Even before you open the front door of this awe-inspiring fully renovated home, you will be greeted with such distinguished features as the stately pierced brick wall defining the front yard, the cement flowerpots filled with greenery, and the large wrap around porch. Home boasts 5 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms.
This home makes a bold statement as it is sturdily constructed using decorative concrete blocks that was the rage in building homes during the 1920 – 1930’s. The upper level was added in the recent renovation doubling the living space of this splendid home.
I felt it was important to bring some modern features into this home while preserving the original charm and character of bygone days. I wanted the rooms to feel bright, airy, calm, and timeless but also needed to find ways to introduce an updated and refreshed vibe.
Sherwin Williams Gracious Greige coats the walls on both the first and second levels. The banister of the original banister in the inviting foyer was preserved and was painted white and the steps were contrasted with a coat of black paint. The Kazmir Black stair treads and matching rug at the front door purchased from Home Depot add an elegant look to the formal entryway and staircase.
The original Victorian Corbel Brackets grace the entrance into the formal living room and the original corner china closet in the dining room embraces the era this home was built. 9’ foot ceilings in the living room, dining room, entryway, 3 bedrooms and bath on the main level add visual spaciousness to this main floor. Crown molding adorns the foyer, living room, dining room, kitchen, and hallway. Wide molding was added to the base of the walls and decorative molding and rosettes frame the doorways in the living room, dining room, and kitchen.
Recessed lighting was added to the living room, primary bedroom, and kitchen. Sophisticated modern lighting links the past to current times. The hanging light in the foyer blends together with the dining room fixture and is carried over into the kitchen with coordinating pendant lighting above the island. The lighting in the primary bedroom speaks style and glam. The crystal fan with retractable blades and the light in the dressing room/closet adds class with a modern touch.
Luxury wood flooring flows through the foyer, powder room, hallway, three bedrooms, living room and dining room. The brown and black planked floor complements the warmth of the painted walls and decorative molding and wood trim around the archways once again lends to the original allure of older homes.
The splendor of the home continues in the main level bathroom featuring a 72” granite vanity with dual sinks, Espresso colored cabinets, and a full-sized linen closet. All aspects of this room were thoughtfully taken into consideration. Stylish lighting hangs over the decorative mirrors reflecting the eloquence of the tiled tub for relaxing. The tiled floor features a floral design in black and white that transports you back in time while your senses take in the look and feel of this luxurious room. A stylish powder room is located in the foyer.
If the kitchen is the heart of a home then this one will warm your soul. While the walls and window layout of the floor plan for the kitchen was not changed, everything else was. The kitchen was designed to offer optimal functionality. Granite countertops wrap around three walls and upper (42”) and base white shaker cabinets add a modern and bright feel to a room you will want to spend time in. The upper and base cabinets provide ample storage space. To avoid wasted space, two lazy susan turntables have been installed and large deep drawers for storage of large pots and pans provide easy organization. The stainless-steel dishwasher and microwave are in the center island which allows additional workspace. The stainless-steel Whirlpool gas range with air fryer and stylish vented hood are a focal point of this room. The color of the subway tile was purposefully selected to blend perfectly with the walls, countertop, and tiled floor. A mudroom is located off the kitchen providing the perfect spot to enter the home as you have easy access from the large parking area on the side of the home.
Furnishings throughout the home freely mix old with new. In the living room, an antique chair, marble table, and a shelf that belonged to my grandmother brings balance to the refurbished end tables, tea table and modern sofa.
Charming aspects like these are what make older homes so grand. So, what if you keep the charm and eloquence of the past but add in some modern aspects. What would that look like. Well, since you asked…
The first time I entered this home, I noticed the wooden steps and banister. I approached the stairs with anticipation waiting to see what the upper level offered. Well, it was not what I had expected. It was a small unfinished dark area with a sloped roof and the only area you could stand up was in the middle of the peak. I was truly baffled. Why would there be a staircase leading to this? It was not a useable space.
Knowing any prospective buyer would have the same reaction, my first thought was to wall off the stairs, add a door and claim the area for what it was – storage. Then my contractor and I started talking about adding a second level. An architectural engineer was hired, permits were obtained, and the addition started to take form.
This renovation doubled the living space of this home and bridges the past and present. While the first level keeps the original charm and feel of this home, the upper level offers sought-after amenities that current homeowners seek. The vaulted ceilings, the bright open areas which seamlessly connect to the two large bedrooms, a full bath, laundry room, and an extra storage/multi-purpose room are very impressive.
On one side of the open area, I staged as an entertainment space using high top tables and stools bringing in a 50s theme incorporating pictures and accent pieces to finish the look. This area can easily be converted into a family gathering spot by adding a comfy couch and a big screen TV. For the other side of this bonus room, I saw a play area and reading area for the kiddos and added furnishings to bring about that vision. At one end of the addition, you will find two large bedrooms. I had fun staging one with a Paris theme and the other with a relaxing tropical vibe.
We relocated the washer and dryer from the basement and created a nice sized laundry room complete with a new Maytag washer and dryer. There is plenty of room for a drying rack and folding area. The bathroom has been tastefully done with mosaic tiled shower, white cabinets, decorative lighting, and mirror.
There is no lack of options for outside relaxing and entertaining in this home. The large wrap around porch with stately cement columns provides the perfect space to sit and enjoy the summer breeze and a beverage. I can personally attest to the comfort, relaxation, and breeze that this porch provides. I have sat in one of those chairs on the front porch many days, enjoying my coffee in the morning, or sipping on a refreshing beverage in the afternoon watching the leaves softly blow on the trees and waving to the neighbors as they walked by. My mind would wander to a peaceful place. The covered back deck affords ample space for family and friends to gather and create many happy memories. On one side of the deck, you will find a recently added covered area. I envisioned this area to be the place where grilling those hot dogs, hamburgers, and steaks could be done and then easily taken to the covered deck to enjoy.
Completing this home took more time and money than I had budgeted but the end project was well worth it.
