I have told the story of my house before, but it is a story I have been asked to repeat. So gather round peeps and pull up your carpet square because it’s circle time at The Stories of A to Z!
Two of my friends from college had recently started a home flipping business. Once we learned we were moving to this area, we were excited to get in on the action. We put a contract on our home when it was completely and totally gutted. It had no walls, no real stairs, no windows, no nothing. I was sooooo sad to realize that none of the historic interior elements could be saved. But we only had a three month window to work with and this house was structurally ready to go. It was either buy this one and customize, or buy one which had already been complete. I wanted a blank slate to work with. My friends allowed me to make every design decision along the way. I designed the floor plan. I picked out every fixture, every piece of hardware, every knob. It was soooo much fun! Would I do it different today? Oh my goodness, yes! But live and learn. With only a three month completion time (and doing most of the work long-distance and over the internet), I was very pleased with the outcome.
In the picture below, my house is the one on the left all shiny and new and our neighboring then-abandoned twin is on the right.
Flash forward a year, and my flipping-house-friends return and ask if I would like to help design our neighbors’ home. Would I??? Yes! This thing hadn’t been “legally” lived in for 40 yrs. Flood waters from a hurricane back in the 70’s made most of these places condemnable and the city did nothing to help. Investors FINALLY took on our neighborhood and in the past five years it looks like a completely different place! They’ve turned nastiness into high-end gorgeousness in remarkable time, and I’ve been privileged enough to go along for the ride.
Here is what my neighbor’s kitchen looked like before. The back porch door (which butts right next to ours) wasn’t at all locked, and so for a year I worried about scary people doing don’t-wanna-know right next door! The kitchen had old wainscot and strangely placed windows. This is a 360* picture that I took while standing at the back porch door (with my scarf over my nose).
We tried to think of a way to save the wainscot, but in the end it just wasn’t worth it. We also decided to knock down the kitchen wall and cover up that huge window to make more space and open up the floor plan.
Here below is what I designed for the kitchen. Next to the fridge is a large panty, pretty corner sink located near the stove, and small island with overhang for bar in the middle. I chose Sherwin Williams Restrained Gold for the entire main level. (I chose it because I had wished at the time that I had chosen it for myself. I also chose the cabinets and granite that I wished I’d chosen. 🙂
Placing the sink in the corner opened up a ton more counter space in the kitchen, but I was later told that my little design idea cost my friend way more in granite installation. Oops.
Next, I’ll take you to the dining room. Here is a 360* shot looking in from the pocket doorway towards the kitchen. You can see the gorgeous millwork is still in pretty good shape but we wanted a larger kitchen so that wall needed to come down.
This bizarre insulation fix from the previous homeowners preserved the beauty of the original window trim in spite of a lot of water damage.
Here it is all cleaned up and restained after!
We saved this millwork and I took a risk with my paint colors here. I alternated to add interest but honestly, I’m not liking it now and would do something different. The chandelier was a steal from Lowes and complimented the clearance pendants I found for over the bar.
I took this pic standing by the kitchen sink and looking out. You can see how open we made the floor plan. I was nearly in tears over not being able to save the pocket doors. They were too warped from all the flooding and couldn’t be salvaged for the home. They were sooooo beautiful though. I should have snagged them. The hardwood floors were too damaged to save on this level so these are completely new.
Below is a picture taken from the front door. You can sort of see those beautiful/unsalvageable pocket doors peeking out. And just look at that staircase. THIS is what I was hoping we would be able to get when we moved here. I am a sucker for early 1900’s homes.
Here is the after. We had the work guys take the plaster off the walls to expose the brick, restain the wood to a deep espresso to match the kitchen cabinets, and redo the stairs and that cute stair bench. The closet under the stairs was so small, but we thought we could cram a half bath under there. We were right!
Here is a better look at the cute stair bench.
And here is the half bath! I bought the towel ring and mirror at TJ Max, the sink from Lowes, and the bathroom faucet at overstock.com. The color I chose for the bathroom is Benjamin Moore’s Audobon Russet. It’s a great rich autumn color which looks fab when combined with orange, cream and brown.
Let’s head up to the second level to see what we did up there. This was just nasty. There was literally a pile of crap in this room. Yes…literally. We tore down some walls and made two small bedrooms into a great room.
My friend had the idea of doing some built-ins with an arched ceiling, surrounding a flatscreen TV. I had the idea of a fireplace, and ceiling high built-ins surrounding the arch. Here is the product of our combined brainchild. Neither of us were happy with the hardware the cabinet maker chose, but otherwise we were pleased. I chose a green by Ralph Lauren which is now discontinued. It is close to my Benjamin Moore Rosemary Sprig but has a bit more gray in it.
Here is the second level bath. Nastiness. We decided to keep the bathroom layout the same, but I wanted wainscot added to the walls and a small linen closet.
Here is the after. Magical isn’t it? I used Benjamin Moore’s Texas Leather on the walls. I found the mirror at TJ Max and the vanity at homedecoratorsoutlet.com The bathroom hardware came from Target. All of the beautiful old-fashioned ORB knobs are from Lowes.
Sorry for the fuzzy pics. I didn’t really blog about this kind of stuff back then!
Next to the bathroom is the guest bedroom. Lovely. This room also had about 36 motorcycle trophies in it which just added to it’s weirdness.
And after. Aaaaaa. Much better. I used Sherwin Williams Blonde in here. That little door goes out to a small balcony.
This room was what we affectionately called the “Squatters” room. It was quite pleasant and had obviously been used as a hang out over the years by I-don’t-even-wanna-know.
Here it is after. The original floors were able to be saved on this level and cleaned up beautifully!
Now it’s time to take you up to the third level which is the master suite. I decided to just copy the layout of my home up here to make things easy! Check out these stairs! I’m so jealous that these weren’t able to be saved in my own home ;(.
Okay, at the top of the stairs you are greeted by the master bath. Mmmm. The shovel and pink insulation are so welcoming.
How about a tiled shower there instead?
And maybe some PB inspired vanities? We found these beauties at Lowes. The faucets were from overstock, and the bathroom hardware was from Marshall’s. How do I know? Because I hand shopped for all these babies!
I put the exact chandeliers that I have in my current master bath in theirs. I love them. If you look closely around the base of the chandelier you can see the beaded design.
I was thrilled to find the same beaded design on a random current rod at Marshall’s. Yes, these are the things that get my adrenaline going!
We put in the same jacuzzi tub that I have with the same tile. I chose a Benjamin Moore blue for the walls in here. I can’t remember its name off the top of my head. Ocean Breeze maybe? Caribbean Mist?
And lastly, let’s look at the master bedroom. Here it is with nicely trimmed windows before.
And here they are just cleaned up in white after! Look at those original hardwoods all refinished and pretty. Once again, jealous. Our hardwoods couldn’t be salvaged. Boo hoo.
So proud siblings now stand side by side looking like happy once again. I chose to make the twins identical rather than fraternal. The exterior is done in Benjamin Moore Westminster Green with the red accent in Benjamin Moore Redstone and BM Lancaster White. It has been so fun to be a small part of some of the homes’ transformations in my neighborhood. Truly a magical experience! I hope you enjoyed the story :). Now time for snack!
**Edited to add: Yes, someone bought the home before it was even on the market and our new neighbors rock. They are around our age with no kids which means they are as quiet as mice (which is great when you share a wall). They share the bounty of their veggie garden in the summer and bring us soup in the winter. We love them!**
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Ahhhmazinnng! Beth ur trully born to inspire! xoxo
Thank you! 🙂
that works for a beautiful home, an old house that has retained its character and charm, congratulations
Oh my! OH MY! What an amazing transformation. These kinds of houses have soooo much character, and I love to see them refabbed. You did a wonderful job!
Good heavens this place is amazing! When can I move in? (wishful thinking) You and the team did an amazing job! I kept taking deep breaths with every ‘after’ picture.
Beth, that's unbelievably awesome. You're very talented. We have a few 100,000 homes in Detroit that need help like that if you get bored. 😉
Okay first let me say that I hate you just a tiny wee bit right now.
But forgive me, please, because it is a wee hint o' hate borne of envy and a sort of drooling "I want" that is slightly painful.
You see I live in a lovely 100+ year old farmhouse with many of the same bones you showed in your home's "Twin." I have the beautiful pocket doors (pristine condition), french doors, etc. They all work and have been lovingly enjoyed for over 100 years.
Now, because of you, I want nothing more than to TAKE A SLEDGEHAMMER TO MY WALLS AND OPEN THEM UP.
And for this, I have to hate you – but in that totally envious I really like you way 😉
Forgive me?
Gorgeous and you have a GREAT eye!
Oh. My. Stars. Ohmystars. To do what you did is my DREAM! And you did an AMAZING job!!
Just beautiful. What an inspiring story!
WOW! All I can really say is WOW!!! Love this!
Such a fun post, I drank in every detail! You did a fabulous job on the twin and love that you kept them identical!
Londen
Your house and its twin look like Harrisburg, PA, where I'm from. You even mentioned that 197x flood. Are they trying to save some of those lovely older homes there and re-establish safe family neighborhoods?
Hi Beth.
What an amazing transformation! I really like the brick wall and the bench.
The house I grew up in was a 100 year old company row house for a mining company. The house on either side of ours was identical to ours. We found some interesting things throughout the years but 36 motorcycle trophies…wow..
WOW WOW WOW!!!!!
LOVE IT!!!!!
Everything! Love it!!!!
I want a brick wall!
Ahh. The beauty you have contributed here adds value not only to your own sweet home, but to the neighborhood as well. Just wanna cry to see some of that old wood mildewed. Oh well, it had to go. I cannot imagine how concerned you must have been about uninvited people, varmits, and bugs in the abandoned portion of your building.
I like the idea of making the two units into twins. Have you considered changing your front window to match the neighbor's? I bet your window opens up for air, which tends to be a nice idea.
Thank you for the House Tour. It was fabulous. This Old House.
Wow, wow, wow! I'm am so impressed with the work and choices you made on your home's twin. I'm also extremely jealous that you live in a Victorian, I'm sure it has loads of character.
Thanks for sharing.
Brittany
http://www.prettyhandygirl.com
Hey Beth,
just found your blog thru Stephanie Lynn. I will be looking around lots more – loooove this post and all the amazing things you did with this house! Wow! Yours is pretty sweet too. 🙂
Wow! Amazing! You made me want to subscribe! 🙂
Just found your blog through the CSI Project link. I am in LOVE with the house next door! You did a great job. Wish I could move in!
Omg, so lovely! It seems like such a big home, I want it! I'm glad it seems to have gone to some sweet neighbors, they're so lucky! This is rude, but how much was it sold for?
This is so amazing, Beth!
HGTV should hire you!
What a cool post! I had no idea what the exterior of your entire home really looked like. This is fabulous!
Donna
Wow, what an amazing transformation! Makes me feel like getting my paint brushes out rather than putting them away 🙂
This is so cool! I would love to do something like this! You did a great job!
In a weird way I like to think about all the stuff that house has seen! Like before the flood, who lived there, then afterwards what did the house see then! What kind of weird people, or drugs, or maybe a child squatters home? That house has such a history! I love it!
I love before and after stories — we've done some major work on every home we've owned and while it's a mess and quite a wild ride to go through it's so satisfying to look at it when you're done and call it yours.
Visiting from today's creative blog!!
Fondly,
pink and green mama
MaryLea
That is amazing!
i don't think i've seen this story before, but it is FABULOUS! you really did a great job, beth–you should be proud!
Wow! Another amazing transformation. You are talented! I just became your 1201 follower! Hope you don't mind the odd number! 🙂
-heather
ps..love your blog!
I am in awe of your talent!
oh. my. gosh. This is jaw-dropping! Can't believe those before pictures!!! GROSS!! And the afters speak for themselves!
Angie
I love these pictures before and after. YOu did a great job!
Absolutely stunning! I love everything you chose, and I think it must have been a lot of fun to have gotten a "second chance" to make all of your choices! Great job on everything. 😉
No stinkin' way! You have been hard at work! This looks Fabulous!
Jennie @ Cinnaberry Suite
What an amazing remodel! a lot of love…this needs to be in a magazine!!
Wow! That is amazing. I love the staircase and the brick. So beautiful!
~WOW! Beth what a truly cool story of the twin home transformation! It turned out GORGEOUS!
I'm so happy you have great neighbors. That is the best as well. 🙂
WOWIE!! Major overhaul. Love what you've done with their place. Incredible job!
BETH. OH my gawd. Do you know that is my DREAM? To buy and flip a house?? You did an incredible job! Your house is SO COOL too. And Restrained Gold and Blonde were my go-to colors when I was a decorator. You just can't go wrong with them. You rock!
What an awesome experience to be part of such a rockin' renovation. Love it, thanks for sharing!
Wow. Wow. Wow!!! I just keep looking at your before & afters! You have some serious talent! How fun to have the project SO CLOSE TO HOME!
Wow, what a story!!
~ Sarah
please excuse me while i pick my jaw up off the floor. this is like my DREAM house. amazing transformation.
Stunning!
Magnificent! Love the woodwork and the whole re-do…very impressive!
Beautiful. Looks so much better.
What an impressive project! It is one I secretly dream about. You did a great job and your neighbours do agree obviously.
Oh, my goodness! What a transformation. I do believe you win today! LOL Your home is truly beautiful! I know you're so proud of it.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
Now THAT was a transformation! Unbelievable!!
What a gorgeous transformation. Great job.
What a happy story. Well, the end. Obviously the beginning was scary. lol. You did a wonderful job, Beth. What great partners you and your friend made in renovating. Lucky for both you and your neighbors to have each other, as well. 😉
You did amazing! All the colors, fixtures, hardwood, everything is just perfect.
I love the older homes too. My mom and I love driving by and seeing them and going in and touring when we're able.
Thanks for the wonderful post!
Wow what a great job and how fun to go step by step, but slowly! Your neighbor must love you for doing such a beautiful job! The paint colors in my house are Restrained Gold-den, Blonde-dining room and Audobon Russet-kitchen, so I obviously like your choices!
~Nancy
Wow what a great job and how fun to go step by step, but slowly! Your neighbor must love you for doing such a beautiful job! The paint colors in my house are Restrained Gold-den, Blonde-dining room and Audobon Russet-kitchen, so I obviously like your choices!
~Nancy
I just sold some bookshelves on craigslist and the people who came to pick them up said they just moved to Green St. and that they moved from Oregon.
Maybe your new neighbors? LOL.
We should get some coffee some time. Do you know of any quaint downtown places?
I'm completely speechless. A) I can't believe you had been living next to that, and B) I can't believe the transformation!…and C) I'm so jealous because that would have been such a fun project!!!
Bravo. Seriously.
is there anything you can't do? GAH!
unbelievable work, thought, resourcefulness, & TIME!!!!
i would jump at a opp to do something like this as well. i can't imagine how pleasing it is to know you restored not one but two historical homes.
i know many people do not like/respect old homes. but i love them! lots of work, but lots of love for them too!
simply amazing!
from one of your many fans!
xoxo
WOW. What a huge undertaking! I can totally see why you'd jump at the chance to make it over and hopefully get good neighbors(so glad to hear that you DID). Now I dont want to make you cry but those stairs? That woodowrk? I have them. I have it. And I love it. Except it makes for a very dark seeming home. Im lost as to what to do with it all b/c I cant ruin it all with paint. Anways, great job!
Sarah
handbagsnpigtails.blogspot.com
Hey Beth, how wonderful to have been in on the ground floor of something like this. I like the exposed brick wall. I love the look of older re-habbed homes, I just couldn't do one myself. I would want to move into one that had already been done. Laziness, I know… Glad you have good neighbors and a 2 side by side homes that now look cohesive and fantastic! hugs, Sue
Beth, I LOVED this post!!! 🙂 I love to see transformations like this. It's a lot like the dump next door to us, but on a larger level. I love the Master bath. What a neat post. Paula at Sweet Pea occasionally posts progress on her mom's place on Walnut…reminds me a lot of this. 🙂
That was fun! How cool that you got to help renovate the house! Did the new neighbors keep everything the same or did they end up painting any rooms?
OH wow! I really ENJOYED this post! GOOD job! What a beautiful home!
~Bridgette {allthingzrelated}
oh wow Beth!! you are AMAZING!!… just in case no one told you that yet today!
Holy crap! The transformation is FABULOUS!! Great job! You really have a gift, I could never do that. Thanks for sharing!!
Those stairs are incredible, the kitchen is dreamy…and the master bath is calling my name!!
Glad you have REAL neighbors now {and it sounds like GREAT ones}, instead of who-knows "living" there.
oh,,my stars! you need to come see me in Texas! Lezlee
Wow, what a transformation. You had a great vision with that home, and it looks amazing now! Thanks for sharing (and showing off!) your wonderful talent!
Blessings, Grace
Wow! What a transformation! I can't believe these were each done in three months! Love the kitchen and the bay windows; the floors and that staircase are wonderful.
Forgot to mention… I would love for you to stop by my blog. I am into the real stuff now that the trip part is over and actually linked to my first party! Go me!!!!
Wow…Looks like all of that hard work paid off ;0) I noticed that you painted all of the dark wood windows white..was that hard to do? What is the easiest way to do it? I would like to paint mine but am a little scared ;0) Have a fab day!
what a total treasure… you did great! love all your choices! I WOULD NEVER LEAVE! 😉 JGG
Beth, I love this story, what great old row houses these are. Lucky you, I love old homes, but have never lived in one. Great job on the renovation. Do you have B&A pics of your house??
Too bad about the stairs!!
This is a stunning job! We wanted to by a home like this when we lived in Iowa and my husband got transfered. It was a dream of a home. It had stained glass windows, pocket doors, a large foyer, front and back porches, large bedrooms, I could go on and on!
Wow – it is amazing what you did! It looks wonderful! I love the character of your home. It is beautiful!!!
XOOX
Jen
Wow! You go girl! I would lick a toilet for exposed brick! Ok, maybe not that far, but that is how I feel! Those stairs are exquisite! You have such a good eye! Be proud of yourself! You did a great job!
Wow, I can't believe the amount of work you all did. I bet you love knowing who is next door now. You did a great job, thanks for sharing that.
Brooke
You're pretty much my hero. GORGEOUS!!!
Stunning!! You did an awesome job!! LOVE that exposed brick and of course the colors you chose are beautiful and perfect for the space! LOVE that kitchen!!
I am sure your neighbors love you MORE!!
Lou Cinda 🙂
Beth, I have been experiencing brick wall envy. Since this is my first time to read some of your house story, I can see where you got it. What a beautiful home!!!
I am so impressed by your work and choices! I bet that would have been a really fun project to be a part of. I hope you have good neighbors with similar taste!
Beth, You did an amazing job! It is beautiful! I love all the character and detail…you just can't duplicate that in a new home! beautiful 🙂
Wendy
Beth, You are quite a talented woman. That transformation is gorgeous. Forget counseling , you should be an interior designer. Or better yet a design counselor, that way you can combine both talents.
I seriously do not think I could have done that renovation!~ I love your home, and you restored it so very nicely!!~
What a huge job! I love everything you did! Just beautiful. So does anyone live there now?
just found you through Twitter and this is AMAZING!! It's gorgeous….I'll go back and see but I didn't see the last time someone actually lived in the house. Ah yes, that would have been a bit nerve wracking for you, but how awesome to help in the renov. of it.
Yes, our neighbors rock. They are around our age with no kids which means they are as quiet as mice (which is great when you share a wall). They share the bounty of their veggie garden in the summer and bring us soup in the winter. We love them!
Wowzers!!!! Just beautiful…could be on one of those flippin' house shows…ha!
Amazing! I love to see an old home brought back to life. Thanks for sharing the pictures with us!
Unbelievable! Its amazing to see something and know its potential. You did an amazing job.
You saved that poor house and it looks so happy now ! It seems we have the same taste in color, I have used a lot of those same colors. Do you have new neighbors yet ?
Like night and day!!! You are so talented! It's not just your eye for design, but your resourcefulness! Very, very impressive! Tell me, are your new neighbors befitting of such a lovely space?!
Holy Moly…what a task! But you def did an AWESOME job!! I LOVE it/them! Fantastic!
WOW!! Boy what a BIG job and what a transformation!! Awesome♥♥ Does someone live in it now??