A Drab Victorian Gets a Fab Facelift | Season 1 Episode 5
This week’s episode was such a fun one! Sarah was a dream client – she is adventurous and willing to try new things, yet she also respects the history and original character of her classic Victorian home. She adores her sweet pup, Kira, teaches yoga, is a self-proclaimed “plant lady” and loves to travel. I wanted her Victorian to be traditional on the outside and fun, unexpected and eclectic on the inside in order to reflect Sarah’s personality and style.
Exterior
BEFORE: a lackluster Victorian in need of some love.
Sarah’s home is a traditional Victorian built in 1905 but the existing bland paint color and lack of landscaping hide the unique details and character of this beautiful home.
To brighten things up, I chose a bold, historic paint color on the exterior. This deep navy coupled with stark white trim beautifully highlight the traditional gingerbread trim, decorative moldings and stained glass. Even with the new paint, the house still felt a bit flat so I had Dave build a custom “bargeboard” or gable ornament. This detail really completed the look of the front of the house and brought it to life.
AFTER: a stunning, statement-making Victorian.
Sources
Landscaping | Rodden Landscaping
Gable | Custom by Dave Marrs
Exterior Siding Paint Color | Benjamin Moore Old Navy HC-154
Exterior Trim Paint Color | Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee OC- 45
Kitchen
BEFORE: a cramped, under-utilized space.
I had SO MUCH FUN designing this kitchen for Sarah! Knowing she has an eclectic style and isn’t afraid of color, I was able to create this gorgeous space and live out my inner kitchen dreams here (Dave would never agree to a bold cabinet color in our own kitchen – if you watched, you heard how much this color stressed him out).
In addition to the bold cabinets and patterned tile, the biggest change happened when we opened up the ceiling in order to draw the eye up and make the entire room feel larger. We extended the cabinetry all along the wall to allow for more prep space around the stove and incorporated a larger window at counter height above the sink for more natural light in the kitchen, as well as a space for Sarah’s beloved plant collection. We framed in a new laundry room to conceal the washer and dryer and replaced the back door with a large set of french doors that opened onto Sarah’s refreshed back patio.
Sarah is an artist and had a vintage drafting table that she loved but had no space for in her home. We were able to repurpose it as her new kitchen island and I think it was the perfect unexpected touch in this kitchen.
AFTER: a modern, eye-catching kitchen.
Sources
Island Pendant | Avenue Design – Link
Floor Tile | Wayfair
Cabinetry | Premier Wood Concepts – Link
Countertops | Cambria Quartz, Color – Torquay
Appliances | Metro Appliances
Faucet | Delta – Link
Cabinet Hardware | Top Knobs
Kitchen Stools | Restoration Hardware
Cabinet Paint Color | Sherwin Williams Hunt Club | SW 6468
Wall Paint Color |Benjamin Moore White Dove | OC-17
Living Room
BEFORE: an odd, closed-in layout.
Sarah had previously attempted to remove the crumbling and covered fireplace to open up the living room floor plan but didn’t have success. The result was a dangerous hole in her floor and a oddly laid out space.
We removed the entire structure housing the old fireplace and reinforced the ceiling supports with new beams to achieve that open layout Sarah had been dreaming of. With this layout, the space is much more functional and can be now be used for both living and dining.
AFTER: an airy, sophisticated room.
Sources
Chandelier | Kichler
Art| Melissa Abide Griffith – Link
Furnishings | Avenue Design Co
Bar Cart | Remedy Road
Wall Paint Color | Benjamin Moore White Dove | OC-17
Wainscoting/Chair Rail/Base Trim | Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter | HC-172
Bedroom
BEFORE: a bunker-like room.
Previous owners curved the ceiling to this small master bedroom creating an odd, bunker-like atmosphere in the room.
We exposed the original ceiling in order to gain height and, in the process, found original beadboard skimming the ceiling. We replaced the damaged boards with a similar style to replicate the original look of the room and I decided to keep the natural wood tone in order to give the space a nice warmth. The old floors were sanded down and sealed with a beautiful finish – resulting in a cottage-like look and feel.
Creating a master bedroom retreat for Sarah was important to me but I didn’t want to forget about sweet Kira! After building a functional window bench seat and bookshelves around the windows, I had Dave and Chase cut out a small arched doorway to accommodate the little pup, complete with a hand-woven chunky wool dog bed inside.
AFTER: a light, calming space with a perfect spot for Sarah’s pup.
Sources
Chandelier | Shades of Light
Furnishings | Avenue Design Co
Chunky Wool Blanket and Dog Bed | Shepherds Knot – Link
Hardwood Floor Refinishing | Heritage Hardwood Floors
Wall Paint Color | Benjamin Moore White Dove | OC-17
Back Porch
BEFORE: a dilapidated deck.
The existing porch had been poorly constructed, so Dave needed to make modifications to the ceiling and supports. Once that was complete, with a bit of paint and trim work, this porch had a second life. Since the porch is located right off the kitchen’s new wide french doors, I really wanted to make this area a zen retreat for Sarah – something unique and personal to her. Sarah’s a yoga instructor and frequently travels, so I wanted to create a space where she can practice yoga, or simply relax and read a book. This space turned out to be such a calming and relaxing spot. Sitting out here, you almost forget that you are right in our town’s downtown historic district and almost feel like you are on vacation somewhere exotic.
Sources
Sconces | Kichler
Hanging Chairs | Pier 1 – Link
Outdoor Rug | Rugs USA
Trim/Ceiling/Railings Paint Color | Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee OC- 45
I hope you enjoyed the tour of Sarah’s Modern Victorian home! We’d love for you to join us again next Tuesday for another new episode of Fixer to Fabulous on HGTV at 9|8c!
