Houzz Tour: Cheery Refresh for a 1925 Bungalow
Virginia downsizers preserve the original charm of their new home while renovating it to fit their needs
Once the last of their kids had moved out of their large suburban home in Herndon, Virginia, these homeowners were ready for a change. The couple chose the Ashton Heights neighborhood of Arlington, Virginia, for its walkability to shops, museums and restaurants and close proximity to Washington, D.C., and its cultural life. As this is an area where the real estate market is so hot that bidding wars can break out before a house officially hits the market, finding a 1925 bungalow that needed a lot of work was a great score.
Style. The homeowners wanted the exterior of their home to respect the fabric and history of the neighborhood. The designers used the Ashton Heights Style Guide for Craftsman bungalow kit houses when planning exterior changes.
Inside, the millwork has Craftsman-style detailing but a somewhat more-open plan for modern life. Also, the couple was renovating their beach home at the same time they were renovating this home, so some beachy colors came into play here.
Exterior. “It was important to my clients that the exterior fit in nicely with the neighborhood and that it be low-maintenance,” Winn says. For example, the guidelines recommended square porch columns with sloped sides, Craftsman-style porch railings and clapboard siding (rendered here in low-maintenance Hardie board). A yellow bungalow-style door is cheerful and welcoming. Winn notes that the front walkway and steps, landscaping and a detached garage were all part of Phase II of the project, which was not complete when these photos were taken.
Siding: Deep Ocean, James Hardie Smooth Color Plus; front door and porch swing paint: Early Dawn, Benjamin Moore
Inside, the millwork has Craftsman-style detailing but a somewhat more-open plan for modern life. Also, the couple was renovating their beach home at the same time they were renovating this home, so some beachy colors came into play here.
Exterior. “It was important to my clients that the exterior fit in nicely with the neighborhood and that it be low-maintenance,” Winn says. For example, the guidelines recommended square porch columns with sloped sides, Craftsman-style porch railings and clapboard siding (rendered here in low-maintenance Hardie board). A yellow bungalow-style door is cheerful and welcoming. Winn notes that the front walkway and steps, landscaping and a detached garage were all part of Phase II of the project, which was not complete when these photos were taken.
Siding: Deep Ocean, James Hardie Smooth Color Plus; front door and porch swing paint: Early Dawn, Benjamin Moore
Living Room
Before. The front door opens right into the living room. A whole new HVAC system is more energy-efficient and eliminated the need for radiators like the one you see here and the baseboard heat throughout the house. “It’s always a toss-up with radiators. Some people love them, and some people need the room. These homeowners needed the room,” Winn says.
Before. The front door opens right into the living room. A whole new HVAC system is more energy-efficient and eliminated the need for radiators like the one you see here and the baseboard heat throughout the house. “It’s always a toss-up with radiators. Some people love them, and some people need the room. These homeowners needed the room,” Winn says.
After. The homeowners decided to divide the large front space into two separate sitting areas on either side of the door. One side is cozied up by built-in bookshelves and a fireplace, above. The original fireplace got a makeover with a new soapstone surround and hearth and a mantel with Craftsman-style millwork. New built-in bookshelves line the wall to the left.
Wall paint: Etiquette, Benjamin Moore
Wall paint: Etiquette, Benjamin Moore
This is the other side of the living room. “This couple did not have any interest in a formal dining room, which probably would have gone here,” Winn says. Instead, they created another sitting-room area with a put-your-feet-up sofa and ottoman.
The designers tied it to the sitting room on the other side of the front door by using the same wall color, Etiquette, by Benjamin Moore, and the same striped rugs. Just off to the side is a small bump-out that serves as a sunny reading nook.
The designers tied it to the sitting room on the other side of the front door by using the same wall color, Etiquette, by Benjamin Moore, and the same striped rugs. Just off to the side is a small bump-out that serves as a sunny reading nook.
Hall and Stairs
Before. Once through the large living room, closets and walls created an awkward flow. These were removed to open up the floor plan. The space to the left had been a bedroom and had a full bathroom off it. Now this space is the kitchen, a pantry closet and a powder room.
Before. Once through the large living room, closets and walls created an awkward flow. These were removed to open up the floor plan. The space to the left had been a bedroom and had a full bathroom off it. Now this space is the kitchen, a pantry closet and a powder room.
After. This area is just past the living room and is now open and light. Note how the navy blue paint on the back of the bookshelves echoes the color palette of the exterior. The floors are heart pine, a wood typically used for flooring when the house was built.
The designers opened up the layout around the stairwell and moved the kitchen from the right side of the stairwell to its new place in the former bedroom to the left. Getting rid of the only first-floor bedroom meant they could turn the full bathroom downstairs into a powder room and use the extra space for a pantry; both are located behind the round mirror. Through the door to the right of the stairs is a new laundry room where the old kitchen was.
“Because their kids were grown and out of the house, the homeowners did not need the extra bedrooms or a playroom like a lot of our other clients do. And they didn’t need to finish the basement either,” Winn says. Another consideration: Once a detached garage was completed out back in an upcoming building phase, the couple would be entering through a back door. We’ll see how that plays out in a bit.
Bookcase paint: Hale Navy, Benjamin Moore; stairwell and kitchen paint: Gray Cloud, Benjamin Moore; Parisian flush-mount light: Franklin Iron Works; heart pine flooring: Lux Flooring
The designers opened up the layout around the stairwell and moved the kitchen from the right side of the stairwell to its new place in the former bedroom to the left. Getting rid of the only first-floor bedroom meant they could turn the full bathroom downstairs into a powder room and use the extra space for a pantry; both are located behind the round mirror. Through the door to the right of the stairs is a new laundry room where the old kitchen was.
“Because their kids were grown and out of the house, the homeowners did not need the extra bedrooms or a playroom like a lot of our other clients do. And they didn’t need to finish the basement either,” Winn says. Another consideration: Once a detached garage was completed out back in an upcoming building phase, the couple would be entering through a back door. We’ll see how that plays out in a bit.
Bookcase paint: Hale Navy, Benjamin Moore; stairwell and kitchen paint: Gray Cloud, Benjamin Moore; Parisian flush-mount light: Franklin Iron Works; heart pine flooring: Lux Flooring
Kitchen
The renovated kitchen is bright and airy and has a beach cottage vibe. A glass-tile backsplash reflects the light while an island provides extra workspace and a place to perch and keep the cook company. Cobalt pendants and a midnight island bring in a few splashes of dark blues.
Pendants: Alina, Tech Lighting; countertops: Brittanica Marble collection, Cambria
Find round counter stools
The renovated kitchen is bright and airy and has a beach cottage vibe. A glass-tile backsplash reflects the light while an island provides extra workspace and a place to perch and keep the cook company. Cobalt pendants and a midnight island bring in a few splashes of dark blues.
Pendants: Alina, Tech Lighting; countertops: Brittanica Marble collection, Cambria
Find round counter stools
The refrigerator is tucked around the corner to the left of the range, completing an easy work triangle. Cabinets above the upper cabinets maximize the storage potential. The pantry closet is out of frame to the left, on the other side of the large opening to the kitchen.
The cabinets have beaded inset detailing. A few glass-front cabinets break things up and keep things light. Chrome finishes add a modern touch.
Sink: Mirabelle; faucet: Newport Brass; cabinets: Pacifica, Rutt Cabinetry; hardware: Top Knobs; backsplash: Winter Morning, The Tile Shop
Sink: Mirabelle; faucet: Newport Brass; cabinets: Pacifica, Rutt Cabinetry; hardware: Top Knobs; backsplash: Winter Morning, The Tile Shop
Powder Room
Just off the kitchen and family room is the powder room, formerly a full bathroom. Navy, white and chrome complete a crisp and clean palette. Using a console sink and a large pivoting mirror makes the space feel larger.
Wall paint: Hale Navy: Benjamin Moore; faucet and towel bar: Brizo; Sutton double sconce and Dillon Classic pivot mirror: RH; Mason Apothecary single sink console: Pottery Barn
Just off the kitchen and family room is the powder room, formerly a full bathroom. Navy, white and chrome complete a crisp and clean palette. Using a console sink and a large pivoting mirror makes the space feel larger.
Wall paint: Hale Navy: Benjamin Moore; faucet and towel bar: Brizo; Sutton double sconce and Dillon Classic pivot mirror: RH; Mason Apothecary single sink console: Pottery Barn
Family Room
Just past the kitchen along the back of the house is the family room, where the owners watch TV. They were able to save money by keeping most of the existing windows, though the double set of doors behind the sofa is new. They lead out to the deck and patio. Just out of frame to the right is a French door that the homeowners use to enter the house when coming in from the new detached garage out back.
The high-tech Haiku ceiling fans used here, elsewhere in the house and on the porch have sensors for temperature, humidity and occupancy, adjust accordingly when you enter or leave a room and can be controlled by a smartphone.
Just past the kitchen along the back of the house is the family room, where the owners watch TV. They were able to save money by keeping most of the existing windows, though the double set of doors behind the sofa is new. They lead out to the deck and patio. Just out of frame to the right is a French door that the homeowners use to enter the house when coming in from the new detached garage out back.
The high-tech Haiku ceiling fans used here, elsewhere in the house and on the porch have sensors for temperature, humidity and occupancy, adjust accordingly when you enter or leave a room and can be controlled by a smartphone.
Laundry Room
Before. Here’s a look at the original kitchen, which was cramped and dated. The designers transformed it into a new laundry room-mudroom.
Before. Here’s a look at the original kitchen, which was cramped and dated. The designers transformed it into a new laundry room-mudroom.
Laundry Room-Mudroom
After. This photo was taken near the French door entry. With the new cubbies, hooks, drawers and baskets, it’s easy for the homeowners to shed their shoes, coats and bags as soon as they enter the house. The laundry room also has ample folding space, a stainless steel utility sink and black granite countertops.
A small but impactful detail worth noting is the vent in the floor, which matches the heart pine flooring. “We’ve made matching wood vents a standard detail in the specs for our company,” Winn says. Though this one had to be made custom because of the particular wood species, you can find similar ready-made vents in other types of wood.
Wall paint: Gray Cloud, Benjamin Moore; Pax sink: Kraus; cabinets: Hanover, Wellborn; chrome hardware: Top Knobs
Find decorative floor vents
After. This photo was taken near the French door entry. With the new cubbies, hooks, drawers and baskets, it’s easy for the homeowners to shed their shoes, coats and bags as soon as they enter the house. The laundry room also has ample folding space, a stainless steel utility sink and black granite countertops.
A small but impactful detail worth noting is the vent in the floor, which matches the heart pine flooring. “We’ve made matching wood vents a standard detail in the specs for our company,” Winn says. Though this one had to be made custom because of the particular wood species, you can find similar ready-made vents in other types of wood.
Wall paint: Gray Cloud, Benjamin Moore; Pax sink: Kraus; cabinets: Hanover, Wellborn; chrome hardware: Top Knobs
Find decorative floor vents
Staircase
This area at the foot of the staircase serves as a mini foyer. The stairs remained in the same spot but are now one straight run instead of having a turn. The new newel post and railings have Craftsman style.
This area at the foot of the staircase serves as a mini foyer. The stairs remained in the same spot but are now one straight run instead of having a turn. The new newel post and railings have Craftsman style.
Master Bedroom
On the second floor, three bedrooms are cozily tucked into the eaves of the roofline. In the master bedroom this darker accent wall cozies things up even more.
Accent wall paint: Shadow Gray, Benjamin Moore; bench (similar): Strand bench; browse bedroom benches
On the second floor, three bedrooms are cozily tucked into the eaves of the roofline. In the master bedroom this darker accent wall cozies things up even more.
Accent wall paint: Shadow Gray, Benjamin Moore; bench (similar): Strand bench; browse bedroom benches
A sliding barn door leads to the closet. Note how its design fits in with the rest of the millwork.
Wall paint: Gray Cloud, Benjamin Moore
Wall paint: Gray Cloud, Benjamin Moore
Master Bathroom
Before. Space in front of the small shower stall was going to waste. And the baseboard heating was also in the way. There was a vanity just out of frame to the left of the toilet.
Before. Space in front of the small shower stall was going to waste. And the baseboard heating was also in the way. There was a vanity just out of frame to the left of the toilet.
After. By moving the shower to the end of the room and replacing the baseboard heating with the new HVAC system as well as electric radiant-heat flooring, they gained space for the new shower stall. It has a sliced pebble mosaic tile floor in shades that pick up on the vanity’s colors. And there’s a rain shower head and a handheld wand.
Wall paint: Etiquette, Benjamin Moore; shower head: Scossa and handheld, Wave, both Rohl
Wall paint: Etiquette, Benjamin Moore; shower head: Scossa and handheld, Wave, both Rohl
A maple wood vanity with a black pearl granite countertop with a leathered finish brings rich textures and darker hues into the room.
Vanity: Wellborn Cabinet; faucet: Rohl Wave 8”; Sink: Cube, Lacava; Bryant sconce: Visual Comfort; floor tile: 1x6 Levity Mosaic, Crossville
Vanity: Wellborn Cabinet; faucet: Rohl Wave 8”; Sink: Cube, Lacava; Bryant sconce: Visual Comfort; floor tile: 1x6 Levity Mosaic, Crossville
Guest Bedroom
The navy-blue-and-white color palette we saw glimpses of downstairs continues into this extra bedroom.
Wall paint: Normandy, Benjamin Moore
The navy-blue-and-white color palette we saw glimpses of downstairs continues into this extra bedroom.
Wall paint: Normandy, Benjamin Moore
Hall Bathroom
Before. The hall bathroom that serves two bedrooms upstairs was tired and dated. But its efficient layout made sense, so they kept it.
Before. The hall bathroom that serves two bedrooms upstairs was tired and dated. But its efficient layout made sense, so they kept it.
After. The color palette in the hall bathroom comes from the colors in the Carrara marble on the shower surround and floor. The shower tiles are 6-by-24-inch elongated subway tiles with a honed finish, and the floor is composed of 1-by-3-inch polished Carrara tiles arranged in a herringbone pattern.
The mirror has integrated side strip LED lights, which adds a clean modern element.
Splurges and saves. Splurges on the remodel include the cabinetry, appliances, electrical fixtures and fans. By not finishing the basement and salvaging as many windows as possible, they were able to save on the budget.
Paint: Gray Cloud, Benjamin Moore; Newcastle Vanity in Ocean Gray: Ronbow; hardware: Top Knobs; faucet: Abruzzo, Fortis Faucet; toilet: Bradenton, Mirabelle; tub: Archer, Kohler; shower head: Delta; Sunrize mirror: Luna Series, Fleurco
The mirror has integrated side strip LED lights, which adds a clean modern element.
Splurges and saves. Splurges on the remodel include the cabinetry, appliances, electrical fixtures and fans. By not finishing the basement and salvaging as many windows as possible, they were able to save on the budget.
Paint: Gray Cloud, Benjamin Moore; Newcastle Vanity in Ocean Gray: Ronbow; hardware: Top Knobs; faucet: Abruzzo, Fortis Faucet; toilet: Bradenton, Mirabelle; tub: Archer, Kohler; shower head: Delta; Sunrize mirror: Luna Series, Fleurco
Second Floor
After. There weren’t major changes made to the layout of the second floor, but you can get an idea of how it’s all laid out here.
Takeaways
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After. There weren’t major changes made to the layout of the second floor, but you can get an idea of how it’s all laid out here.
Takeaways
- Check with your local municipality or historical society for guidelines when renovating a historic home.
- Have some fun with your front door color.
- Think about how you want to live in your home and how you want to use each space. In this case, the couple had no use for a formal dining room or lots of extra bedrooms.
- Tie together rooms that are open to one another with wall paint, rugs and color palettes.
- When maxing out the number of cabinets that can fit in your kitchen, mix in some glass-front cabinet doors to keep a more open feeling.
- If you can squeeze a sink into your laundry room, it’s convenient to have for working on stains and hand-washing delicate items.
- Consider matching wood vents for hardwood floors.
- A sliding barn door does not have to look like a door from an actual barn.
- The tile you choose can be a jumping-off point for all of the colors you choose for a bathroom.
More home tours: Apartments | Small Homes | Colorful Homes | Contemporary Homes | Eclectic Homes | Farmhouses | Midcentury Homes | Modern Homes | Ranch Homes | Traditional Homes | Transitional Homes | All
House at a Glance
Location: Arlington, Virginia
Size: 2,073 square feet (193 square meters)
Designers: Michael Winn, Stan Khramov and Jennifer Hall of Winn Design + Build
Before. The cottage-style house had great bones and plenty of charm, but there were big problems. At some point someone had removed a structural post in the basement and a load-bearing structural wall on the first floor, causing the floor to sag and making the house structurally unsound. An addition off the back was in bad shape, and the deck and porch needed to be rebuilt. There were faulty mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, and the roof, trim and siding needed to be replaced or repaired. However, in renovating, the homeowners were able to keep the original spirit of the home alive while tailoring it to their needs.
Scope of work. The homeowners hired design-build firm Winn Design + Build to complete everything from the first design planning phase through the end of construction. This was a down-to-the-studs remodel. “There were severe structural problems and lots of other issues,” says the firm’s owner, Michael Winn. “It’s basically like new construction inside now.”