Project Summary: Nestled in the woods on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, this 2800 square foot house was designed to accommodate the full-time needs of its owners – two university professors – and the part-time needs of their children’s families during the summer months. Surrounded by forest, the living areas were intended to extend into the wooded site with decks, informal patios and gardens.

The owners wanted an open floor plan that would allow a free flow between space. However, they also wanted to have the ability to conceal the kitchen and meal prep area during family gatherings and parties. The designer, Mara-Gai Katz, discovered Cherry Tree Design’s website and presented the idea of shoji to the owners. “We looked at other options,” says Mara-Gai, “but the shoji screen idea seemed to be the most effective way to separate the kitchen and dining room without being intrusive or bulky.”
They designed a simple grid pattern that worked with the existing window mullions and door patterns already in place throughout the house. “The screens themselves blend beautifully with the contemporary aesthetic in the house also create a serene and elegant backdrop for the dining room when they are closed,” says Mara-Gai.

They also settled on shoji screens in the two home offices. “Both Owners are professors and spend a portion of their time in their offices. We had to keep the offices small for budget reasons, but wanted them to feel light and airy. The shoji screens we chose were more transparent than the ones used for the dining area, and allowed a great deal of light through them.” Shoji in the office space could be fully opened to the hall which allowed light and space, or closed to provide more privacy and solitude. Mara-Gai says, “We had a great experience throughout the project with the shoji screens. We were able to work with Cherry Tree Design from the early stages, and the company was very helpful in providing specifications for our builders.”

The owners wanted an open floor plan that would allow a free flow between space. However, they also wanted to have the ability to conceal the kitchen and meal prep area during family gatherings and parties. The designer, Mara-Gai Katz, discovered Cherry Tree Design’s website and presented the idea of shoji screens to the owners. “We looked at other options,” says Mara-Gai, “but the shoji screen idea seemed to be the most effective way to separate the kitchen and dining room without being intrusive or bulky.”
They designed a simple grid pattern that worked with the existing window mullions and door patterns already in place throughout the house. “The screens themselves blend beautifully with the contemporary aesthetic in the house also create a serene and elegant backdrop for the dining room when they are closed,” says Mara-Gai.