As far as the renovations went, space dictated what they could do. They were pretty standard, but the real gem is the kitchen, which Harriss and Mary designed themselves. The eight-week project involved tearing down a wall, raising shelves and perfecting the kitchen triangle - the path from sink to refrigerator to stove.

"It's perfect," says Harriss, a private chef and caterer. "It's just where I'm in my element."