19th Century Style Meets 21st Century Functionality
Architecture Challenge
A client living in a vintage Victorian home built in the 1890s wanted to renovate the house to include state of the art functionality for personal living and entertainment, while keeping the look true to the age.
Meeting the Challenge – Process
We used our proven, three-step process in this project.
- We listened. This allowed us to clearly understand their vision
- We designed. Working with our design team, we created a design based upon that vision
- We prepared detailed construction drawings. This allowed the client to obtain pricing and the appropriate municipal approvals
Meeting the Architecture Challenge – Solution
Exceeding the clients’ expectations required three things: maintaining the vintage appearance; adding modern amenities to enhance both personal living and entertainment in indoor and outdoor spaces; and doing “invisible” work by modernizing mechanical systems in the house. Our design enabled our client to accomplish these goals.
Maintaining the Vintage Appearance
- Refinished all the wood floors
- Maintained molding, doors and door hardware
- Added a gas fireplace
- Used faucets and cabinetry in the Kitchen reflective of the era
- Installed mosaic and patterned tiling, and Victorian style faucets, hardware and lighting in the Master and Hall Baths.
- Included vintaged lighting inside and outside consistent with the Victorian design
- Utilized natural materials on the exterior, including bluestone patio, raised stone knee walls and wood railings
Adding Modern Amenities
- Subzero refrigerator and large range in the Kitchen
- Electronic heated floor, towel bar and additional storage space in the Master Bath
- Updated lighting throughout the house
- Created a natural transition from indoor to outdoor living through installation of large door openings
- Built a protected porch and unprotected deck for outdoor comfort and entertainment
- Installed a built in barbecue outside
“Invisible” Work
- Updated plumbing and electrical systems
- Installed new, zoned heating and cooling system
Results
- The finished work exceeded out clients’ expectations
- The client referred us to other people
- The Kitchen was featured in Kitchen Trends magazine
