How a Ramshackle Barn Was Reborn as a Chic Guesthouse

The article details the redesign of an 18th-century farmhouse in Lumberton, transforming it to accommodate modern living while honoring its historical roots. The project was undertaken by Michelle Gage of Philadelphia-based Michelle Gage Interiors, who notes the home's significant age, dating back to the Revolutionary era. This particular residence presented a unique challenge due to its extensive history and the accumulated alterations made by previous inhabitants over centuries. The homeowner's openness to Gage's suggestions was a crucial factor in the redesign's success, allowing for a creative yet respectful approach. Gage identified an inherent 'English vibe' in the home and aimed to align the interior design with both this aesthetic and the client's 'quirky and eccentric' personality. The English influence is evident throughout the house, starting from the entry where antique boot racks hold wellies. The primary bedroom showcases a vibrant display of color and pattern, featuring layered florals on the walls, headboard, and bedding. The chosen wallpaper designs evoke a British country house style, characterized by rich patterns that contribute depth and character to the space. The redesign also incorporated unique elements like a moody, jungle-themed wall covering in the breakfast nook. This wallpaper, featuring hidden animal motifs, thoughtfully frames the home's original built-in cabinetry, adding an element of surprise and whimsy. In contrast, the laundry room adopts a more serene ambiance with a subdued sage-green and white botanical wall covering, designed to create a fresh and crisp atmosphere reminiscent of newly laundered linens. The project successfully merged historical integrity with contemporary comfort and personal style, creating a home that respects its past while providing a vibrant and unique living environment for its current owner. The collaboration between the designer and homeowner resulted in a space that is both historically conscious and reflective of modern eclectic tastes, demonstrating how an antique structure can be adapted for current lifestyles without sacrificing its inherent charm. #LumbertonFarmhouse #HistoricalHome #HomeRedesign #EclecticDecor #InteriorDesign #MichelleGageInteriors #EnglishVibe #RevolutionaryEraHome

Seattle designer Hayley Francis and her father, Ken, embarked on a project to convert a 480-square-foot shed into a functional and stylish guest house to accommodate family visitors at their beach home on Washington's South Puget Sound. The goal was to create a space where multiple guests could sleep, relax, work, cook, and shower without the need for additional construction or expansion of the main house. The resulting "tiny home" is a testament to efficient design, incorporating multifunctional furniture, high-end kitchen amenities, and an innovative bathroom layout. Hayley, who spent her childhood summers and weekends at the family beach house, shared a special connection to the property with her late mother, Laurie, also a designer. The conversion project was driven by a desire to preserve family gatherings and create more space for her sister, nieces, and nephew, making it a personally significant endeavor. The original garage, primarily used for tool storage, was transformed into living quarters, while the existing carport was simultaneously converted into a new garage for practical purposes. Collaborating with Seattle architect/designer Seth Grizzle of Graypants, Hayley integrated a private bedroom, an efficient yet elegant kitchen, and a compact but luxurious bathroom. The design prioritized an open and airy feel, achieved through vaulted ceilings, the replacement of garage doors with French doors, and ample windows. The interior design blends budget-friendly secondhand furniture and open shelving with decorative elements such as brass plumbing fixtures and statement lighting. For entertainment, a built-in projector above the sleeper sofa and a pull-down screen over the window seat provide a cozy movie night experience. The window seat also serves as a breakfast nook and a remote workspace for Hayley's design business, Neon Doves, complemented by an expandable family table and built-in storage niches for stools. The kitchen, designed as a "wall kitchen" rather than a corner unit, enhances the sense of openness. It boasts a sophisticated aesthetic with a wall-mount brass faucet, matching sconces, and a single slab of soapstone for the backsplash, chosen for its "rocky" texture that subtly evokes the beach environment. A box beam conceals electrical wiring and upgrades the ceiling's appearance. To maintain a clean, uncluttered look, appliances like the refrigerator and microwave are cleverly hidden behind wood panels and within a pantry cabinet. Each room benefits from the vaulted ceilings, contributing to a spacious feel. The bedroom features vintage burled-wood nightstands, a caned headboard, and window trim all in harmonious tones, grounding the space. A side door provides access to private areas, including the bedroom, bathroom, and a loft reachable via a rolling ladder, with a linen closet situated opposite the bathroom. The bathroom adopts a European-inspired wet room concept, with hexagonal ceramic tiles covering all surfaces, eliminating the need for a separate shower stall and saving space. A heated floor adds a touch of luxury to this small area. Up in the loft, a custom cushion fills a berth in the highest section of the ceiling, with a wall sconce for reading and a porthole window echoing the beach theme. The tiny home’s layout is a masterclass in space optimization, with a flexible living room furniture arrangement, shallow back-to-back closets for accessible storage, and a floating wall that consolidates plumbing while preventing the room from feeling cramped. Lofted nooks above the kitchen and bathroom further expand the usable area, demonstrating that thoughtful design can maximize comfort and utility in a compact dwelling. #TinyHome #GarageConversion #GuestHouse #SmallSpaceDesign #EfficientLiving #GourmetKitchen #InteriorDesign #HomeMakeover #MultifunctionalFurniture

Matt Gleckler, the proprietor of Antique Beams & Boards in Delta, Ohio, has established a business dedicated to the reclamation and repurposing of wood from historic barns across the state. His enterprise transforms these rural structures, often seen as ripe for demolition, into valuable reclaimed lumber for various applications. Gleckler’s initial foray into entrepreneurship was not in reclaimed wood; after studying finance at the University of Toledo, he worked in banking investments before building and co-owning a movie theater in Wauseon with his wife. The inspiration for Antique Beams & Boards emerged when Gleckler needed to dismantle a dilapidated barn to make way for the theater. This experience led him to research demolition and the potential of reclaimed barn wood, discovering the inherent quality and enduring beauty of timbers from barns built centuries ago. The core mission of Antique Beams & Boards is to honor the past by giving these ancient wood pieces a new purpose. Gleckler emphasizes that each barn offers a unique window into history. The reclaimed barn boards are skillfully repurposed into a variety of high-end products, including elegant countertops, sturdy mantelpieces, and durable wood flooring. This process ensures that the historical materials, some dating back 200 years, continue to be appreciated in modern contexts. Since its inception, Gleckler's business has successfully harvested materials from over 1,000 barns, extending the life of their timber far beyond their original structural intent. While Gleckler's operations are rooted in Ohio, the reclaimed barn materials find their way to projects nationwide, particularly in the eastern United States. A notable example includes the complete disassembly of a full-frame barn from Northwood in 2010, which was then meticulously reconstructed as a vacation home in Stowe, Vermont. Closer to home, businesses and residences in Ohio also incorporate these historical elements. For instance, the Bass Pro Shops in Rossford utilized restored wood for their flooring and siding, while the Orchard Bar + Table in Catawba Island integrated reclaimed beams and boards into its interior decor. Gleckler has also contributed to preserving local heritage by donating reclaimed wood to Sauder Village, a living-history museum located in Archbold. Gleckler possesses the expertise to estimate the age of a barn, often within a 10-to-15-year margin, based on its architectural style. He notes that the types of wood used in construction can indicate a barn's geographical origin; for example, barns in Napoleon often feature elm, while those east of Toledo frequently contain more oak. He points out that while New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia also have barns, Ohio, particularly the northwest region, boasts a significant quantity. Gleckler highlights the sustainability of his business model, stating that every part of the old barn material is utilized, right down to the last nail. This commitment to recycling ensures that these historical structures are given an extended life and continue to contribute to new designs and constructions. #ReclaimedWood #Barns #SustainableBuilding #OhioHistory #HomeDecor #ArchitecturalSalvage #Entrepreneurship #WoodRecycling

Architect Damon Hills and his partner John Boschen transformed a derelict 1920s California bungalow in Northcote, purchased in 2013, into a modern, light-filled residence they now call the Light Box Home. The original property, a deceased estate, was in an unlivable condition due to neglect and significant odor issues, featuring an asbestos-ridden lean-to and an outdoor toilet. Despite its state, Hills recognized the potential of the house, situated in the desirable Sumner Estate near Merri Creek, an area known for its California bungalows. He appreciated the utilitarian design of bungalows and sought to preserve the home's classic facade while undertaking a comprehensive renovation. The renovation began with exterior modifications, replacing the pressed-metal roof with a corrugated-iron one, which was consistent with the original architectural style. Although constrained by heritage overlay regulations that prevented the addition of bay windows to the facade, the front two rooms, which now serve as the main and guest bedrooms, were retained. A key focus of the redesign was to enhance natural light, as the original house was notably dark. Hills addressed this by incorporating new windows on the sides of the front bedrooms and installing skylights throughout many rooms to maximize light penetration. The rotting blackbutt flooring in the wide hallway was replaced with new blackbutt, and a new bathroom was added behind the guest bedroom. This bathroom features a marble vanity, a luxurious tub, smaller wall tiles, and a herringbone floor pattern, with an innovative wet room design that places the bath beyond the shower to optimize space. The asbestos lean-to was demolished, making way for a new section of the house that includes a third guest bedroom (or study) and a powder room. This new area functions as a transitional space leading to a thoroughly modern living extension at the rear. The design accounted for the property's slope, utilizing it to create a slightly elevated new living section. This elevation allowed for the inclusion of clerestory windows around the top of the kitchen and dining areas, effectively filtering more light into the main living space. The modern kitchen is equipped with Miele appliances, a butler’s pantry, a concealed fridge, three ovens (standard, steam, and microwave combi), and a warming drawer. A notable design element is the oversized island bench with a bespoke linear light fixture above it, which provides illumination and defines the space. The lounge area features a fireplace and a discreetly integrated television that blends into a black background when off. Glass doors open to a north-facing wooden deck, while floor-to-ceiling windows at the back maximize morning light from the easterly aspect. The architect strategically placed larger windows on the northerly and easterly sides for optimal light, with smaller windows on the south and west. The home is fitted with hydronic floor heating and a single split-system air conditioner, relying on excellent insulation for climate control. Hills emphasized the personal challenge of designing his own home compared to client projects, noting the intense scrutiny of every detail. He described the home as a luxurious and spacious sanctuary, a place he looks forward to returning to, even from travel. The postscript details Hills’ observations on visitors' comments, highlighting the unexpected sense of space and the barn doors in the powder room and laundry. His favorite spot is an Arana armchair by Jardan in the living room, facing the fireplace, from which he can view the entire space. His favorite item is "The Mythical Galloping Faun" painting by Jodie Zomer, noting its constant movement and new discoveries upon each viewing. The Arana armchair is also his most sentimental piece, having moved with them through four houses. He expressed a dream of living in a New York City brownstone and described his entertaining style as simple dinners with friends, often concluding with a lemon tart from Babka in Fitzroy. For Hills, home signifies a place of relaxation and unwinding, a special and luxurious space that brings comfort and joy. #HomeRenovation #CaliforniaBungalow #LightBoxHome #ModernArchitecture #InteriorDesign #NorthcoteRealEstate #DamonHills #SustainableDesign #LuxuryHome

This article details the renovation of a 1950s ranch-style home in Mountain Brook, Alabama, undertaken by Katie Bee and Seton Marshall with the help of local architect Anna Evans. The family, expecting their second child, sought additional space and a more inviting environment that connected to the outdoors. The renovation aimed for a "leaner, taller, and cleaner" aesthetic while honoring the original ranch design. The exterior updates played a crucial role in transforming the home's functionality and appearance. A new paint job, an expanded entry, a wide front terrace, and tall, light-filled doors at the rear of the house significantly brightened the space and improved the natural flow between indoor and outdoor areas. The new front design, featuring 19-foot-wide stairs that extend to the edge of the house, balances the facade by filling the void beneath a wide window and creating the impression of a traditional front porch without altering the straight roofline. This expansive front area has become a neighborhood gathering spot, facilitating social interactions and providing a space for watching children play. The entrance was made more welcoming with the replacement of a narrow single door with new pecky cypress French doors, which are centered and more visible. The front terrace, measuring 10 by 12 feet, was designed to function as an outdoor living space, accommodating a love seat, two chairs, and a coffee table. This addition was deemed essential for a community that values outdoor socializing. To address the issue of mismatched exterior materials—brick on the front, shingles on the side, and siding on the back—the entire exterior was painted Timid White by Benjamin Moore. This uniform color scheme modernized the house and cohesively unified the different surfaces. Thoughtful landscaping, including neatly manicured boxwoods, was implemented to complement the home's refined appearance, filling gaps under windows and defining the backyard patio. Improvements were also made to the window treatments. The architect addressed the common issue of improperly sized shutters by removing them from two windows and replacing them with an operable, properly sized pair on the far-left window to visually enlarge it. Inside, the typically cramped feel of ranch homes with 8-foot ceilings and limited natural light was overcome by installing three new sets of 7-foot-tall French doors. These doors significantly brighten the interior rooms surrounding the patio and enhance the ease of movement between indoor and outdoor spaces, ultimately fulfilling the family's desire for a more spacious, brighter, and connected home. #HomeRenovation #RanchHouse #ExteriorDesign #ArchitecturalRenovation #OutdoorLiving #HomeMakeover #PaintColors #LandscapeDesign #BeforeAndAfter