Yahoo Lifestyle This 133-Year-Old Home in Washington, D.C. Blends Vintage With Modern
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Not every couple would be willing to purchase a 133-year-old house and embark on a complete gut renovation. However, when Laura Kim and Chip Newton discovered a charming row house in the historic Georgetown neighborhood in Washington. D.C., they just couldn't pass up the opportunity to breathe life into it.
The seven-bedroom house had been poorly renovated multiple times since its original construction in 1891. The homeowners, who split their time between D.C. and Florida, wanted to reconfigure the layout and maximize space while paying homage to the property's rich history. For help, the pair tapped the team at BarnesVanze Architects and interior designer Maria Pollard of Crosby Design. "The home had the square footage they needed and they saw the potential," says Stefan Hurray, associate at BVA BarnesVanze Architects.
Much of the interior was repaired and rebuilt, including walls that separated rooms on the first floor. "At one point, the townhouse may have been used as apartments," says Hurray. "We attempted to rebuild what we believe would have been the original floor plan, but with larger openings between rooms, so there would be a more modern flow."
Pollard worked closely with the homeowners to furnish and decorate the home, weaving in their personal antiques and collection of artwork. "Every room features a mix of vintage, antique and custom-made pieces, creating a balanced and collected look," she says. Step inside this historic abode to admire every detail.
Entry
Reminiscent of what's to come, the home's entryway features a seamless blend of vintage and modern. "Halfway through construction, the foyer felt a little plain — Maria had the idea to install wainscoting, which adds a nice detail to the room," says Hurray. An abstract design — Phillip Jeffries Collage in Awakening Blue — on the upper walls and a beaded chandelier further elevate the space.
Living Room
Enter a modern living room where curved bay windows welcome a surge of natural light. In an effort to honor the home's history, the team draws focus to the historic fireplace and recreates plaster moldings. "During construction in the living room, we found a piece of the original plaster crown molding, so we recreated it on the entire first floor," says Hurray.
The walls are painted a creamy beige and the space is filled with a mix of antique and modern furniture. The large front windows are dressed with floral drapes, while a statement fixture is hung in the center of the room. "The art over the living room fireplace is a piece from the homeowner's collection — it fit beautifully into the design," says Pollard.
Previously, the living room had a built-in bookshelf next to the fireplace. It was removed to create a more spacious interior. Recessed lighting was also removed.
Dining Room
From statement lighting to large-scale art, the details are what bring this dining room to life. "Art adds so much personality to a home, and this one is no exception," says Pollard. "The large painting in the dining room, which I found through a dealer in Washington, D.C., is a vintage piece. The Hunt Slonem artwork above the dining room fireplace was part of the client's collection."
Pollard installs a textured wallpaper on the ceiling — "the subtle pattern glistens a little bit, so it picks up the natural light," says Hurray. The decorative fireplace, previously surrounded by ceramic tile, also received a subtle facelift. "We didn't want to compete with the living room fireplace — which is roughly 10 feet away, so we did a simple plaster mold that feels classic, but quieter."
Powder Room
A tiny half bath is adorned with a hand-painted Chinoiserie wallcovering — Fromental Rainerri — and a black marble sink that extends to the floor. The wall is angled, as is the mirror and marble slabs, on each side of the sink to create an illusion of a larger space. "It's hard to tell, but the sink is only about 9 inches deep — the angled mirror reflects light and helps to open up the space," says Hurray.
Kitchen
Two-inch wide oak flooring, which is what would have been used when the house was built, brightens up the kitchen. "We added in windows for more natural light and removed an elevator from the 1970s, adding so much space to the kitchen," says Hurray.
New cabinetry and trim is painted in Benjamin Moore's Ice Fog, a gray with blue and green undertones. A white marble countertop and backsplash replaces what used to be outdated granite and stone tiles.
Breakfast Nook
Folding glass doors open this simple breakfast nook to the scenic backyard, which is home to an ancient tree. "A lot of care was taken during construction to not disturb the tree roots or hurt this beautiful tree in any way," says Hurray. To complete the space, Pollard installs a patterned wallpaper on the ceiling and hangs a shiny gold chandelier.
Primary Bedroom
Located directly above the living room, the primary bedroom shares the same curved windows — "they fill the room with natural light and create a cozy, inviting spot for conversation," says Pollard. As for the calming color palette of soft blues and creamy neutrals, Pollard says her intention was to "evoke a sense of modernity" while considering the home's history.
Guest Bedrooms
Step into the smallest of the bedrooms, which had some quirky angles and an awkward alcove that the homeowners requested become a built-in bookshelf. "The space is so cozy — it's kind of my favorite bedroom," says Hurray.
Facing the back of the house, another guest room is defined by a wall of geometric curtains. Since the home is located in a historic district, the architect team wasn't allowed to move certain windows. The floor-length curtains distract from the fact that the bedroom window isn't centered on the wall — "it brings a little bit of light and whimsy," says Hurray.
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