel and for better placement for furniture.  A library wall became the main focus of the living room. Its tall cabinetry elegantly blends into the ceiling with deep coffers that lead your eyes to the new fireplace mantle on the opposite side of the room.  Large arched French doors from the living room and master suite open onto a new covered porch bringing the outside in.  The two closet and baths of the original master suite were combined and designed for a spa like feel with plenty of storage and ease of living.  The guest bed and bath received new finishes.  The powder room was relocated into the main hall.  The main entry was given new arched glass entry doors that bring light and views of a new semi-formal garden at the front of the home.  Establishing a new heart for the home and creating openings between spaces transformed this traditional home into a fluid and inviting space for today’s family lifestyle.