CASE STUDY: THE MAXWELL HOUSEThis renovation was about breathing new life into an older structure.
A previously compartmentalized plan was completely transformed to function better for a growing family in a great neighborhood.
The bungalow was originally constructed in 1925. However, it’d been stripped of its charm after a recent flip.
This gave us full leeway to rethink how the space could be better utilized.
We started by reconfiguring the front porch to function not only for the family, but also as a stage for Oakhurst Porchfest.
The former living room was converted into the entry space with stairs connecting to the new second story. To better connect the interior with the spacious backyard, the east side of the plan was reworked to introduce generous public zones and welcoming entertainment areas.
Relocating the kitchen to the back corner reinforced this connection and created a pivot point to the new dining room and the often-utilized screen porch.
While the primary bedroom & bathroom were kept mostly unchanged, introducing a Murphy bed gave the space new flexibility as both an office and guest suite.
The newly added second story brought in more bedrooms and bathrooms, along with a dramatic play/study area that looks out over the neighborhood.
this house originally had a beloved oak tree in the front yard that died after a tragic lightening strike. this tree got a new purpose after its wood was salvaged and used for built-ins, stair risers, and other interior details throughout the house.
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.
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![Front elevation showing front porch of renovated house.]()
Front Elevation.
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![Front Door image of renovated house.]()
Front Door.
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![View of entry with piano nook looking into open concept living room and kitchen of renovated house.]()
Entry view to living room.
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![View of living room with TV nook looking into entry with stairs of renovated house.]()
living room view to entry.
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![View of kitchen looking from living room of renovated house.]()
Open Living Room and Kitchen.
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![View of backyward through corner windows in renovated kitchen.]()
Kitchen corner.
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Kitchen transition to screen porch.
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![View of screen porch looking toward backyard showing fireplace in renovated house.]()
Screen porch.
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![View of murphy bed in guest bedroom of renovated house]()
Murphy Bed.
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![View of upstairs playroom and desk area overlooking the neighborhood from the renovated house.]()
Upstairs playroom.
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![View of the back of the house showing the new second floor and the screen porch addition with fireplace.]()
Rear elevation.
before pictures:
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![Front elevation original exterior design.]()
Original front Elevation.
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![Original coal-burning fireplace in living room]()
original fireplace.
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![View toward original kitchen from dining room.]()
Original kitchen from dining room.
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![Original kitchen.]()
original kitchen.
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![View from rear bedroom toward back yard.]()
Rear bedroom toward back yard.
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![View of original back of house.]()
Original back of house.
I’d love to show you what the possibilities are for your renovation.
All “after” photographs this page by Ben Farnham.
Artwork featured courtesy of Spalding Nix Fine Art and Gregg Irby Gallery.