Charlotte Street
Get Cozy in this Renovated 1870’s Home with Modern Classic Charm
The Challenge: Replacing and rebuilding an entire floor to coincide with the style and charm of the historic home
For a lot of people, nothing can compare to the charm and warmth of a unique heritage property. As an interior designer, it is remarkable to walk into a home that was built in Fredericton during the 1870s. To be surrounded with such architectural details is a designer’s dream, so you stop and pause and realize the character, charm and warmth should never be comprised, it must be protected. I had every intention of doing so, I wanted to bring the space under renovation back to a luster and original beauty by providing a modern yet classic appeal.
The first thing I noticed was the wasted space that we could capitalize on. The bay window was the perfect backdrop for a custom window bench and the current heritage bookshelves required symmetry, so a decision to build an adjoining custom piece was designed. The floors required complete replacement and the entrance tile was outdated and did not align with the hardwood floor.
With a heritage home renovation comes special challenges that don’t normally present themselves in a newer home renovation. Unfortunately, the original floor had to be replaced, it could not be salvaged. We chose a warm hickory hardwood that aligned perfectly with the warmth and comfort of the home. The entrance tile…took some convincing. In the end the home owners agreed to my recommendation of Casa Roma tile.
The real challenge came when the floor had to be replaced, there were so many issues from rotten wood to uneven floor joists. The contractor and his team were meticulous, ensuring the new floor was safe, balanced and aligned to perfection with the adjoining floor. The entrance floor was removed and a seamless transition from tile to hardwood was perfected. The result – true perfection, like the hardwood and the tile had been married together for years.
The adjoining custom piece was designed to house the electronics in the room but with a great deal of detail to ensure it appeared to have always been there. The real challenge was matching the stain to the existing bookcases, there was no stain on the market that matched. A call to Fredericton’s Stain Doctor and the perfect stain was custom created.
I utilized the colour undertones in the home owners art collection to create the colour palate. I wanted to ensure the furniture and furnishings were worthy of this magnificent home. I developed a soft, warm palate of greys, blues and lavender using different textures yet providing a cozy, modern and classic appeal.
I can’t imagine anyone not wanting to curl up in either of these rooms with a good book, a glass of wine, get lost and let the world go by
Bang On Photography
victorian modern