Saving Facades: Modern Gems Merge Old and New

Contemporary structure is the misunderstood, trouble-making child of the constructed world. I found exactly how much trouble modern structure makes for people following writing this article for , at which the Comments section quickly filled with strong opinions — my own included.

The current perception of contemporary architecture is one of steel, glass and museum-like space. I feel that contemporary architecture is a greater thought — one that represents how we live now. The dictionary definition of contemporary is “Of, relating to, or characteristic of the present or the immediate past rather than the distant past.”

That said, how do we tackle the aging population of historical buildings? If they just be torn down because they signify a previous age and lifestyle that’s no longer relevant to the current homeowners? Might it be feasible to accomplish a contemporary work of design while maintaining an aged historical facade?

Listed below are several projects that have achieved exactly that — ancient structures made relevant by merging the old and the new.

Vinci | Hamp Architects

1. Mid North Residence, Vinci | Hamp Architects

This masonry building in Chicago was a dairy distribution center, but has been renovated into a beautiful, contemporary home that wraps around an interior courtyard. The intricate masonry detailing of the front facade (which is so hard to replicate now) was maintained, while the interior was rethought and redesigned.

Vinci | Hamp Architects

The recently designed living area within this former warehouse opens into the courtyard with big glass doors, filling the space with light and views. It’s a contemporary space that represents the lifestyle of its occupants.

Vinci | Hamp Architects

I adore this home’s beautifully comprehensive toilet vanity. It’s simple and beautiful. A mirror matched by extraneous lights mounts into the wall, with the lights woven into the mirror design.

The detailing of this bath vanity complements the exterior aesthetic as a contemporary contemporary upgrade.

Watch more of this home’s design

Vinci | Hamp Architects

2. Wicker Park Residence, Vinci | Hamp Architects

Here is an Italianate mansion and coach house conversion by the same architect as the previous project. Part of the home, for example, entrance and living area, was restored while other spaces were remodeled at a contemporary aesthetic.

Vinci | Hamp Architects

The marriage of the old and the new could be clearly seen here. A decorative wood stair handrail immediately converts to a more contemporary stainless steel style. The stair leads to an open and sky-lit playroom.

Vinci | Hamp Architects

After seeing the exterior, you could imagine a dim and spooky attic area, akin to your favorite horror film, at the peak of this home. Instead, the architect provided a beautifully open and light-filled multifunctional playroom.

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Schwartz and Architecture

3. Buena Vista Residence, Schwartz and Architecture

Historical homes often fail to provide for contemporary amenities — such as a practical kitchen. This isn’t surprising, given how we now cook far differently then if the homes were originally constructed. This San Francisco Victorian was no different, necessitating an upgrade to its kitchen.

Schwartz and Architecture

In this photo, you may see the juxtaposition of the new and the older as the wood from the new cabinetry climbs over the old hardwood flooring. The kitchen is comprehensive in a contemporary, clean aesthetic. The architect took good advantage of the present windows to fill the kitchen with lighting.

Watch more of this Home

Jenn Hannotte / Hannotte Interiors

4. Parkdale Victorian Renewal

Occasionally, a contemporary renovation into a historical home isn’t in the details, but at the role of the space. This three-story Victorian in Toronto would fall into that category. The house didn’t work with the couple’s style, so they went through a year of renovations to open up the six bedroom home to a more contemporary, family space.

Jenn Hannotte / Hannotte Interiors

Here, the kitchen opens into the dining area — a contemporary idea. The kitchen faucet is updated in its function, but visually nearer to the home’s original Victorian style.

Jenn Hannotte / Hannotte Interiors

The designer used a small window to bring light and airiness to the bathroom — a room that is typically under consideration in older Victorians. See more of this house.

These projects indicate that new can marry with the historical — functionally and aesthetically.

We’d love to understand your mixture of old and new. Please show us your house in the Comments section below.

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How to Refinance a Lease

Rental properties can offer a steady stream of residual income for an investor who oversees his possessions well. You can use the property equity in an investment property, by way of instance, to fund developments and also to improve cash flow, according to the Quicken Loans site. Using a portion of your equity at a rental house may allow you to obtain extra rental units.

Review your goals for assessing your rental house. A term and rate refinance may decrease your monthly payment or convert an adjustable-rate mortgage to your fixed-rate loan. A refinance loan that offers cash-out from the property’s equity could be used for repairs, taxes or maintenance.

Order your credit report online using the Annual Credit Report site. Mortgage lenders impose stricter credit requirements for land owners who refinance second homes and rental properties. Increasing your credit score could help you secure much better interest rates. Dispute items which are reported. TransUnion, Experian and Equifax will investigate erroneous data that appears on your credit file. Ensure any past-due items are solved prior to applying for a mortgage refinance.

Contact your present mortgage lender to refinance your lease house. Your lender already has information about the house that you own. Having an acceptable payment history on your present loan could help you qualify for a refinance with your existing lender.

Go on the internet to locate other lenders which can refinance your rental home. Apply online to get several speed quotes to choose from.

Provide the creditor with information regarding your rental property that you choose. You will need to furnish information about your rental property, such as the amount of units which are rented or vacant, copies of leases, tax returns and proof of your present income.

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Can We Bounce Some Great Recycled-Rubber Ideas Off You?

Tires are among the world’s biggest and most sources. But as long as we drive cars, we’ll probably need rubber. So till we find an alternative to this modern-day essential, recycling and reclaiming rubber is vital to reducing our landfill waste. While tires and other rubber products have been recycled for sport surfaces and rubber shoes, they have seldom been applied in large quantities — till lately.

Today recycled rubber can be found in everything from furniture to flooring. Keen to decrease landfill? See here how you can use recycled rubber around your property.

Marc Grañén

The basics: The significant commercial source of natural rubber latex is that the para rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). This tree is native to South America and was the most important source of rubber throughout most of the 19th century. Now Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia account for more than 70 percent of all natural rubber manufacturing.

Natural rubber is removed from the trees via a tap and hauled to factories. Synthetic rubber is created through a petroleum manufacturing process called polymerization.

Shades Of Green Landscape Architecture

Both natural and synthetic rubber products can be recycled to form new products or to repair damaged ones. Fortunately, recycling rubber uses far less energy than producing new rubber, reducing the demand for new merchandise and preventing rubber tree plantations from expanding into sensitive ecosystems.

InsideStyle Home and Design

Uses: Rubber’s elastic, durable and nonslip surface works nicely for flooring and tile products. Rubber can be used for garden mulches, landscaping, paving, sinks and even furniture.

The rubber coffee table in this picture looks great and keeps coffee mugs from sliding around also!

MINGUELL-MCQUARY, LLC

Experts: Recycled rubber is a hardworking antislip material, perfect for kitchens and bathrooms. Now’s manufacturing techniques produce recycled plastic in a range of colors and textures, which makes it an easy match for virtually any design. Its ability to absorb and deaden seems makes it great for children’s playroom flooring and roof gardens, also.

Recycled rubber’s insulating properties make it perfect for landscaping; as a ground cover it can protect plants from frost. Softer than stone and concrete, it’s a good selection for child-friendly places.

III AD

Exterior rubber pavers have a lower embodied energy and absorb force much better than standard concrete versions. They usually contain a very high percentage of recycled plastic and require no glue or other chemicals to put in.

Anne Kunzig

Disadvantages: Most firms who manufacture and sell recycled tire mulch for gardening condition that it’s completely nontoxic. However, some environmental groups — for example Environmental Human Health — have concerns about toxins leaching into the earth and impeding essential microbes from breaking down the ground for healthy plant growth.

Recycled rubber can also smell unpleasant if it’s hot, and certain applications can be costly.

Ogawa Fisher Architects

Factors: the total amount of postconsumer recycled content in plastic flooring fluctuates greatly depending on the manufacturer. Some use both recycled and natural rubber, so pay attention to content labels and search for a high percentage of recycled content that is locally produced.

Lisa Designs

Upcycling: Should you find yourself with a leftover rubber tire in your hands, consider using it outdoors for a planter or some good old-fashioned tire swing. Obviously, it’s not merely tires which are made of rubber. Fantastic planters can be made by those older gardening Wellies!

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Pep Up Using Patchwork Tiles

If you like patchwork quilts, consider mixing tiles of various patterns and colours to get a similar effect. The result will be a stunning design that recalls Moroccan along with other Mediterranean designs, and this can be an excellent way to use all your favorite colours and patterns in 1 place. Use the method on your backsplash, entryway flooring or worn tabletop, and the patchwork pattern will surely turn heads.

Design Platform

A Denver kitchen corner carries on a dramatic yet lively background thanks to a dazzling collage of patterned tile. An asymmetrical assemblage works especially well compared to the tight symmetry of this room, along with the wall region covered by the tile is simply enough to host a beautiful poster without overpowering. This can be patchwork tile perfection in my novel.

Tip: Choosing tile for your home can be overwhelming due to this endless sea of options. Focusing on a patterned tile that you like (and may use sparingly) may be a great starting point for choosing a colour palette and a fashion direction.

www.LUXURYSTYLE.es

The easiest way to utilize a patchwork pattern is to select square tiles that are all the exact same size and in colours that play off one another. The look here is bright and joyful, works especially well with a white or light inside, and may play off contemporary furnishings or a spare inside as an unexpected and striking twist.

Tip: Patterned tile in traditional and not-so-traditional designs is now widely available in porcelain, terra-cotta and encaustic cement, and the designs may be painted, hand constructed (like nice encaustic tiles) or machine implemented.

Dimensions: Luxurystyle

Here the patchwork look goes traditional, evoking the French countryside with patterned and smaller porcelain tiles. Choosing tiles that are limited to a very simple palette, white and blue in this case, creates a sea of interesting pattern without the added distraction of colour.

Tip: Patterned tiles come in a vast assortment of depths, so you ought to choose tiles that are acceptable for your needs. If you are replacing tile, you will very likely want to use tile that is a similar thickness. If you are doing patchwork for new construction, talk with your contractor if the tile of your dreams is thicker than standard. Tiles that are extremely thick, like encaustic tiles or any terra-cotta tiles, can influence cabinet positioning and other structural details like door trim.

Tile: Filmore Clark

English Heritage Homes of Texas

Stair treads, such as in this Dallas Meditterranean-style residence, are the perfect place to work with patterned tile, especially if they’re outdoors. Patterned stair treads inside do make a stylish statement, but take into account in where the stair is seen and select tiles that complement the existing interior design.

Tip: Make sure you realize the conditions for which any given tile is appropriate, and do not fall in love with a tile for your flooring until you are certain that it is acceptable for the flooring. In other words, steer clear of tile that is designated for light traffic, because who knows when you may want to move in a piano? You do not want to have to think about breaking tiles.

creative jewish mom.com

This café in Jerusalem has wall tiles in an interesting combination of pastel colors, designs and sizes; the look offers interest but doesn’t make you insane. And no, the routine here doesn’t stick to any rules as far as I could figure out; it had been installed as a work of true random art.

Tip: To figure out how many tiles of each pattern to buy, it’s wise to do a layout by hand or on the computer. The salesperson at the tile shop can also assist you with this. Ordering equal quantities of each pattern is the easy way out, though the very best option is to organize the positioning of each and every tile, order so and provide the diagram you exercised to the tile installer. Order extras to accounts for breakage, and this is bound to happen.

www.LUXURYSTYLE.es

A patchwork flooring tile treatment similar to this encaustic tile setup is an actual eye popper. But only the very brave ought to consider patterned patchwork tile onto the ground in their home, because it takes over the distance. As for me, I love this look. However, it probably would functions best in a tiny bathroom, a railroad kitchen or a tiny hallway.

Tip: Exactly how many distinct patterns does it take to make a prosperous patchwork tile setup? It truly depends on the look you are going for, but the outcomes that are the very pleasing to my eye are those that use around 10 or so distinct patterns. That way there’s far more room for creating something really random looking and for creating visual distance between distinct patterns and colours.

Tile: Luxurystyle

Marco Antunio

Outdoor eating places are the perfect places for experimentation with lively mixes of tile. The built-in counter area in this Brazilan courtyard is lively and easy to keep clean, one of the wonderful benefits of tile.

The Turett Collaborative

The toilet is a good spot to take chances, also, as the look is comprised, and one encounters it on a restricted basis. The eclectic mix of bright colours, textures and materials (in addition to vintage tile) in this home in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village area is exceptional.

Really like the concept of patchwork tile but are afraid to commit to covering a huge area? A part of patchwork tile set amid an area of nonpatterned tile is a great way to enjoy the look without its stealing the show.

Tile: CIR

EuroWest Decorative Surfaces

A strip of patterned tile collection as a broad decorative border is magnificent and contemporary.

Tile: Iris Ceramica

Terrazzo Tiles

Encaustic Tiles – GBP 3.80

I totally love the colour and pattern combination here. However, while it looks amazing in a four-by-three structure, it’d most likely be too overwhelming for me personally on a larger area. Scaling pattern is something that is applicable to wallpaper, fabric or tile. So while it is good to have a chance with a exceptional layout, it is best to move ahead with a clear idea of what the final result will be.

Tile: Terrazo Tiles

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A Modern Garden Pavilion Sprouts Up on an Ex–Pot Farm

After agents captured an old 1940s house in East Dallas and its neighboring bunch during a marijuana raid, the land landed on a national auction. The site was ideal for a local avid gardener (a more legal one), that snatched both the house and the next-door whole lot for approximately $120,000 ($60,000 for each parcel).

Wanting to maximize the yard area, the owner tapped TKTR Architects to create a small, budget-friendly house that felt connected to the leafy whole lot — then rented out the old house near it. Main designer Thad Reeves, now of A Gruppo Architects, created a design that successfully anchors the house to the eclectic, bohemian area and determines the website as exceptional — and for much better reasons than its shady past.

in a Glance
Who resides: An avid gardener
Location: Little Forest Hills area of Dallas
Size: 1,450 square feet; 2 bedrooms, 21/2 bathrooms

A.GRUPPO Architects – Dallas

Reeves worked with the client to come up with the idea of a garden pavilion house with lots of glass and sliding doors. The small footprint, about 1,450 square feet, meant there wasn’t too much design freedom for him to perform with the design; he was made to make a stubby structure. However, Reeves smartly extended the shape with overhangs along with a large pavilion-style cedar roof which extends for colour and also makes the structure feel bigger.

Triangular windows help highlight the idea of a floating roof and allow light into the second-floor bedrooms.

A.GRUPPO Architects – Dallas

Reeves estimates that the entire cost for the project was approximately $100 per square foot. The original owner has since moved, but the new homeowner, also an avid gardener, snatched up the house after considering building a small glass box of his own. Reeves’ design was just what he wanted.

The present homeowner uses different bins to make a vegetable garden where he develops leafy greens (although nothing smokable), tomatoes and peppers. He’s also a beekeeper. His yellowish bee box is near the metallic fence.

A.GRUPPO Architects – Dallas

A.GRUPPO Architects – Dallas

A metallic walkway leads to front garden. The aluminum subway grate in addition lets light through so plants could grow underneath. Overhangs help divide the massiveness of the structure.

A.GRUPPO Architects – Dallas

The interior materials are fairly subdued — Reeves used brown Masonite panels and doors to keep things cheap and easy — therefore the architect thought the floor deserved some texture. It’s concrete polished with a grinding wheel to expose the aggregate.

Dining table: custom by Sean Springer; chairs: Crate & Barrel

A.GRUPPO Architects – Dallas

Reeves left the trusses from the second floor vulnerable to save money but also to bring a raw feel to the house. “Usually people insure that with Sheetrock,” he states. “However, I wanted the juxtaposition of glistening and unfinished.”

Sofa: Crate & Barrel; rug: Design Within Reach

A.GRUPPO Architects – Dallas

Reeves calls the area the lightbox. Polycarbonate panels insure a laminate veneer timber frame. Not only would glass have been pricey, but also the light could have been too intense and created too much heat gain indoors. The panels help diffuse light and provide much better insulation than clear glass “We travelled with diffused light rather than perspectives,” he states.

Because there aren’t external plywood panels to maintain the structure from changing, X-bars offer lateral bracing.

The treads are more laminate veneer timber.

A.GRUPPO Architects – Dallas

The kitchen counter top is stainless steel on plywood.

Tile: Home Depot

A.GRUPPO Architects – Dallas

The floor on the second floor is polyurethane plywood to help keep down cost. Reeves states that the sheets came out to approximately $1 per square foot for materials and labour.

To split up the light-diffusing panels, a glass window captures a few outside views.

A.GRUPPO Architects – Dallas

“In a house so small, you have to actually think about where to set the windows,” Reeves says. “In a small area, sometimes you only get one.”

Triangular windows and a screened-in porch in the principal bedroom help bring light in, while a strategically positioned wall window extends directly out from the hallway to capture a sliver of a view, which makes the room feel bigger.

A.GRUPPO Architects – Dallas

The homeowner converted a spare bedroom into a music space, with a grand piano, guitars a banjo and a seating area.

Paint: Antique Tin, Behr

A.GRUPPO Architects – Dallas

The cedar trellis roof extends to the rear of the house, in which a wraparound deck leads to a rolling green yard. The outside panels are gray Hardie boards, one of which can be painted lime green.

A.GRUPPO Architects – Dallas

Reeves says the biggest challenge was making the compact house feel spacious. Connecting the house to the leafy whole lot by sliding glass doors, smartly placed windows and the diffused lightbox created the winning solution.

A.GRUPPO Architects – Dallas

More: See hundreds more Tours full of design ideas

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Warm Up to White All Round the House

We often associate white interior colour with modern minimalism, but it is also perfectly in your home with cozy Shabby Chic design. While colour lovers would assert that cold, bland and sterile, its advocates would say it could create a feeling of space, conceal blemishes and soften architectural quirks.

Glossing over the discussion concerning whether white is actually a colour in any way, let us take a look at what colour experts can tell us about white and how we could use it to make designs that seem anything but dull and cold.

Neslihan Pekcan/Pebbledesign

In ancient Rome the priestesses of the goddess Vesta wore white as a symbol of purity, loyalty and chastity. The Christian church embraced this symbolism — even today traditional brides in several nations wear white.

This stunning lace bedspread cries femininity, but the room still manages to balance traditional and modern, male and female, dark and light — so smart!

Jeanette Lunde

Darryl Carter, writer of The New Traditional, states, “White makes old things look more present. White rooms are more complicated than they look, because there are no distractions. Every decision gets critical.”

This gorgeous green corner blouse features a superb warm patina and will be the main focus of this simple room, preventing it from feeling too stark.

Woodmeister Master Builders

From the Renaissance influential architect Leon Battista Alberti invited artists to incorporate white to their colors to make them lighter and lighter.

Here white is beautifully blended with watery blue-white paneled walls to make a coastal layout.

Ed Ritger Photography

Whitewashing helps protect up and gloss over any painting errors, providing you a blank slate — painting everything white can hide a multitude of sins. Rooms appear larger, and bounds blur.

Some tricky architectural components in the little space here have been skillfully dealt with using white.

Griffin Enright Architects

Buddhist pilgrims in Japan use white robes for rituals, purification and bathing in sacred rivers.

This serene white bathroom is warmed by the timber, but the views are what make a natural harbor for daily cleansing rituals.

JONATHAN CALVERT | Interiors Photographer

The pairing of black and white is a timeless: dark and light, good and evil, yin and yang. This combination also reflects formality and seriousness, as from the outfits of judges and tuxedos.

This superb chandelier provides an essential splash of colour to prevent the room from taking itself too seriously.

Eran Turgeman – Photographer

In feng shui white is the colour of the metallic element. In accordance with feng shui expert Rodika Tchi, white is a very versatile colour that can brighten a room’s energy immediately. Tchi recommends utilizing white everywhere in the house, especially to contrast darker colours.

Lauren Liess Interiors

Talking about white is supposed to be a symbol of joy at home — consider how a white picket fence frequently surrounds the safe and happy homes we dream of.

This room shows how white could be warm, with various colors of it mixed with warm neutrals and loads of texture. I don’t think it’s only the adorable pooch who feels safe and happy here!

Creative Space Architectural Design

Layering whites are able to look stunning, but remember that not every single white is the same — be sure you are working with the exact colors before you begin painting or putting in vinyl.

This layout employs the exact same bright white but in alternating gloss and matte finishes. The contrasting brown flooring adds heat, and a dash of color in the end of the room gives a focal point for the room.

More:
How to Pick the Right White Paint

More guides to design white

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8 Remodeling Touches That Make a Big Difference

After we did our remodel, our contractor suggested a million things I had never really thought about. They were not necessarily design concerns; they were more quality-of-life concerns — just small things you didn’t know you were missing until you had them.

Listed below are eight small touches I didn’t know I couldn’t live without until I lived together. What are yours?

ExpressDecor

1. An integrated dish soap dispenser. Because I really don’t care how nice the jar is; it’s only one more thing cluttering up your countertop.

2. Soft-close hinges. It is not possible to slam a drawer or cupboard in my kitchen. Each closes with a small whisper. It’s relaxing.

Chang + Sylligardos Architects

3. Huge kitchen drawers. Looking right into a well-lit space is much better than looking deep into a dark cupboard. In this kitchen large drawers have completely replaced cabinets. Just make sure they’re soft near.

Echelon Custom Homes

4. Undercabinet lighting. I know this seems like no-brainer, however before I had it I never knew just how useful it might be for task light and mood light. But spring for LEDs. We opted for fluorescent to save money, and we regret it.

Lumens

Maestro Incandescent Smart Light Dimmer by Lutron – $41.50

5. Dimmer switches. Because there are several thousand stops involving off and on.

Site lines architecture inc..

6. A garage keypad. You’ll never be locked out of your home again.

Jessica Helgerson Interior Design

7. A motion-activated porch light. You’ll never fumble in the dark for your keys.

Land Design, Inc..

8. An automated drip system. Folks told us they did. But we didn’t listen, and due to that we killed a great deal of plants over 12 years. This past year we finally had an irrigation system set in. The yard is nicer, the crops are healthier and life is simpler.

Your turn: What small fixes are you glad you additional — or sorry you didn’t include?

More: 100 Contractor Tips Every Homeowner Should Read

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Historical Richness to Get a Stately Alabama Home

Built in 1909, this four-story Birmingham, Alabama, home’s rich history, design and amazing craftsmanship immediately attracted in homeowners David and Atalie Whitley, who purchased the home in 2009 later David detected a for-sale hint on it on his way to operate. He made an offer that day.

The pair has since worked to conserve the first hand-cut wood walls, beams and floors and general historic charm by choosing to modify very little within the 104-year-old construction.

To underline the wood-rich interiors, they carefully integrated some of their existing furniture, consisting mostly of solid wood bits from Stickley. Richard Tubb, a regional interior designer, worked with the Whitleys on several rooms to incorporate additional furnishings to create the space and details unique and purposeful, much like the first structure. Tubb added natural colours and soft textures throughout the home to ground the warmth.

in a Glance
Who lives here: David and Atalie Whitley, 2 of their 5 kids and their dog, Annie
Location: Birmingham, Alabama
Size: 10,000 square feet; 6 bedrooms, 4 full baths, 2 half baths
That’s intriguing: The home includes an original silver sink in functioning state.

Corynne Pless

The large living room rests from the foyer and opens to a workplace and sunroom. The soft tones and textures added by Tubb effortlessly boost the living space without taking away from your area’s architectural beauty. The large windows and warm tones bring in light and warmth. The area’s original fireplace stays Atalie’s favorite detail.

Furniture and decor: Richard Tubb Interiors

Corynne Pless

Unique qualities such as the first tile flooring, steam radiator and French doors provide this small living room a rich character.

Table: Stickley; lamps: Pottery Barn

Corynne Pless

The home is across the road from a local park. Trimmed hedges and springtime blossoms color front steps.

Corynne Pless

The foyer introduces a number of the house’s timeless qualities. The wood was cut, for example, molding details. Panels grace doors and the walls, and beams that are floating shine above.

Pottery: Door Pottery

Corynne Pless

A console table below the stairwell shows standard lighting and Hogmill pottery. The hand-cut wood on the staircase is ebony and can be from the house’s original construction.

Console table: Richard Tubb Interiors

Corynne Pless

The office area boasts a beautiful mix of antiques and shows craftsmanship from the past and present. “Plenty of times we come in the afternoons and kind of sit down in one of those chairs and have a glass of wine,” David says.

A stuffed pheasant accents the dark wall in which the elegant bookmatching shines.

Side table (alongside chair): Darren Hardman

Corynne Pless

The breakfast corner brings light to the rear of the foyer and joins to the kitchen via a small hallway.

Console table: Richard Tubb Interiors

Corynne Pless

The chandelier over the nook’s table hints in a Tiffany first, however no official stamp or piece has been found, leaving the classic a beautiful puzzle.

Corynne Pless

In the 1950s past owners added that this kitchen into a rear room — the cooker replaced the fireplace — because the first kitchen was built in a distinct structure several yards behind the home. The space is currently used by David as his woodworking studio.

Corynne Pless

The butler’s pantry shows the house’s famous initial silver sink, which was found in the loft when the home was remodeled in the 1970s. “They went back and found photographs and understood where it belonged initially and brought it back and put it in its place,” David says.

In the early 1900s, silver has been used for sinks because its softness protected china and glassware while it had been washed.

Corynne Pless

The pantry connects into the kitchen, dining room and foyer and provides excellent storage for dishes, wine and serveware.

Corynne Pless

The Whitleys took joy in decorating their formal dining room with original Stickley furniture and works by local artists.

Original pottery tiles (a sought after collectible) still surround the fireplace, that, like every one of the fireplaces at home, is fully functional.

Corynne Pless

Between every wall is a solid panel surrounded by ceramic bricks. Some of the walls downstairs are 3 to 4 ft thick.

Original pocket doors separate virtually every room on the main level. “Every single one still functions. They run on a solid brass railing,” David says.

Corynne Pless

A small bathroom with white subway tiles supplies a bright respite from the dark hallways.

Corynne Pless

A sitting area using Stickleychairs and a side table divides the first and second floors. The lamp has been custom made for the Whitleys.

Lamp: William Morris

Corynne Pless

A classic phone decorates the second-floor hallway. This floor initially had five bedrooms arranged symmetrically, with two bedrooms plus a Jack and Jill–style bathroom on every side of a tiny central nursery.

Corynne Pless

The nursery is currently used as a small reading room. Large windows bring in light, and stunning French doors open into a walkout porch.

Two of the few five children still live at home and also have bedrooms on the floor too.

Couch: Birmingham Wholesale; art: IO Metro

Corynne Pless

The couple worked with Tubbs to redecorate their master bedroom. An adjoining room currently functions as a large walk-in closet, and a sleeping porch serves as a workout room. Customized linens and draperies soften the area’s feel.

Corynne Pless

Art by local artist Ben Carlisle hangs over a fireplace that’s still in its initial state. “It probably looks awful with cracked tiles but I’d rather see it and possess it first than attempt to replace them” Atalie says.

Corynne Pless

The prior owner altered the master bathroom, adding Alabama light marble and silver appliances.

Tub: Kohler

Corynne Pless

Following the couple lived in the home for a year, David turned to a switch and found that the bathroom has heated floor tiles.

Corynne Pless

Colorful bedding and mantel decorations brighten up the guest room.

Corynne Pless

This bathroom still has its first subway tile and shower. The exceptional shower sprays water from four different points: a traditional showerhead and three extended pipes on the shower’s wall.

Corynne Pless

The third floor was once a billiards room but now functions as the family room.

Corynne Pless

Down from the spacious cellar, a corner functions as an additional living room for watching television or playing pool, while three bedrooms can comfortably host guests and the couple’s other three kids.

Corynne Pless

The courtyard and pool with Roman fountains were added from the 1970s.

Corynne Pless

The outside’s terra-cotta planters in front porch were fired and glazed onsite in 1909 by a company from New York. This was necessary, as shipping may have meant breakage.

Corynne Pless

The roomy front porch provides a breezy sitting space.

Corynne Pless

What the homeowners (shown here) think was once a sleeping porch currently functions as the family’s sunroom. With its white and cream furniture and large windows overlooking the serene neighborhood, it’s no wonder that the Whitleys call this their favorite room.

“My home is my favorite spot in the world to be,” says Atalie. “No matter where we’ve traveled, my husband and I look forward to coming back home.”

See more photos of the home

Couch and decor: Richard Tubb Interiors

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