It's Before and After Time for Oliver!!!
Ummm.... Is it fair for me to classify this post as a before and after? I mean, if you remember, this was the house we ended up demolishing due to ZERO footings. BUT! In my defense, because we did not realize the home was sitting on sinking dirt until the week before we were due to start reconstruction we already had the floorplan mapped out to fit inside the original footprint. The future homeowners had approved the new layout and did not desire to make any changes so we essentially built back the original structure with an added carport. Therefore, because we honored the original house I feel justified in claiming these are before and after pics. Soooo now that I cleared that up, let's get going with the pictures already.
Here is a shot of the house in the before stage: (remember Oliver was a duplex in its former life)
And here he is now!
Isn't he cute! My biggest fear about tackling a new construction project in old town Conway was that the end product would not have the charm of an old home. But I think by adding the wood trim around the windows and doors and topping the brick columns with the precast concrete of old this house could pass for historic. In fact, Mr. Homeowner paid me the biggest compliment when he shared that someone who had visited his new home thought the house was a remodeled 80-year-old and was shocked to find out it was new construction.
Speaking of homeowners. If you remember, this was my very first project working side by side with clients and I was just a little (ok a lot) anxious about giving up 100% control. This fear was further escalated when I realized having homeowners on board meant their preferences would (of course) be driving the design ship instead of the Ken and Barbie story floating in my head. Without a story I couldn't envision the end product, therefore I felt a little lost at first. But then, guess what? As I got to know the homeowners and their likes and dislikes they BECAME the story and I could totally see them and all their furnishings and treasurers living in the space. That, and I kept picturing the homeowners living in Nantucket. Not exactly sure why.... I have never been to Nantucket nor do I have any idea if "Nantucket" is or has a particular style, BUT if ever I was unsure of what direction to take in this project I just pointed North East and suggested finishes I thought would be found in a coastal Nantucket home.
I truly could not have asked for a better couple to work with. They were gracious and understanding when things did not go as planned, and timely and decisive when it was time to make a design decision. They were very supportive and respectful of my ideas and yet were not afraid to speak up if something did not fit their taste or if they had an idea of their own. I found that I really enjoyed having someone to bounce ideas around with and was surprised at the relief I felt from not being responsible for all the design choices. I would simply present 3 or 4 (or 30 when it came to paint colors) options and they would make the final call. In the end, we created a home I think we were all proud of. (Here at SBH it is perfectly acceptable to end a sentence with a preposition.)
They moved in about a month ago but graciously welcomed me back so I could take you on a tour of their home. Let's go inside.....
Remember how dark, dingy and closed off the duplex entrance felt... (Seriously, what's with the footprints on the ceiling?!?!)
Well now you walk right into their open living/dining kitchen area:
Can you believe they already have pictures hung?? No lie, we lived at Sister AT LEAST 4 years before I hung anything on the wall.
I usually like to save the kitchen for last on our tours but since it is peeking out behind the couch, I'll go ahead and take you in there.
Another fabulous job by Jeff Perry the cabinet guy. I think that is my new favorite vent hood- very Nantuckety. And shout out to my new friend Brent Rhodes of MBR Woodworks for the BEAUTIFUL oak island top. Mrs Homeowner says it is her favorite part of the entire home. Check out Brent's portfolio of projects on his FB page: MBRwoodworks. So excited to have found Brent, I think he is just the guy I need to implement a few ideas I have had floating around in my head.... stay tuned.
While I have you here, take a look at that antique door. I'm going to totally pat myself on the back for that one. It was not always such a glorious shade of antique wood. No, that wood only emerged after a gazillion hours of stripping and sanding layers and layers of paint by yours truly.
Did I mention I did this in the hot July sun. Take a good look because this will be the last antique door I EVER strip. Alright, I'm done. I'm leaving my pity party... on with the tour.
One of my favorite spots in the home is the little sitting nook to the left of the island.
Even while Ken and Barbie were still living in this story I had pictured ticking stripe chairs flanking that front window. I mentioned this to Mrs. Homeowner at our first meeting and the very next week she ordered this fabric to recover the chairs above. Love, love, love how they turned out and I think they fit even better inside this Nantucket story.
Before we leave the kitchen let me remind you of the before kitchens:
Unit 1
Unit 2
Before we head down the hall let me give you a close-up of the dining area:
Waterhouse Market took the homeowners existing antique dining set and gave it a makeover for its Nantucket debut.
I looked high and low for the perfect chandelier that would harmonize with the kitchen lighting without being too matchy matchy. Found this one at Conway's very own Hambuchen Lighting. Ya'll that place is a treasure. Such unique lighting and surprisingly affordable.
First door to the left down the long hall is the laundry room/pantry.
Not sure that the duplex had a designated laundry area so no before picture for that one.
Next, let's look at the guest bath. Here's a before to set the mood:
And here it is now:
Couldn't break the tradition of my Dad joining in on our project- he built the vanity top for this bathroom.
And remember that old clawfoot tub in the duplex? It too got a makeover.
Flanking that guest bathroom is two guest bedrooms.
And finally, we enter the master suite where we are greeted by the adorable Temple (Shirly Temple that is).
Through that Navy Blue pocket door you will find the master bathroom:
I had a hard time getting a good picture that captured the layout of the bathroom. So I'll just tell ya the shower is to the right of the vanity and the potty is hidden behind a wall across from the shower.
If linen-like tile and a chair rail of subway tile do not scream Nantucket I don't know what does.
Because I forgot to get shots of the backyard and porch it looks like this is where the tour will end.
Thank you to all the subcontractors who helped this project come together. And thanks so much to Mr. and Mrs. Homeowner for entrusting Storybook Homes with your home.
