Daring Dormers Breathe New Life into a Derelict 1930s Farmhouse

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

Debbie and Worth Brooks, a couple with backgrounds in healthcare and a shared passion for gardening and older homes, met in 2013 and married in 2017. They purchased a circa-1919 bungalow in Ardmore, a neighborhood right around the corner from where Worth grew up. Despite the house and yard requiring significant work, Debbie, originally from South Florida, recognized the property's potential. The primary bedroom's windows were a key selling point for her, and this space became the focus of the first phase of their home's renovation, aiming to create a private retreat. With the assistance of Harvest Luxury Builders, the couple transformed a bedroom adjacent to the primary bedroom into a luxurious shower and bath, creating a spa-like experience and a spacious en suite. Both Debbie, an avid amateur endurance athlete who has run 13 marathons including New York, Chicago, and Boston (for which she qualified at age 60), and Worth, who enjoys the gym and strength training, found the therapeutic benefits of their new luxury bathroom indispensable for their fitness routines. The luxury shower and bath also proved practical for two healthcare professionals who decided to take on the demanding task of landscaping their yard themselves. On the day they bought the house, the yard was cluttered with discarded motors and automotive parts. Debbie recalled the extensive effort required, stating, "We had to excavate a lot of dying trees and buried pieces of driveway from a former dilapidated garage." She estimated that she and Worth completed up to 90% of the landscaping work personally, making the spa-like experience of their new bath even more well-deserved. In the spring of 2022, Debbie's sister-in-law encouraged them to expand the kitchen. Debbie noted that while they only increased the kitchen's size by 64 square feet, it made a significant difference. Following the removal of a support wall and the relocation of the laundry room to the back of the house, a red oak beam now spans the expanded kitchen space. Original heart pine planks were revealed in the ceiling, contributing to a modern farmhouse aesthetic. A leathered granite countertop, formerly a space for folding clothes, became a favorite food preparation area. Debbie expressed her satisfaction with the renovation, highlighting that the back door now opens directly onto their deck, eliminating the need to walk through the old laundry room. She also appreciated the new location of the washer and dryer in a closet just outside the primary bedroom. The second phase of renovations addressed a rotting front porch that wrapped around the corner of the house. The Brooks opted for large cedar posts and lined the entire porch with cedar. They also re-did the porch floor with composite decking, significantly extending its lifespan. Just over six months after these changes, Debbie and Worth were delighted with their home's transformation, crediting Todd and Robin Aron with Harvest Luxury Builders for their hard work, stating, "We can't thank them enough. Not anyone can renovate these old homes." Despite the significant interior remodeling, much of which is hidden from view, the couple's sustained efforts on the exterior have attracted attention from passersby and the Winston-Salem Garden Council. The Garden Council recently requested that the Brooks' home and yard be considered for Forsyth County's Bird Friendly Habitat Certification Program. Debbie views this as a positive start and is working to gather historical documentation about the house. She hopes their private paradise will one day earn the certification, reflecting their dedication to both their home and its natural surroundings. #HomeRenovation #CraftsmanBungalow #ArdmoreNeighborhood #HomeImprovement #LuxuryBathroom #KitchenExpansion #Landscaping #HistoricHomes #WinstonSalem

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

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 article details the extensive renovation of a three-story American Classic house in Pantai Mutiara, North Jakarta, undertaken by interior designers Yandi Prayudhi and Ariesta Anastasia from Ilcasa Studio. Initially, the clients, a young couple with two children, sought to add two bedrooms and eliminate the basement due to a history of flooding. However, during the design phase, their needs evolved, prompting the addition of an extra bedroom, a new level, and an elevator, alongside numerous interior modifications. This expansion necessitated the involvement of architect Suman Lie, who collaborated with Yandi and Ariesta on the architectural layout, while much of the original layout remained intact. The clients desired a more contemporary and youthful interior feel, moving away from the intricate details of a traditional American Classic style. The designers opted for a lighter, fresher Contemporary American style, incorporating subtle profile details. Ariesta emphasized that the house should be both comfortable and functional, capable of impressing guests with a sense of luxury that aligns with simplicity and modern aesthetics, rather than ostentatious displays of wealth. The overarching goal was to create a 'homy and comfortable' atmosphere throughout the residence. The renovation transformed various spaces within the house. Upon entering, a spacious foyer in earth tones with golden accents welcomes visitors, featuring a rhombus-patterned marble floor, an organic crystal chandelier, and a monochromatic painting. The soothing aquamarine swimming pool is visible straight from the entrance, complemented by grey wall panels that highlight the artwork and sofa. A hallway leads to a multifunctional lounge area with a round marble table and chairs, overlooking the pool. This space serves as a study area for children and a guest reception spot. A guest bedroom, one of the new additions, is located behind a door in this area, adorned with abstract paintings that complement the room's colors and the ivory marble floor, which was preserved from the old house at the request of the previous owner. Further inside, a white profiled doorway leads to the stairs, elevator, dining room, pantry, and living room. This area, with its large window offering views of the sea, yachts, and neighboring houses, was designed with a 'sea breeze' concept. Earth-toned furniture is accented with blue elements in the sofa, cushion covers, carpet, and paintings, bringing the coastal theme indoors. The visible pool and vertical garden enhance the natural feel. Fixed furniture pieces, such as the floating credenza and pantry, were custom-designed by Ilcasa, while loose furniture was selected from Melandas. A sentimental piano, owned by the husband since childhood, adds a touch of nostalgia. Adjacent to the living room is a lounge area, situated between the pool and back patio. The clients' initial desire for a Balinese resort feel was refined by the designers to a simpler, toned-down version, incorporating a wicker wall panel as a focal point and wooden walls with satin textured white duco paint. A sofa with a solid wood frame and a chaise lounge contribute to a tropical, relaxing ambiance. The second floor is dedicated to the master bedroom suite, featuring a lounge room with a sofa and TV. The flooring in the master bedroom area, excluding the bathroom, was replaced with parquet for a cozier feel. Consistent with the 'sea breeze' theme, a bluish wallpaper is applied above the bedhead. Cleverly camouflaged doors on either side of the bed conceal a video game room and a toilet, the latter added for convenience based on the architect's suggestion. The master bathroom is designed to evoke a resort or luxury hotel, boasting a large freestanding bathtub, a wall with Balinese-inspired decorative carving, dual basins, and separate shower and toilet facilities. A walk-in closet for the wife, complete with a vanity, and a separate wardrobe for the husband, are located just outside the bathroom. Both the master bathroom and walk-in closet feature earth tones and warm lighting. The top floor houses the children's rooms, each with a desk, playing corner, and en-suite bathroom, along with an additional room whose function is yet to be decided. The entire renovation process spanned nearly four years, including delays due to the pandemic, ultimately transforming the old house into a comfortable and warm home for the family. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #PantaiMutiara #IlcasaStudio #ContemporaryAmericanStyle #LuxuryHome #ArchitecturalRedesign #ClientCollaboration #SpaceTransformation