1388 Blackmore Road (2000)

This Forest Hills Cape Cod was built in 1951, added to in 1972, and most recently updated by the present owners, who have been in the home four years. Using rich colors, textures and artwork, the home is now a showcase, as well as a very comfortable house that is designed to be lived in.

The cranberry color door paves the way for the richly hued colors throughout the interior, newly redecorated by the owner's sister. The home showcases African masks and pottery from Ghana, as well as original artwork from local artists. Picking up on the colors of the slate floor of the entry, the front hallway is painted in a mud texture Ralph Lauren suede combined with a rich teal.

The living and dining rooms have gleaming hardwood floors, cane-colored walls accented in burgundy, overstuffed furniture, and shelving that houses books, accessories, family photos, and other objects.

The kitchen has undergone several transformations, most recently by the current owners. The ceramic-tiled floor replaces outdated linoleum. The Mutschler cabinets with new hardware, new stainless steel appliances, teal walls, marbled Corian countertops and contemporary lighting combine to create a highly functional and attractive kitchen.

Probably the most dramatic changes have occurred in the family room. It was added in 1972 by the previous owners, and was originally a dark wood-paneled study with built-in desks and bookshelves. It has now been updated with Berber carpeting (moved from another part of the house) and Sisal rugs, with the paneled walls and beams lightened by the use of much lighter-toned (but still warm) paints. The three pieces of pottery on the hearth are from Ghana, given as a birthday present by a friend who noticed that they picked up the design motif of some of the chairs and pillows in the room.

The master bedroom is wonderful. It uses subtler, softer colors than the rest of the house, but is just as dramatic. Bathrooms have been updated with Corian countertops, faux-painted walls, new tile floors, and new plumbing fixtures.

Part of the oversize garage, which was built to accommodate the previous owner's boat, has been converted into office space for the current owners. Additional office space for the professional couple is provided in the basement and by the use of a first-floor room originally intended as a bedroom.

Both front and back yards are being re-landscaped.