A new residence in a historic neighborhood

Fitting modern living styles on a tight urban lot in a historic neighborhood is challenging.

By prioritizing the spaces, and focusing on how different spaces relate, we were able to create a cohesive experience through this new build.

Changes to how people live, work, and play are reflected in this design for a small family with big dreams.

As long-time residents of Oakhurst, this family knew the benefits of this neighborhood and its historic fabric. As such, ideals of connection were important, but the family also prioritized values revolving around individuality. The organization of the plan was a critical exercise in thinking about how the residents and their guests enter, interact, and have space for respite.

Designing spaces for all of these ideals in a narrow lot resulted in a strict organization of space: public gathering spaces are all on the main level, which centers around the stone porch and light-filled entry stair in the front, as well as the screen porch and connected kitchen overlooking the pool in the back. The second floor is an exercise in individuality - the primary bedroom suite celebrates this with separate bathrooms and dressing areas, while the bedroom and adjacent coffee bar brings a resort feeling to the suite. The coffee bar connects to the separated home-office via a second floor walkway overlooking the pool, which then connects to the back stair via another light-filled stairway and balcony overlooking the tree-filled backyard.

 

the front corner window in the stair collects and distributes light through the interior and also serves as a beacon of light in the evening.

by exposing the floor structure above, we were able to avoid an expanse of flat ceiling in the open kitchen and living room, without the expense of decorative beams. This decision also helps the ceiling feel loftier.

  • Front elevation showing front porch of renovated house.

    Front Elevation.

  • Front Door image of renovated house.

    Front Door.

  • View of entry with piano nook looking into open concept living room and kitchen of renovated house.

    Entry view to living room.

  • View of living room with TV nook looking into entry with stairs of renovated house.

    living room view to entry.

  • View of kitchen looking from living room of renovated house.

    Open Living Room and Kitchen.

  • View of backyward through corner windows in renovated kitchen.

    Kitchen corner.

  • Kitchen transition to screen porch.

  • View of screen porch looking toward backyard showing fireplace in renovated house.

    Screen porch.

  • View of murphy bed in guest bedroom of renovated house

    Murphy Bed.

  • View of upstairs playroom and desk area overlooking the neighborhood from the renovated house.

    Upstairs playroom.

  • View of the back of the house showing the new second floor and the screen porch addition with fireplace.

    Rear elevation.

 

I’d love to show you what the possibilities are for your new house.

Interior Design by Maxon Mill.

All “after” photographs this page by Ben Farnham.

Artwork featured courtesy of Spalding Nix Fine Art and Gregg Irby Gallery.