Upper East Side Family Home: A Design Transformation

Chris and Jenn Goode purchased their 1960s home in Alexandria's Villamay neighborhood primarily for its Potomac River views, despite its traditional style, dated finishes, limited lighting, and insufficient space for their three growing children, aged 9, 11, and 14. Their vision for the renovation was to transform the house into a spacious, rustic-chic sanctuary that offered enough individual space for every family member. Case Architects & Remodelers, led by director of project development April Case Underwood, was enlisted for the remodel. Underwood, having previously worked with the Goodes on their kitchen, understood their preference for a more transitional style. The original home was deemed outdated and lacked cohesion, especially for entertaining guests or accommodating three children preparing for school with only one shared bathroom. The renovation aimed to address these issues by expanding the living areas and updating the aesthetics to better suit the family's needs and style. A significant part of the renovation involved adding a two-story extension to the front of the house. This addition created a new primary bedroom suite for Chris and Jenn, which included dedicated his-and-her closets and a five-piece bathroom. The Goodes' daughter subsequently moved into the original primary suite. To accommodate their two sons, a one-story addition was built at the back of the home, featuring a new bedroom equipped with a Jack-and-Jill-style bathroom and walk-in closets. Additionally, a home gym with a rubberized floor was installed in the third garage bay at the base of the front addition. Indoor renovations were further complemented by the inclusion of a pocket office with a sliding glass door and a butler's pantry, which was outfitted with wall cabinets, open shelves, and wine fridges, enhancing both functionality and storage within the home. Although the kitchen's layout, counters, and backsplash from a previous renovation remained unchanged, the area received a refresh with new gold accents and a new faucet. A unique and personalized addition to the kitchen was a custom dog station for the family's goldendoodle, Dewey. This innovative feature, inspired by Jenn's mother, replaced a seldom-used cookbook bookcase. The dog station was designed for practicality and aesthetics, featuring a tiled area with built-in bowls, and a cabinet nearby for storing Dewey's food, treats, and medication. Its proximity to the kitchen sink allowed for the installation of a pot filler, simplifying the process of refilling water bowls. The exterior of the house underwent a dramatic transformation to align with the interior's rustic-chic design and the surrounding landscape. The original brick exterior was painted blue, and new shutters and wooden brackets were installed. Stone accents were added around the new garage bay to introduce texture. The renovation also incorporated a new front porch and a gable, contributing to a true Craftsman-style aesthetic. The Goodes praised the effective communication with Case Underwood, noting weekly meetings over several months that allowed for detailed planning and adjustments, ultimately bringing their vision to life. The cohesive design throughout the entire house made it feel like a brand-new home, satisfying the family's desire for a perfect, spacious living environment, and even attracting attention from passersby who stop to admire the renovation. #HomeRemodel #FairfaxCounty #CaseArchitectsRemodelers #RusticChic #HomeExpansion #InteriorDesign #ExteriorRenovation #FamilyHome

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

This article details a recent remodel project undertaken by Studio McGee in Maryland, focusing on transforming a client's childhood home to better suit her young family. The project involved a comprehensive renovation of a Cape Cod-style house, aiming to synthesize the client's long-held dreams for the space with the design team's expertise. The scope of work included significant structural changes, such as moving interior walls, along with the installation of new finishes and the selection of furniture tailored to the client's unique aesthetic. The core challenge and opportunity lay in respecting the home's inherent character and 'good bones' while introducing modern functionality and style. The article emphasizes the collaborative process between the client, who brought a deep personal connection to the house, and the design team, who translated those sentiments into a cohesive design plan. It highlights the importance of balancing preservation with modernization in heritage remodels, ensuring that the updated space feels both fresh and deeply personal. The remodel aimed to create a home that not only accommodates the practical needs of a growing family but also resonates with the client's nostalgic attachment to the property. The project serves as an example of how thoughtful design can update a home for contemporary living while honoring its past. The successful integration of new design elements with existing architectural features demonstrates how interior design can evolve a space without erasing its history, offering valuable insights for individuals considering similar renovation projects. The transformation showcases how a well-executed remodel can breathe new life into a beloved family home, making it suitable for future generations while retaining its cherished heritage. The article implicitly suggests that such projects require careful planning, a deep understanding of the client's vision, and a creative approach to problem-solving, especially when dealing with pre-existing structures and personal attachments to a space. #HomeRemodel #InteriorDesign #HeritageHome #CapeCodStyle #FamilyHome #DesignProcess #ArchitecturalPreservation #Modernization #StudioMcGee

Jay Deputy embarked on a journey to update his late parents' home in Seaford, Delaware, transforming it into a personal retreat while preserving its inherent character. The single-story, red brick Colonial-style house, built in 1968, held significant sentimental value, having been purchased by his parents, John and Lillian, in 1970. Deputy, who describes himself as a lifelong collector of homes and furnishings, ranging from a 13,000-square-foot mansion in St. Paul, Minnesota, to a New York City loft and a centuries-old farmhouse in North Wilmington, viewed the Seaford property as an ideal downstate getaway. He appreciated its "human-scaled" rooms, conducive to intimate gatherings of six to eight people. Upon inheriting the house after his mother's passing in 2009, Deputy's initial focus was on structural stability. This involved addressing termite damage, installing a new heating and air conditioning system, and restoring the front porch columns. He then furnished the porch with rockers and casual seating, allowing for enjoyment of the hydrangeas. Simultaneously, he simplified the yard and garden to better suit a second home, acknowledging it as an ongoing project despite removing several trees. Inside, Deputy concentrated his decorative efforts on the entertaining areas: the formal living room, library, dining room, and sunroom, along with the master and guest bedrooms. Notably, he left the kitchen largely untouched, preserving its original Corian countertops, plank cabinets, and wrought-iron hinges, deeming it "still a very serviceable kitchen." The library, which served as a family room during his childhood, underwent a significant transformation. Deputy removed dark paneling, painting the walls and fireplace a soft celadon green, a color inspired by a floral needlepoint rug inherited from his grandmother. He sourced matching Baker settees, reupholstering them in a claret-and-ivory toile fabric by Brunschwig & Fils, featuring pheasants, hunting dogs, and woodland flora. Accents of black, including a painted tole tray, silk chandelier shades, and a cocktail table, complement the room's color scheme. A 19th-century Empire-inspired mahogany bookcase displays antique volumes and Chinese porcelains, subtly reflecting the room's palette, flanked by 18th-century Chippendale chairs. Deputy's decorating style, while more formal, shares a common appreciation for Chippendale furniture with his mother, who preferred a country aesthetic. He describes the mahogany sideboard in the dining room as an artful reproduction, adorned with vintage Waterford crystal and heirloom decanters holding a collection of rare Scotches. The full restoration of his St. Paul mansion, which took a decade, provided him with valuable hands-on experience in plastering and carpentry. For the Seaford project, he hired out much of the work but personally handled tasks he enjoyed, such as painting, often accompanied by Bach on his iPod. The formal dining room features a bold blue-and-white Brunschwig & Fils wallpaper depicting birds and vines. Chippendale-style dining chairs by Maison Jansen and mid-century reproductions of a dining table and breakfront by Henredon, inherited from his aunt, complete the space. An antique Chinese rug from his grandmother and 18th-century gilt-wood sconces with their original mirrors add historical depth. In the sunroom, Deputy refreshed his mother's whitewashed wicker furniture with black paint and claret-and-cream toile cushions. Unmatched Asian-influenced chandeliers were unified with a glossy crimson enamel, and lemon trees and leafy plants contribute to a tropical atmosphere. The formal living room showcases his grandmother’s camelback sofa, upholstered in its original shimmering gold silk, complemented by cream walls, coral wing chairs, and an Oriental carpet. The room also features a 1740 partner's desk, a mahogany desk with flame finials crafted in Delaware, and 18th-century commodes serving as end tables. A magnificent, thinly cut stone screen from China behind the sofa underscores his passion for collecting. Deputy emphasizes the sentiment behind these items, stating, "Things we find, things that have age, things we collect have a certain weightedness," and cherishes the stories embedded within them. #HomeRenovation #InheritedHome #InteriorDesign #SeafordDelaware #FamilyHeirlooms #ChippendaleStyle #HistoricHomes #HomeDecor #PersonalizedSpace

The Dowell family, consisting of Rebecca, Jeremiah, and their sons Deacon, Wyatt, and Ryder, along with their boxer Rookie, recently relocated to La Grange's Heather Ridge neighborhood to be closer to Oldham County Schools due to their sons' involvement in football and other sports. Jeremiah, a Realtor at Keller Williams Louisville East, had long admired the five-level Avery model by Fischer Homes. The family purchased a four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom, 3,229-square-foot multi-level home built in 2023, which offered the ideal blend of shared and private living spaces. The Dowells undertook several customizations to personalize their new home. They installed luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout and equipped the kitchen with GE Café appliances. A significant change involved moving the fireplace from a corner to the center of the great room, opting for a gas fireplace. This tan brick fireplace, extending to the 18-foot ceilings, is complemented by a matching column in the basement office and an entryway arch, creating a cohesive design. Trim and sconces were added to frame the fireplace, creating symmetry, with a frame TV displaying a black and white family photo when not in use. Jeremiah emphasized the desire for the room not to be solely focused on the television. Rebecca, an independent travel advisor, established an in-home office in the basement. This space features a large, T-shaped desk with two chairs, shelving, and his-and-hers display cases. Rebecca's side showcases whimsical travel and childhood mementos, while Jeremiah's side displays award plaques and framed degrees. A wall-mounted TV in Rebecca's office streams live views of various locations, like New York, beaches, and castles, adding light and an outdoor ambiance to the space. The opposite side of the lower level is dedicated to a workout area, with a discreet entry to a large storage space. The family's love for football is evident in the rec room, which includes a large TV, ample seating, an NFL Blitz arcade game, and a wall adorned with a mural of the Caesars Superdome, reflecting Rebecca's New Orleans roots. The room also features dozens of mini football helmets, which previously were scattered in the children's rooms. The 10-foot ceiling in the rec room was a major selling point for the family, as it provided an expansive feel typically not found in basements and connected seamlessly with the kitchen. Exterior customizations were also undertaken. Initially, Rebecca found the original brown exterior with shutters too busy. After consulting an artist on Etsy for exterior renderings, they chose Sherwin-Williams Oyster Bay, an algae-hued neutral paint with slate-blue undertones, to enhance the home's curb appeal. Jeremiah, being in real estate, considered resale value in all their modifications. While the Dowells anticipate moving again in the future, they are currently enjoying their customized home, particularly its open floor plan, which facilitates family gatherings and entertaining, as exemplified by a Derby party where Rebecca could remain engaged with guests while in the kitchen. Key distinctive elements of the home include an entryway with a tan brick archway made with German schmear, quartz countertops, large kitchen cabinets with trim to the ceiling, a custom pantry mirroring the kitchen with a mini-fridge, and a second pantry for dry food and appliances. The first floor features custom luxury vinyl plank flooring. Other notable features include floor-to-ceiling trim in the great room and entryway, a custom mudroom, a renovated basement with an office, gym, bathroom, large framed TV, and ample hidden storage. The primary bedroom boasts a brick wall, a custom 4K electric fireplace, tiled bathroom floor, custom vanity, and custom closet. The backyard includes custom pavers and a gas fireplace, while the garage has an epoxy floor. The Dowells enlisted various professionals for these customizations, including Fischer Homes, Andreanna for LVP flooring, Olde Town Chimney for the gas fireplace, Wes Stutz for fireplace installation and trim work, Wes Stutz and Chris Barber for storage solutions, Jeff Hancock of Triple Trade for electrical and plumbing, Coronado Stone for the primary bedroom brick wall, Kilo’s Painting for interior and exterior painting, Earthscapes LLC for pavers, and Epoxy Dude for garage flooring. #HomeDesign #CustomHome #MultiLevelHome #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #FischerHomes #OldhamCounty #FamilyHome #HomeCustomization