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Archive for Modernizing Older Homes

You are browsing the archives of Basement Media Room – At the Intersection of Art, Architecture & Design.

Basement Media Room

Basement Media Room

My client wanted media and exercise rooms in the basement of her 1920′s Washington DC home. The media room is the place where she and her boyfriend spend evenings with their large black lab. She wanted it to be comfortable for the two of them on a daily basis

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A Modern Remodeled Hall Bath

A Modern Remodeled Hall Bath

Before we remodeled, this bath was a classic hall bath dating from the 1950′s. White and black tile, gray-patterned Formica countertops, a standard white-enameled cast iron tub.

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A Master Suite Within the Existing Footprint

A Master Suite Within the Existing Footprint

Built in 1903, this vernacular farmhouse had small rooms, limited closets, and poor flow. The owners wanted a luxurious master suite without increasing the footprint of the house. We consolidated two small bedrooms into a spacious master bedroom.

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A Low-Cost Stylish Bath

A Low-Cost Stylish Bath

This bath uses a combination of inexpensive stock material and custom glass tile to make an attractive Retro statement.  Notice the inlaid glass tile as you approach the bath from the bedroom.  The sink was placed in the corner so that large windows could let in light from two sides.  A simple light fixture and [...]

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Transitional: Blending Classic & Modern Lines

Transitional: Blending Classic & Modern Lines

This kitchen gives a stylist spin to traditional materials. We used glass subway tiles in the same way that period kitchens used ceramic subway tiles — with a running bond pattern and contrasting grout. We paired this tile with a custom concrete countertop in indigo, simple alder cabinets with a honey-colored stain, stainless steel appliances, black nickel cabinet pulls and other black accents.

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Modernizing a Split-Level - Part 2

Modernizing a Split-Level – Part 2

We had recently modernized the kitchen, dining room, and master suite and hall bath. With just a few cosmetic changes, we modernized the living room to fit in.

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Expanding a Galley Kitchen

Expanding a Galley Kitchen

We often relocate kitchens in houses that originally had small galley kitchens in the back of the house. For this 1914 duplex in Washington, DC that wasn’t possible — both for reasons of budget and space. Instead we popped part of it into the dining room.

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The Garden Room

The Garden Room

Whether you call it a Garden Room or Indoor/Outdoor living, opening your Home to your garden is probably the single most expansive change you can make in the feeling of your house.

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Carving Out a Master Suite

Carving Out a Master Suite

This article is about carving out a comfortable and luxurious master suite in a 1920′s home within the existing footprint. We converted 2 bedrooms and a closet-sized bath into a new Master Suite — see the before and after floor plans.

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Modernizing a Split Level - Part 1

Modernizing a Split Level – Part 1

Split levels were the suburban rage in the mid-1950′s and 60′s. Modernizing them can be a bit tricky. In this entryway there are several changes — all non-structural that spell modern:

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