Search results for "Historic homes renovation" in Home Design Ideas


Jeff Herr
Example of a mid-sized transitional medium tone wood floor entryway design in Atlanta with white walls and a black front door
Example of a mid-sized transitional medium tone wood floor entryway design in Atlanta with white walls and a black front door


Angle Eye Photography
Wet bar - country single-wall medium tone wood floor and brown floor wet bar idea in Philadelphia with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, marble countertops and white countertops
Wet bar - country single-wall medium tone wood floor and brown floor wet bar idea in Philadelphia with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, marble countertops and white countertops


Example of a large classic master gray tile dark wood floor, brown floor and double-sink bathroom design in Richmond with raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, gray walls, an undermount sink, a hinged shower door and white countertops


WKD’s design specialty in quality historic preservation ensured that the integrity of this home’s interior and exterior architecture was kept intact. The design mission was to preserve, restore and renovate the home in a manner that celebrated its heritage, while recognizing and accommodating today’s lifestyle and technology. Drawing from the home’s original details, WKD re-designed a friendly entry (including the exterior landscape approach) and kitchen area, integrating it into the existing hearth room. We also created a new stair to the second floor, eliminating the small, steep winding stair. New colors, wallpaper, furnishings and lighting make for a family friendly, welcoming home.
The project has been published several times. Click below to read:
October 2014 Northshore Magazine
Spring 2013 Kitchen Trends Magazine
Spring 2013 Bathroom Trends Magazine
Photographer: MIchael Lee


Renovation and addition to 1907 historic home including new kitchen, family room, master bedroom suite and top level attic conversion to living space. Scope of work also included a new foundation, wine cellar and garage. The architecture remained true to the original intent of the home while integrating modern detailing and design.
Photos: Matthew Millman
Architect: Schwartz and Architecture


Mountain style medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room photo in New York with gray walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace


A new, custom designed mantle reflects more of the American Colonial styling of the time period of the home. While still intricate, the simplicity of the surround helps to accentuate the antique mirror that was sourced and restored specifically for that location.


Complete renovation of historic Cow Hollow home. Existing front facade remained for historical purposes. Scope included framing the entire 3 story structure, constructing large concrete retaining walls, and installing a storefront folding door system at family room that opens onto rear stone patio. Rear yard features terraced concrete planters and living wall.
Photos: Bruce DaMonte
Interior Design: Martha Angus
Architect: David Gast


This home was built in 1926 and is on the Historic Register. The home was in mild disrepair and the new owner wanted updated utilities and amenities while not sacrificing the historical registration or integrity of the home.


This renovated brick rowhome in Boston’s South End offers a modern aesthetic within a historic structure, creative use of space, exceptional thermal comfort, a reduced carbon footprint, and a passive stream of income.
DESIGN PRIORITIES. The goals for the project were clear - design the primary unit to accommodate the family’s modern lifestyle, rework the layout to create a desirable rental unit, improve thermal comfort and introduce a modern aesthetic. We designed the street-level entry as a shared entrance for both the primary and rental unit. The family uses it as their everyday entrance - we planned for bike storage and an open mudroom with bench and shoe storage to facilitate the change from shoes to slippers or bare feet as they enter their home. On the main level, we expanded the kitchen into the dining room to create an eat-in space with generous counter space and storage, as well as a comfortable connection to the living space. The second floor serves as master suite for the couple - a bedroom with a walk-in-closet and ensuite bathroom, and an adjacent study, with refinished original pumpkin pine floors. The upper floor, aside from a guest bedroom, is the child's domain with interconnected spaces for sleeping, work and play. In the play space, which can be separated from the work space with new translucent sliding doors, we incorporated recreational features inspired by adventurous and competitive television shows, at their son’s request.
MODERN MEETS TRADITIONAL. We left the historic front facade of the building largely unchanged - the security bars were removed from the windows and the single pane windows were replaced with higher performing historic replicas. We designed the interior and rear facade with a vision of warm modernism, weaving in the notable period features. Each element was either restored or reinterpreted to blend with the modern aesthetic. The detailed ceiling in the living space, for example, has a new matte monochromatic finish, and the wood stairs are covered in a dark grey floor paint, whereas the mahogany doors were simply refinished. New wide plank wood flooring with a neutral finish, floor-to-ceiling casework, and bold splashes of color in wall paint and tile, and oversized high-performance windows (on the rear facade) round out the modern aesthetic.
RENTAL INCOME. The existing rowhome was zoned for a 2-family dwelling but included an undesirable, single-floor studio apartment at the garden level with low ceiling heights and questionable emergency egress. In order to increase the quality and quantity of space in the rental unit, we reimagined it as a two-floor, 1 or 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment with a modern aesthetic, increased ceiling height on the lowest level and provided an in-unit washer/dryer. The apartment was listed with Jackie O'Connor Real Estate and rented immediately, providing the owners with a source of passive income.
ENCLOSURE WITH BENEFITS. The homeowners sought a minimal carbon footprint, enabled by their urban location and lifestyle decisions, paired with the benefits of a high-performance home. The extent of the renovation allowed us to implement a deep energy retrofit (DER) to address air tightness, insulation, and high-performance windows. The historic front facade is insulated from the interior, while the rear facade is insulated on the exterior. Together with these building enclosure improvements, we designed an HVAC system comprised of continuous fresh air ventilation, and an efficient, all-electric heating and cooling system to decouple the house from natural gas. This strategy provides optimal thermal comfort and indoor air quality, improved acoustic isolation from street noise and neighbors, as well as a further reduced carbon footprint. We also took measures to prepare the roof for future solar panels, for when the South End neighborhood’s aging electrical infrastructure is upgraded to allow them.
URBAN LIVING. The desirable neighborhood location allows the both the homeowners and tenant to walk, bike, and use public transportation to access the city, while each charging their respective plug-in electric cars behind the building to travel greater distances.
OVERALL. The understated rowhouse is now ready for another century of urban living, offering the owners comfort and convenience as they live life as an expression of their values.
Photography: Eric Roth Photo


Touches of color add interest to the all important curb appeal. Notice how the color draws your eyes toward the front door! Photo by Marilyn Peryer
Inspiration for a large country white two-story wood exterior home remodel in Raleigh with a metal roof
Inspiration for a large country white two-story wood exterior home remodel in Raleigh with a metal roof


This renovated brick rowhome in Boston’s South End offers a modern aesthetic within a historic structure, creative use of space, exceptional thermal comfort, a reduced carbon footprint, and a passive stream of income.
DESIGN PRIORITIES. The goals for the project were clear - design the primary unit to accommodate the family’s modern lifestyle, rework the layout to create a desirable rental unit, improve thermal comfort and introduce a modern aesthetic. We designed the street-level entry as a shared entrance for both the primary and rental unit. The family uses it as their everyday entrance - we planned for bike storage and an open mudroom with bench and shoe storage to facilitate the change from shoes to slippers or bare feet as they enter their home. On the main level, we expanded the kitchen into the dining room to create an eat-in space with generous counter space and storage, as well as a comfortable connection to the living space. The second floor serves as master suite for the couple - a bedroom with a walk-in-closet and ensuite bathroom, and an adjacent study, with refinished original pumpkin pine floors. The upper floor, aside from a guest bedroom, is the child's domain with interconnected spaces for sleeping, work and play. In the play space, which can be separated from the work space with new translucent sliding doors, we incorporated recreational features inspired by adventurous and competitive television shows, at their son’s request.
MODERN MEETS TRADITIONAL. We left the historic front facade of the building largely unchanged - the security bars were removed from the windows and the single pane windows were replaced with higher performing historic replicas. We designed the interior and rear facade with a vision of warm modernism, weaving in the notable period features. Each element was either restored or reinterpreted to blend with the modern aesthetic. The detailed ceiling in the living space, for example, has a new matte monochromatic finish, and the wood stairs are covered in a dark grey floor paint, whereas the mahogany doors were simply refinished. New wide plank wood flooring with a neutral finish, floor-to-ceiling casework, and bold splashes of color in wall paint and tile, and oversized high-performance windows (on the rear facade) round out the modern aesthetic.
RENTAL INCOME. The existing rowhome was zoned for a 2-family dwelling but included an undesirable, single-floor studio apartment at the garden level with low ceiling heights and questionable emergency egress. In order to increase the quality and quantity of space in the rental unit, we reimagined it as a two-floor, 1 or 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment with a modern aesthetic, increased ceiling height on the lowest level and provided an in-unit washer/dryer. The apartment was listed with Jackie O'Connor Real Estate and rented immediately, providing the owners with a source of passive income.
ENCLOSURE WITH BENEFITS. The homeowners sought a minimal carbon footprint, enabled by their urban location and lifestyle decisions, paired with the benefits of a high-performance home. The extent of the renovation allowed us to implement a deep energy retrofit (DER) to address air tightness, insulation, and high-performance windows. The historic front facade is insulated from the interior, while the rear facade is insulated on the exterior. Together with these building enclosure improvements, we designed an HVAC system comprised of continuous fresh air ventilation, and an efficient, all-electric heating and cooling system to decouple the house from natural gas. This strategy provides optimal thermal comfort and indoor air quality, improved acoustic isolation from street noise and neighbors, as well as a further reduced carbon footprint. We also took measures to prepare the roof for future solar panels, for when the South End neighborhood’s aging electrical infrastructure is upgraded to allow them.
URBAN LIVING. The desirable neighborhood location allows the both the homeowners and tenant to walk, bike, and use public transportation to access the city, while each charging their respective plug-in electric cars behind the building to travel greater distances.
OVERALL. The understated rowhouse is now ready for another century of urban living, offering the owners comfort and convenience as they live life as an expression of their values.
Eric Roth Photo

Sponsored
Oak Hill, VA

Ed Ball Landscape Architecture
Exquisite Landscape Architecture & Design - “Best of Houzz" Winner


Jeff Herr
Example of a mid-sized transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen design in Atlanta with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, black appliances, an island and marble backsplash
Example of a mid-sized transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen design in Atlanta with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, black appliances, an island and marble backsplash


This serene kitchen features an oversized island, white shaker cabinets with Quartz countertops, and a grey subway tile backsplash.
Inspiration for a huge transitional l-shaped light wood floor kitchen remodel in Atlanta with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops
Inspiration for a huge transitional l-shaped light wood floor kitchen remodel in Atlanta with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops


High wainscot paneling add formality and character. A hidden slide-out coat closet built into the wall takes advantage of an unused chase next to the fireplace.
At the far end of the hallway, a small powder room was relocated out of the kitchen area to allow privacy within the powder room, as well as create more useable space in the kitchen.


WKD’s design specialty in quality historic preservation ensured that the integrity of this home’s interior and exterior architecture was kept intact. The design mission was to preserve, restore and renovate the home in a manner that celebrated its heritage, while recognizing and accommodating today’s lifestyle and technology. Drawing from the home’s original details, WKD re-designed a friendly entry (including the exterior landscape approach) and kitchen area, integrating it into the existing hearth room. We also created a new stair to the second floor, eliminating the small, steep winding stair. New colors, wallpaper, furnishings and lighting make for a family friendly, welcoming home.
The project has been published several times. Click below to read:
October 2014 Northshore Magazine
Spring 2013 Kitchen Trends Magazine
Spring 2013 Bathroom Trends Magazine
Photographer: MIchael Lee
Showing Results for "Historic Homes Renovation"


Complete renovation of historic Cow Hollow home. Existing front facade remained for historical purposes. Scope included framing the entire 3 story structure, constructing large concrete retaining walls, and installing a storefront folding door system at family room that opens onto rear stone patio. Rear yard features terraced concrete planters and living wall.
Photos: Bruce DaMonte
Interior Design: Martha Angus
Architect: David Gast


Photography by Peter Vanderwarker
This Second Empire house is a narrative woven about its circulation. At the street, a quietly fanciful stoop reaches to greet one's arrival. Inside and out, Victorian details are playfully reinterpreted and celebrated in fabulous and whimsical spaces for a growing family -
Double story kitchen with open cylindrical breakfast room
Parents' and Children's libraries
Secret playspaces
Top floor sky-lit courtyard
Writing room and hidden library
Basement parking
Media Room
Landscape of exterior rooms: The site is conceived as a string of rooms: a landscaped drive-way court, a lawn for play, a sunken court, a serene shade garden, a New England flower garden.
The stair grows out of the garden level ordering the surrounding rooms as it rises to a light filled courtyard at the Master suite on the top floor. On each level the rooms are arranged in a circuit around the stair core, making a series of distinct suites for the children, for the parents, and for their common activities.


This laundry room features custom built-in storage with white shaker cabinets, black cabinet knobs, Quartz countertop, and a beautiful blue tile floor. You can gain easy access to the screened porch through the black dutch door,
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