Seamless Transitions

Our three-part discussion on timeless design continues.  In this post, we’re focusing on seamless transitions, answering an important question: how can we ensure our remodel blends with and complements existing details of the home?  An updated room or addition shouldn’t look like it was an afterthought, or simply thrown on the home without consideration of its original character.  This is achieved with custom design.1880s Farmhouse Sunroom Addition

Acknowledge the home’s existing materials; you don’t want to lose sight of its age and charm.  For example, this sunroom addition on an 1880s farmhouse features cream city brick and fieldstone to complement the existing structure.  An addition with vinyl siding would have looked out of place and wouldn’t have blended with the home.  On the interior, we used reclaimed barn beams, distressed cherry, character-grade hickory flooring, and fieldstone, tying into the home’s original timber frame and aesthetic.

1880s Farmhouse Sunroom Addition InteriorPay attention to the home’s scale and details.  The 1880s farmhouse had simple features, so a flat roof with railings seemed like the perfect fit.  When a new area of the home is significantly larger or more ornate than the original, it can look out of place.  An addition should feel like a natural extension of the existing structure.

Understand that “complementing” the home doesn’t necessarily mean the same thing as “matching.”  It you get too caught up in a perfect match, you may miss out on modern amenities or lose sight of your budget.  Choose items that have the same scale and feel.1880s Farmhouse Kitchen Remodel

Create a balanced mix of old and new.  You can embody the home’s original charm without sacrificing modern conveniences.  This can be achieved in many ways:

  • Using innovative, more durable materials that lend a historic look
  • Preserving original details
  • Introducing repurposed materials
  • Choosing modern appliances, lighting, heating and cooling systems, and beyond

1880s Farmhouse Greeting Room RemodelWith the farmhouse remodel, we accomplished this with a blend of rustic and refined details – barn beams, coffered ceilings, new light fixtures, stainless steel appliances, painted cabinetry, fieldstone, the existing slate floor, new windows, and PVC trim.