Bungalow on the Hill: A Remimagined Historic Beauty

Project Overview

• We transformed a charming 1923 bungalow with its original kitchen into a spacious, modern home.
• Our team added a second story with a new stairway, two bedrooms, and a primary suite with ample closet space.
• After discussing with our client, we maintained the front living room, refreshed the dining area, and remodeled the existing first-floor bath and bedroom.
• We rebuilt the front porch with exposed beams, gable brackets, and custom trim to reflect beautiful historic details.
• Our team upgraded the kitchen with custom kitchen cabinets, soapstone countertops, and a layout designed for daily life and entertaining.

a thoughtful expansion with historic charm

Our clients needed more room, both physically and practically, which is unsurprising considering the needs of modern life. They asked for a larger kitchen, office space for remote work, real closets, more bathrooms, and some comfort-driven upgrades like a fireplace and screened porch. It was important to them that the remodel feel like an extension of their existing home, not a departure from it, so we had to take care to ensure the new vision aligned with what existed.

We approached the remodel with that vision in mind, keeping the original front living room and dining room while reworking the rest of the space. We rebuilt the front porch with exposed beams, gable brackets, and paint-grade window trim, staying true to the original details. These elements not only preserved the home's character but also gave our clients the freedom to personalize with paint choices.

For siding and windows, we used Hardiplank, Thermatru front doors, and Andersen windows to strike a balance between durability and style. While the rear screen porch is small by design, it now offers the perfect retreat for coffee in the morning or a drink in the evening.

project challenges

The timeline was ambitious from the start. Delays with inspections and permitting added considerable time to the project. Some of those delays were tied to the ongoing effects of COVID, while others were simply part of working with an older structure.

One of the biggest construction challenges was marrying the new build with the original structure. The side and front walls of the home were extremely bowed. We corrected one but had to work around the other without compromising the aesthetic. 

Behind the scenes, we also had to tackle structural, plumbing, and electrical repairs to bring the house up to standard before moving into the fun phase of the project.

What makes this remodel stand out

preserving the historic value

This was a project where the architectural integrity of the home was non-negotiable. We made sure the Arts and Crafts-style roofline remained intact and that all expansions respected the home's original footprint. The rebuilt porch, with updated code-compliant posts and railings that mimic the original era, helped preserve the look our clients and their neighbors loved.

a custom kitchen with personality 

Remodeling a small kitchen can be quite a challenge, but we tackled the project head-on, and the space has been significantly improved. The kitchen is now a bright, inviting space that reflects our client's personal style. 

They chose a bold cabinet color that brings life to the space. Working together with our designer, they selected a combination of countertops and backsplash tile that feels both modern and timeless. We used soapstone counters from Atlas Stone, and custom-made kitchen cabinets were created and finished specifically for this home, making them one-of-a-kind.

energy efficiency and restored flooring

Nowadays, many of our clients are concerned about energy efficiency when remodeling their homes. So were our clients for this renovation. With their blessing, we improved the home's insulation, installed energy-efficient appliances, and ensured the new windows helped regulate indoor temperature all year long. 

Additionally, whenever possible, we retained and refinished the original hardwood flooring in our client's home. In the place where new floors were needed, we matched them to the original oak or pine, keeping the movement of the house intact.

a few standout moments we would like to share

Watching the second story take shape was an unforgettable moment for us and our clients, and it's something we're truly proud of. The new front bedroom features a cathedral ceiling, and the primary suite at the back offers plenty of closet space, exactly what the owners hoped for. 

As the kitchen came together, seeing the bold cabinet color installed for the first time was another big highlight for both the clients and our team. Another favorite moment was watching the newel posts go in along the staircase, a sign that the home was nearing completion.

Final thoughts from the homeowners

This quote from our clients said it all: "We loved the final results. It definitely exceeded our expectations!"

Despite the unexpected delays and going over budget, the homeowners said they were truly happy with how everything turned out. They also said, "We loved working with Villa. Jeff was knowledgeable, honest, and responsive, and the team was great. By the end of the renovation, they felt like family."

They also appreciated how we helped turn their general ideas into actual design plans and addressed every challenge along the way with patience and professionalism. We couldn't have asked for better clients!