1888 Victorian Home Transformed!

I have been thinking about writing this blog all weekend!  Why?   Because I am a bit over-the-moon with this transformation. 

We had the pleasure of working with a client on their beautiful (new to them) Victorian home built in 1888.  A home that is almost 140 years young and still standing strong.   This morning I got to wondering (I wonder about things quite a lot) what was happening in our world in 1888?  

Eastman Kodak began its business with a patent of a roll-film camera.   Thomas Edison files a patent for the first moving picture.   Queen Victoria was making some big moves abroad, and, well, Vincent von Gogh did that thing that we learned about in art history.   

Our client’s home resides in one of the oldest neighborhoods in Des Moines.   They had completed a few significant updates before our team assisted with the final transformation.    One thing our client already knew was that just because you own a vintage home, it doesn’t need to be filled with antiques that match the era.   Instead, an eclectic mix of old and new has a very appealing and unique aesthetic!

Our clients had a strong vision for the home.   The top ‘before’ picture was the front sitting room when they purchased the home.   The second 'before' represents some of the changes they made...from lighter wood floors, painting, and lighting.   The gold and the black vintage sofa is the centerpiece of this room.   This gorgeous work of art has been in our clients family for over a 100 years passed down from generation to generation moving from home to home. It has been reupholstered and refinished several times over the years. 

About a year ago,  our clients purchased the Picasso inspired pillows that grace the sofa which set the tone and vibe for what was yet to come.  This past month, they decided that they needed a little help to realize their vision.   

The outcome of this sitting room so inspires me.    Bold, beautiful, colorful, and just the right mix of new and old.   From the vintage sofa to the modern artwork and everything in between restores the magical quality of this historic home.   Who wouldn’t want to spend some time enjoying this space?

It feels like it was meant to be.  

Let’s move on to the family room just beyond the sitting room...

Again, the top ‘before’ picture represents the home from where our clients began.   They painted the fireplace, walls and finished the flooring to give a lighter presence in the house.    But they knew that this room had so much more potential!   They wanted this room to be filled with neutrals.  It also needed more seating and elements within the room to create a usable family space. 

Tucked in the front entry way was this ecletic piece of furniture that our clients cherished.   (And can we take a moment to appreciate the curved staircase.)

Our team suggested that we bring this fabulous piece that brought them joy front and center in the family room, getting the TV off the shelf. It ended up being the piece that anchored all of the rest of the furnishings selected for the room.

Can I just say, ‘WOW’?   Yes, I can.  The textures, the colors, the details, the room.   Warm, cozy, comfortable...everything that makes me fall in love with this historic home.

We work with all styles of homes, giving them an updated and personal look, and I have to say, this is one of my favorite transformations.   I have a great love for older homes and all of their character and potential!  

Next week, I get the pleasure of sharing with you what our team did with an entirely different kind of space, a floor-to-ceiling glass downtown condominium with a decidedly modern feel.

Stay tuned!   Until next week,