Perhaps it's an effect of the pandemic, or perhaps a side effect of the tight housing market, but the trend of investing in your home and respecting its historical integrity seems more popular than ever. These six of his mods each have their own unique challenges and prove that thoughtful, intuitive design is a powerful tool.
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modern rework
Numerous compartmentalized spaces and awkward remodeling meant the kitchen in this historic Tudor mansion needed a complete redo of its floor space. “When you hear about a home having 'good bones,' it often refers to a good floor plan and strong architectural features,” explains Amy Carman, principal designer and owner of Amy Carman Design. Masu.
“While we loved the architecture, we needed to structurally rework the entire floor plan and reduce the number of rooms. That requires skill, experience, and the ability to navigate the complexities of the existing layout. The “bones” of this house needed to be significantly rebuilt. ”
Columns and doorways were removed and moved to create spacious openings to adjoining rooms. New leaded glass windows fill the room with natural light. “Using high ceilings and intricate plaster features, we flipped the existing dining and living room and placed the living room next to the kitchen,” Carman says.
“It took us a minute to figure out exactly how to connect the spaces so that the kitchen and surrounding rooms could live and function in a way that makes sense for modern families.”
Additionally, the adjacent walk-in utility space, once cluttered with pantry items and cleaning supplies, has been transformed into an elegant wine bar and pantry. Lush patterned wallpaper with dark green trim – Florence Coat by Cole & Sons – Creates a jewel box feel, with brass and marble accents adding a touch of glamor.
“Our clients love showing it off and using it for entertaining,” Carman says of the space. “This is a pantry where you can really relax!”
creative push
The original footprint of this 1913 Colonial-style kitchen was small and inefficient, so the design team was challenged to use every square inch to create a stylish, strong kitchen with plenty of storage. did.
“We were landlocked with external walls, windows and adjoining rooms, so we had to do some careful space planning to ensure the kitchen had the storage and functionality we needed.” explains Stephanie Peel, Design Director at Refined Renovations.
A statement built-in was created to house pantry items, and the sink and oven were relocated to improve workflow within the space. “By placing the sink and range closer together, we are now able to better utilize the available space for storage needs,” Peel adds.
Architecturally rich ceiling details, soapstone countertops, period lighting, and brass cabinet hardware evoke the past, while jewel-blue cabinetry and black walnut accents add depth. It adds richness.
“The redesign called for new windows to increase efficiency,” says Peel. “We were careful to tie the window frames and style to the rest of the 100-year-old home.”
Near the fittings, a chalkboard wall incorporates the home's original laundry chute into its design, creating a whimsical feel that provides space for reminders, shopping lists, and doodles.
“We really try to work within the boundaries given to us before we take over a new space or consider adding on to our home,” Peel concludes. “But this project pushed our creativity.”
chef's kiss
The homeowners wanted a space that would function as a chef's kitchen while mimicking the character and charm of a 1940s home. The existing space was last updated in his 1980s.
First on the agenda was to remove the wall separating the kitchen and living room and create an open concept floor plan. The existing windows and side entry doors, which were of little use, were also abolished. “Once we had a clean slate, we were able to rethink the aesthetic and use,” says Sarah Roden, designer at SJ Janis Company.
Natural light floods the area from the family room to the kitchen. … custom table-style island creates seating for the whole family while providing storage, ample countertops, and a discreet microwave. Removing the soffit allowed us to install cabinets all the way to the ceiling, adding valuable space. ”
The “main event” of the space, Roden said, is the French La Cornue gas range. Its black finish and brass accents inspired many of the material choices, including sconces, pendant lighting, and cabinet hardware, she added.
Durable Wilsonato quartz countertops provide a touch of contrast to the cabinetry and complement the gray notes dotted throughout the Carrara marble backsplash. Chef-style Kohler faucets reflect a more modern aesthetic.
“To blend in with the existing oak floors throughout the house, we created a custom hood to match. [wood] It’s an accent on the shroud,” Roden points out. “There will be consistency from old to new.”
quiet luxury
Existing limitations of this main en-suite bathroom, such as an overhead soffit above the built-in bathtub and the inability to extend into adjacent spaces, necessitated complete demolition.
“Our client was willing to let go of the bathtub idea completely, which allowed us to design the space around a spacious walk-in shower,” says Interior Designer, Three Sixty. Lindsay Lowery explains. “The glass doors helped keep the space visually open and airy.” The walls and ceiling were painted in a tone similar to the neutral wall tiles, giving the illusion of a larger room. she added.
The choice of materials and sightlines are modern yet timeless, ensuring the longevity of the space. “Clean neutrals were essential to creating this tranquil haven,” says Laurie, noting that adding stylish light fixtures that can be easily replaced along the way adds flair and personality. A custom walnut vanity optimizes storage of bathroom essentials, and a walnut cabinet above the toilet provides additional storage space. “Customization here was necessary because space was very limited and we had to work every nook and cranny for us and for them,” she added.
“Many residential clients come to us because they know we love bringing big personality and telling a story to a space,” Lowry concludes. “All of our spaces are unique to our customers. [and] their aesthetics and desires. This bathroom was no exception, but it falls into the “quiet and quality” perspective rather than the “go big or go home” perspective. We love it just as much. ”
green of envy
A clear desire to maintain the integrity of the 1890s Queen Anne home inspired the design of this bathroom renovation. Getting the space right required an almost complete renovation.
“Tiled bathrooms became more popular during this period, which is why you're seeing gorgeous green wall tiles,” says interior designer Lindsey Rowley of Three Sixty. “The tiles themselves are sculptural, but they have a more timeless shape.”
The porcelain sink and its lack of base storage are similar to what was popular at the time, she continues, noting that while the house's exterior is mostly brick, the richness of bright colors is reminiscent of the “picturesque” style of the time. A nod to the look of a lady. .
“Homes at the time often featured unstructured, floral wallpaper,” Lowry says of the wallpaper selection. “The colors were a nice combination for us.”
Retaining character
Numerous challenges before and after demolition created major setbacks during the renovation of this guest bus.
“The previous crew had installed the air conditioner in the attic of the bathroom, so we had to install the air conditioner in that space, but we resized it to be as small as possible,” AB&K Bath & Kitchen Sr. Designer Carol Johnson explains.
Clay tile walls were discovered beneath the original plaster, and the exterior walls were constructed of block and brick, requiring a new framework for insulation and wiring.
Abandoned lead pipes left large holes in the subfloor, and mismatched sleeper construction caused variations in the height of the new floor. (Sleepers are wooden boards laid out on different sides.)
To solve this problem, we mixed bags of cement on site to level the floor in preparation for applying the mosaic floor tiles.
Johnson says the historic nature of the home prompted the choice to feel as though it had always been there.
The bathroom and shower floors are clad in white-on-black dot pinwheel ceramic tiles, with Kohler Memoir pedestal sinks installed around the doorway.
“These selections mimic the colors, styles and textures found in homes of this era, keeping the historic feel alive in the rooms,” she added. She said: “To preserve the original character of the home, we salvaged the original door and casing, painted it a new, fresh white and reinstalled it.”
Modern features such as LED lighting and spa-like shower facilities blend seamlessly with the selection, creating a timeless aesthetic.
