Plywood features in overhauled Des Érables house by Naturehumaine

This article highlights the extensive renovation of an E. B. Green-designed home in Buffalo's Delaware District, owned by Frank and Leah Ewing. The Renaissance-style house, built in 1920, blends historical grandeur with modern aesthetics, achieving a unique balance between classic charm and contemporary living. The Ewings, who stumbled upon the property through an online listing, recognized its potential and embarked on a comprehensive overhaul in collaboration with West End Interiors. The renovation began with a planned attic refresh but quickly expanded into a near-complete home transformation, lasting approximately 10 to 11 months. Raelynn Capozzi, principal designer and owner of West End Interiors, spearheaded the project, focusing on creating a cohesive and personalized living space. A key starting point for the attic's design was a whimsical Schumacher wallpaper, which dictated the color palette for the wainscoting and the selection of custom fabrics for pillows, establishing a fairytale-like atmosphere. The attic features exposed brick and vault ceilings in the guest bedrooms, harmonized with soft textures and thoughtful accents. Sun-drenched reading nooks, complemented by traditional wall sconces, add to the cozy yet elegant ambiance. A central goal of the renovation was to restore traditional features that had been lost over time while incorporating the Ewings' personal style. This involved replacing all interior doors with new red oak doors fitted with crystal knobs, mirroring the original study doors on the first floor. These small yet significant details were carefully chosen to maintain the historical integrity of the 6,575-square-foot house. The mudroom, located off the side entry, exemplifies this approach with its warm, inviting design, penny tile, and wainscoting that celebrate the home's history while ensuring functionality. Lighting played a crucial role in the design, with a unique array of fixtures chosen for each room, particularly in high-traffic areas like foyers and staircases, to create a sense of cohesion and specialness. A notable example is the luxe crystal ball chandelier in the eldest daughter's bedroom, meticulously installed by Raelynn and her associate designer, Ed. The home's furnishings were also carefully curated by West End Interiors, combining existing pieces acquired from the previous owners with new selections. The Ewings further personalized their home with an extensive art collection, featuring works by local artists such as Monica Angle, Sarah Myers, Erin Long, and Catherine Parker. One particular piece by Sarah Myers holds sentimental value, having been passed down from Leah's aunt. The Ewings expressed deep satisfaction with the outcome, noting that the house felt like home immediately. The renovation successfully honored the architectural legacy of E. B. Green while imbuing the residence with modern comfort and a distinctive character, reflecting the owners' personalities and cherished art collection. This collaborative effort transformed a grand historical property into a vibrant, personalized family home, where history and whimsy coexist in perfect harmony. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #EBGreenArchitecture #HistoricalHomes #WestEndInteriors #LuxuryLiving #BuffaloHomes #ArtCollection #ArchitecturalPreservation

Derek and Cliona Hosty embarked on a nearly decade-long journey to transform a modest 1930s two-bedroom Dublin home into a spacious dwelling suitable for their family of seven. The initial phase of their ambitious renovation project faced an unexpected obstacle when their first redesign proposal was rejected. Upon submitting an alternative plan, planning permission was further delayed due to objections from Irish Water regarding the relocation of a water pipe in their back garden. Despite adjacent properties receiving approval for similar alterations, Irish Water insisted on a six-meter access on both sides of the pipe, a requirement that could not be met due to space constraints. Cliona took direct action by visiting Irish Water's offices without an appointment. During an impromptu meeting with the officials handling their case, she presented their plans and explained their desire to divert the pipe along the back garden. This direct engagement proved successful, leading to Irish Water's agreement and the subsequent approval of their planning permission. This challenge with Irish Water was one of many encountered by the couple over three years from purchasing the house to finally moving in. However, their determination to create an ideal home for their family remained unwavering. Their commitment eventually paid off, culminating in a home three times the size of the original, earning them a spot in the top three of the "Home of the Year" final. The house is meticulously designed to cater to their family's needs, featuring abundant natural light, expansive living areas, smart storage solutions, and innovative design elements. This achievement is particularly notable given the turbulent Irish property market they navigated and their experiences living abroad in Norway. In Norway, Derek worked for Telenor, and the family appreciated the country's work-life balance and affordable childcare, which cost less than €300 per month. They observed a more equitable distribution of parental duties, with many fathers actively involved in school pickups. A memorable experience in Norway was the birth of their fifth child, Seimi, where hospital stays were remarkably affordable. Despite the advantages, the social integration with Norwegians proved challenging, and the harsh climate, with snow from October to May, eventually prompted their return to Ireland in January 2018. Back in Ireland, they secured a mortgage by leveraging Derek’s employment history to avoid probation issues. They soon found a two-bedroom house in Ballinteer, an area they admired for its amenities and walkability, which they saw as a blank canvas for their renovation aspirations. Initially, their plans were deemed "overbearing" by planners, necessitating a reduction of 25 square meters from their proposed floor plan. This setback prompted them to rethink their design, focusing on creating a kitchen island large enough for seven people and incorporating ample storage and sleeping arrangements for their growing family and occasional guests. They also decided to lower the ground floor level to achieve higher ceilings. While awaiting final planning approval, they proactively undertook demolition work, removing the old kitchen and bathroom extensions, and stripping the house of its ceilings and floors. The renovation journey was financially demanding, as they simultaneously paid rent on their temporary accommodation and a mortgage on the house undergoing renovation. This led them to temporarily relocate to Galway, staying with Derek’s parents, until construction commenced in December 2019. The Covid-19 pandemic further disrupted the project, halting construction in March 2020. Once work resumed, Cliona and Derek personally managed the build, traveling frequently between Galway and Dublin to oversee progress while juggling work and childcare responsibilities. They finally moved into their dream home in July 2021, three years after its purchase. The old house underwent a complete overhaul, with replastering, insulation, underfloor heating, and full redecoration. Significant structural changes included relocating the front door to the side of the house and replacing the original entrance with a window, creating two living rooms downstairs and two bedrooms upstairs. The new extension features a large open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area with a spacious island, innovative lighting, and customized features like symmetrically placed ovens. The house also includes a new downstairs bathroom and an upstairs en-suite bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe. Another bedroom boasts a unique sleeping unit accessible by a ladder, designed to accommodate multiple children or guests. Cliona's minimalist aesthetic, influenced by her time in Norway, is evident throughout the decor. Her passion for interior design, sparked by decorating one of her children's bedrooms, led her to develop a significant social media following. She meticulously researched suppliers, opting for cost-effective solutions like laminate flooring from Tipperary and concrete lights from New Style Lights. The couple views their challenging three-year renovation as worthwhile, having resulted in a family-centric, practical, and aesthetically pleasing home filled with fun and unique touches. #HomeRenovation #FamilyHome #InteriorDesign #DublinProperty #DIYRenovation #HomeOfTheYear #IrishWater #NorwayLiving

The Gurchiek family undertook an extensive renovation project on a Geist estate, transforming a severely dilapidated property into a luxurious family home. Originally built in 1990, the estate had fallen into disrepair over a decade, necessitating a comprehensive overhaul. The Gurchieks purchased the property as an investment, intending to create a livable space for themselves and their three young children. The primary residence spans 14,480 square feet, complemented by an additional 11,593 square feet of garage space, making it one of the largest properties in the area. Many repairs were critical, addressing deterioration caused by vacancy and lack of maintenance. The initial repair list was extensive, covering both interior and exterior elements. The renovation included significant updates to the home's aesthetic and structural components. Sean Sheppard of Silver Crow Studios contributed to the interior design, creating wall treatments and luxury elements such as Venetian plaster in the great room. The Gurchieks commissioned Sheppard for high-end finishes throughout the residence, indicating a focus on quality craftsmanship and sophisticated design. The exterior received substantial attention as well, with a significant budget allocated to landscaping improvements. The grounds, previously described as a "disaster," were updated, and extensive masonry repair was conducted. The entire brick wall bordering the pool was replaced, highlighting the scale of the outdoor refurbishment. Structural and cosmetic repairs extended to numerous aspects of the property. Over 80 windows were repaired, and brickwork and masonry were entirely redone. The cedar shake roof underwent repair and restoration, ensuring the home's integrity and aesthetic appeal. Foundational corrections were also addressed, demonstrating a thorough approach to resolving underlying issues. Realtor Allen Williams noted that "there is not a room in the home that’s not been redone or touched," emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the renovation efforts over several years. The Gurchiek family's dedication transformed the estate, making it nearly unrecognizable from its previous state. The renovation focused on creating a warm, family-focused environment while also providing ample space for entertaining large groups. The property offers 4.9 acres of privacy on Geist, contributing to its appeal. The virtual tour video of the revitalized estate garnered significant attention, with views matching its asking price. The Old Durham Mansion, as it is known, is now back on the market, priced at $3.495 million, presented as a luxurious and livable property following its extensive renaissance. #GeistEstate #HomeRenovation #LuxuryRealEstate #InteriorDesign #ExteriorLandscaping #PropertyRevitalization #GeistReservoir #FamilyHome #DurhamMansion

Craftsman-style homes, which gained significant popularity during the Arts and Crafts movement at the turn of the 20th century, are distinguished by their handcrafted architectural designs and charming interior details. Often characterized by their bungalow-style construction, these homes are prevalent across the country, particularly in California and the Midwest, appealing to individuals who appreciate vintage aesthetics. While their exteriors are easily recognizable, their interiors boast several consistent features that make them unique. One of the most defining characteristics of a Craftsman interior is the extensive use of natural wood materials. Hardwood flooring is commonly found throughout these homes, along with intricate wooden details such as columns, emphasizing the handmade and artisan ethos of the Arts and Crafts movement. The connection to the outdoors is another key element; almost all Craftsman homes feature a wide, open porch, and the living room typically provides a direct visual and physical link to this outdoor space, often through double wooden doors, facilitating indoor-outdoor living. Fireplaces are an essential feature, often serving as the focal point of the living room. These built-in hearths, frequently made of stone and sometimes flanked by bench seats, create a cozy and central gathering space. Complementing the fireplace, built-in bookcases are a common sight in Craftsman living rooms, originally intended for reading and relaxation. Even today, these built-ins, whether used for media equipment or art, remain a signature interior feature and can be found in other rooms like bedrooms and dens. Traditional Craftsman homes typically include a dedicated dining room, usually positioned between the kitchen and the living room. These dining spaces often showcase wainscoting or beadboard detailing and ample windows, sometimes incorporating built-in seating or storage for linens. The focus on handcrafted woodwork extends to exposed ceiling beams, which add a warm ambiance and help define the room's elements, contributing to the overall character. Craftsman homes frequently feature smaller, specialized areas such as dens and reading nooks, which offer spaces for solitary activities and enhance the home's detailed character. Kitchens in Craftsman homes are often designed with family in mind, sometimes including eat-in breakfast nooks. These nooks are typically smaller, serving for quick meals rather than large gatherings, as a formal dining room is almost always present. The color palette within Craftsman interiors tends to be earthy or neutral, predominantly featuring grays, whites, greens, and beiges. These softer hues are chosen to complement the natural elements and exposed wood prevalent throughout the home. Furthermore, natural light is heavily emphasized, especially in smaller bungalows and cottages, where it helps open up spaces and strengthen the connection between the interior and exterior. Rooms often have at least two light sources or oversized windows, and high ceilings frequently feature rows of identical windows to introduce a strong horizontal line and abundant natural illumination. Decorating a Craftsman home allows for modern touches in decor and color while preserving the intricate woodwork. Bold colors can be introduced to contrast with the inherent woody or earthy tones, but vibrant, clashing colors should be avoided in favor of rich yet safe options like sage green, light beige, charcoal gray, blue, or muted red. The classic charm and versatility of Craftsman homes enable them to blend well with various interior design styles, including midcentury modern, transitional, traditional, eclectic, boho chic, modern, and contemporary, highlighting their enduring appeal. #CraftsmanStyle #HomeInterior #ArchitecturalDesign #NaturalMaterials #Woodwork #BuiltInFeatures #EarthyColorPalette #NaturalLight #HomeDecor #VintageHomes