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Houzz Tour: A Home Full of History and Surprise
Minnesota designer remodels a historic residence using traditional styles and techniques
A true historic treasure, this St. Paul, Minn. home was built for the granddaughter of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow — a famous American poet from the 19th century. Fast forward to the 21st century, and Minnesota architect Charlie Simmons redesigns the kitchen for new owners: his brother and sister-in-law.
"Because the home had such history, the priority was making sure any new piece of architecture fit seamlessly into the existing design," Simmons says. Simmons took that a step further and researched material and building techniques that would've been used during the height of Federal-style design and building. He and his crew worked closely with interior designer Sandy LaMendola of Twist Interior Design to restore each room to a perfect blend of modern and traditional.
"Because the home had such history, the priority was making sure any new piece of architecture fit seamlessly into the existing design," Simmons says. Simmons took that a step further and researched material and building techniques that would've been used during the height of Federal-style design and building. He and his crew worked closely with interior designer Sandy LaMendola of Twist Interior Design to restore each room to a perfect blend of modern and traditional.
Simmons' brother has four young children, so the idea of living in a half-functional house wasn't particularly appealing, especially to his wife. In the end she agreed — as long as she had a complete kitchen during the renovation process. So Simmons started in on the kitchen first, combining traditional workmanship with modern appliances. Dovetail joinery was used in the cabinets, and the display cabinetry was made using a historic mouth-blown cylinder method.
Barstools: Francis King, Ltd
Fabric on barstools: Back fabric is Eversfield from Stroheim. Seat fabric is Caswell by Kravet
Countertops: Carrara marble
Barstools: Francis King, Ltd
Fabric on barstools: Back fabric is Eversfield from Stroheim. Seat fabric is Caswell by Kravet
Countertops: Carrara marble
The beautiful custom refrigerator cabinet is one of Simmons' favorite features. This piece is a replica of a 1780s armoire with hand-carved detailing. Simmons found cast bronze pulls with acorn finials to put on the front of this fully functional refrigerator.
| A space towards the back of the kitchen made the perfect nook for casual dining. The table, found at an auction, is a replica of a dining table used by George Washington's cousin. 11-foot-high ceilings were revealed after old light fixtures were removed — the false ceiling was promptly taken down, and Simmons embraced the new, lofty space. |
5-inch red oak plank flooring was stained with a blended walnut color for depth and visual texture. What was originally the servants' staircase is just past the kitchen.
Appliances: Wolf and Sub-Zero
Lighting: American Brass and Crystal
Appliances: Wolf and Sub-Zero
Lighting: American Brass and Crystal
| The wall paneling in the dining room was installed using a traditional slip fastening system: No fasteners are used, allowing the wood panels to move with the house as the the wood contracts and expands as weather gets colder and warmer. Table: Duxbury, Ltd. Chairs: Baker, Knapp & Tubbs Chandelier: Beveled Arcs Chandelier from Fine Art Lamps |
| Simmons gave the library a traditional look with rich wood paneling made with existing old-growth Cypress. Two hidden doors are tucked away in this room: One leads to the kitchen hallway; the other leads to a wine room (originally a Prohibition-era wall). "Every wall, floor, or ceiling we opened posed new challenges," he says. "Things that would normally be seen as commonplace today, like having a uniform floor joist spacing and direction, were not there." Rug: Aubry-Angello Sofa: Antheneum sofa from Hickory Chair |
| Initially, some of the rooms had been framed in one manner, while other rooms were framed and built in a completely different way. The original builders were groups of European immigrants with their styles and ways of building things. Cherry paneling was installed in the living room, giving the space a formal look, but also providing a warm glow. Products were carefully chosen to fall in line with this historical home's structure and to last for many years. Rug: Aubry-Angelo Couches: Francis King, Ltd and Scherping Westphal Table lamps: Baker, Knapp & Tubbs |
A beautiful staircase welcomes visitors in the entryway. The staircase itself is completely freestanding — neither side is attached to the walls. It's an impressive construction of sturdy ironwork that was the first residential freestanding steel staircase built in the state.
A mudroom off of the entry was designed for ultimate organization. Individual cubbies for each family member keeps things tidy, while a library ladder makes everything easy to access.
The master bathroom is a uniquely shaped space — just 6 feet wide by 18 feet long. Simmons designed an 11-foot-long period double vanity and makeup station and used 6 types of Carrara tile here.
Wall color: Benjamin Moore's Rockport Gray
Sink: Kohler Memoirs sink and faucet
Wall color: Benjamin Moore's Rockport Gray
Sink: Kohler Memoirs sink and faucet
| Simmons made very few changes to the exterior; the look of the home is virtually the same as it was originally intended. The house was built to be 100 percent symmetrical, right down to his-and-her powder rooms on either side of the home. A home that's survived so many eras of design is bound to be full of surprises. Besides the hidden rooms and false ceilings, Simmons discovered a creek leading to the Mississippi River through a manhole in the basement floor! More: Houzz Tour: A Brooklyn Landmark Returns to Glory Houzz Tour: See a Traditional Home for a Modern Life History Comes Home: The Story of Toile |
Ideabook updated on Sept. 27, 2011.
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