Scope & Objectives :
The layout of several rooms on the 2nd floor was changed to create a luxurious master suite with large walk-in closet, master bedroom with fireplace, private office and this elegant master bathroom. Working with existing site conditions and creating efficiency in the proposed layout involved being dutiful in restoring the rooms while incorporating modern amenities. Our clients’ instructions were to reuse as many original materials as possible and, only where necessary, use new or re-purposed materials and fixtures that would complement the historical details and architectural features of the balloon-framed home.
A freestanding tub sits on top of a hex patterned tile floor and tall subway brick-patterned wainscot runs around the room and is carried seamlessly into the large walk in shower with marble curb caps and shampoo shelves. This is viewed through a clear shower door with functional horizontal towel bar/handles. The owners’ refurbished antique recessed medicine chests sit above the sinks and carefully placed ceramic accessories further capture the architectural minutiae of the era. In the rest of the remodeled spaces, the owner purchased their light fixtures from antique stores and had them re-wired for use with our modern electrical. Knob-and-tube wiring, conduit, and surface pull chain wiring was overhauled in conjunction with a major panel upgrade from fuses to circuits. In the bedroom, office, and closet the existing hardwood flooring was stripped of the dark stain, patched and refinished with a natural water based finish, and picture rail was reinstalled around the room.
Challenges & Solutions :
The owner purchased their light fixtures from antique stores and had them re-wired for use with our modern electrical. Knob-and-tube wiring, conduit, and surface pull chain wiring was overhauled in conjunction with a major panel upgrade from fuses to circuits. The original interior doors, door handle and hinge hardware and millwork such as the tall three-piece base and mitered door and window casing was saved and reused where possible, and any new or missing materials were hand-milled to match.
The sashes in the original “rope & pulley” system double-hung window behind the tub were changed to tempered/insulated glass for code compliance. We ordered obscure glass for privacy – doing the same to the other window by the console sink to match. Leaded and stained glass panes were brought to us and we made frames, jambs and casing to install these in exterior and interior walls creating “artistic light sources”. This layout now works spatially and functionally, gives the clients what they each desire, and includes personal effects and modern amenities while being attentive to the character of the aged home.
