Embarking on this remodeling project was a one-of-a-kind experience, and we consider ourselves fortunate to have been a part of it. Situated in the heart of Bryan, this charming 1950s house has been a cherished family residence for generations. Our client’s vision was to seamlessly blend contemporary conveniences with the timeless allure of their vintage home.
Balancing preserving its cherished history with integrating modern elements was no small feat but a rewarding journey that we enthusiastically embraced and conquered.
The most significant transformation of the project took place in the kitchen. This space needed both functional and cosmetic changes. However, the clients desired to keep the kitchen’s overall look essentially the same.
First, we demolished the pantry and opened the wall between the kitchen and dining room to create a more open-concept space. We then relocated the stove and fridge to create a better flow in the kitchen. From there, we replaced all the base cabinets in the kitchen to incorporate a new sink and dishwasher, a feature the house had never had. We installed a new full-height pantry cabinet to give back some of the storage we lost from the pantry.
One feature that the clients specifically wanted to keep was a bright-colored tile countertop and backsplash. To accomplish this, we installed a new tile countertop and backsplash featuring bright yellow square tiles for a fun burst of color. To tone the color down a bit, we painted the new and existing cabinetry a clean, bright white. For an additional pop of color, we replaced all the cabinet pulls with chrome handles with candy red inserts.
Other changes included new puck lights over the sink, new vinyl flooring in a checkerboard pattern, and closing off the door into the water heater closet. All these changes made the space much more functional while preserving the look in which the house was built.
The guest bathroom was the other area that received some significant changes. In its existing state, the bathroom featured a traditional, prefabricated shower/tub combo. The bathroom also had a wall-mounted sink that was original to the home. We removed the bathtub and built a new, tiled, walk-in shower with a sliding glass door.
We thoughtfully chose to preserve the original charm while introducing modern elements. While the toilet was upgraded, we decided to maintain the classic appeal of the wall-mounted sink, re-installing it to retain the home’s historical character. Enhancing the functionality and aesthetics of the space, we added new towel bars and electrical outlets, incorporated vintage-style light fixtures that were saved from previous renovations to the home, and a new mirror.
To infuse a touch of nostalgia, we opted for a striking octagon & dot blue and black tile for the floor, seamlessly connecting to the blue subway tiles in the shower niche. To complete the transition, we bid farewell to the wainscoting in the bathroom, replacing it with a fresh white coat of paint on the walls, cabinets, door, and trim. The result? A harmonious blend of vintage charm and contemporary design that truly revitalizes the space.
We made some other subtle but impactful changes to enhance the functionality and aesthetic appeal during this home remodel. One of our major transformations was in the hallway, where we converted the former laundry space into a discreet closet, perfect for stowing clothing and personal items out of sight. This strategic move not only granted us extra storage in the form of a new closet but also facilitated a layout upgrade. We sealed off the previous closet entrance located in the kitchen, creating a more logical entryway on the opposite side, easily accessible from the hallway. Inside the new closet, we added a convenient hanging rod, multiple shelves, and a stylish new light fixture to illuminate the belongings.
We applied fresh coats of paint to the walls, shelves, trim, and door to tie these hanged together and ensure a seamless transition between the spaces. These minor but thoughtful modifications have significantly improved the home’s functionality and overall appearance. Additionally, we modernized the home by replacing the old water heater with a sleek and space-saving tankless unit situated on the exterior of the home. We replaced the siding on the back of the home and painted the whole exterior a bright yellow, which the homeowners loved.
Most of our clients desire a much more modern design when remodeling their spaces, so it was nice to take a departure from that design style to one that is more vintage and classic. It presented some challenges, though, as only a few fixtures or tiles on the market fit this style. However, we could find items that were pleasing to our clients and matched the style and look they wanted. They were so happy with the final product, and we had a lot of fun getting to help create the space that functioned and looked exactly the way they desired.
