The Vintage Charm Awakens
As I stepped into the 1930s Massachusetts home, I could feel the palpable energy of a bygone era. This stately abode, with its unique architecture and gracious lot, was about to undergo a transformation that would marry its classic roots with a refreshing modern sensibility.
The homeowners, a busy family with a love for entertaining and an adventurous spirit, had entrusted interior designer Jen Dulac to breathe new life into their forever home. Jen had a playful way of describing the project, likening it to “a stately older gentleman” who had just met his “younger, classy yet vivacious partner.” [4] The challenge was to honor the home’s character and history while infusing it with a breath of fresh air.
Bridging the Old and the New
As Jen dove into the renovation plan, she knew maintaining the original charm was paramount. The existing stained wood trim in the dining and living rooms, as well as the gracious central staircase, were to remain untouched, serving as anchors to the home’s vintage roots. [4] “They didn’t want the new spaces in the home to feel out of sync with the original – like the home was having an identity crisis,” Jen explains.
At the same time, the homeowners craved a more modern, livelier aesthetic that would breathe new life into their forever home. Jen’s approach was to carefully weave in elements of warmth, texture, and personality, creating a seamless blend of old and new.
A Vintage-Inspired Bathroom Sanctuary
One of the key spaces that underwent a stunning transformation was the bathroom. The designer’s brief was to create a cohesive, timeless design that would both honor the home’s history and cater to the family’s contemporary lifestyle.
Jen’s first step was to preserve the original clawfoot tub – a charming nod to the home’s vintage roots. From there, she expertly layered in a mix of classic and modern elements, striking a perfect balance. [2]
The hexagonal floor tiles, a timeless choice, were given a modern twist by using a black and white color palette instead of the traditional monotone. [1] Jen also incorporated a touch of drama by painting the underside of the clawfoot tub in a rich black hue, making the gleaming gold legs pop. [2]
To further enhance the vintage vibe, Jen opted for classic square white subway tiles, laid in a brick pattern, that wrapped around the room. [2] Above the tile, she painted the walls in a soothing, earthy green, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Blending Old and New
Jen’s design approach seamlessly blended old and new throughout the bathroom. She chose gold fixtures, a nod to the home’s original elegance, but paired them with more contemporary vanity and lighting choices. [2]
The vanity itself was a DIY triumph, transforming a vintage dresser into a one-of-a-kind vanity with a custom-cut top and a drop-in sink. [2] This fusion of old and new echoed the overall design ethos, where classic and modern elements coexisted in perfect harmony.
Even the powder room, a small, windowless space, was infused with drama and moodiness. Jen covered the walls in a bold, vibrant peacock wallpaper that played off the homeowner’s love of needlepoint, complemented by deep teal woodwork. [4] The result was a cohesive, yet unexpected, design that delighted the senses.
Timeless Elegance, Modern Flair
Throughout the home, Jen wove a thread of warm, natural wood tones to bridge the gap between the original spaces and the newly renovated areas. In the kitchen, she used a light, mushroom-toned paint on the perimeter cabinets, pairing it with a handmade subway tile backsplash in a similar hue. [4] The kitchen island, however, sported a rich, cherry-stained wood base, adding depth and character to the space.
In the butler’s pantry, the natural cherry countertops continued the theme of wood warmth, while the playful Peacock wallpaper from Rifle Paper Co. injected a touch of whimsy. [4] Even in the moody, navy-hued bar area, the natural wood tones of the hammered brass sink and fixtures popped against the inky backdrop.
A Harmonious Whole
The result of Jen’s design efforts was a harmonious blend of vintage charm and modern sensibilities. The homeowners’ desire to honor the home’s history while infusing it with a fresh, lively energy was masterfully achieved.
As the first Christmas Caroling party unfolded in the newly renovated spaces, Jen witnessed her vision come to life. “The kitchen and family room were filled with people – some watching the game on TV, others gathered round the island, and others making their way to the bar for the husband’s famous cocktails. The space worked just how they’d dreamed it would.” [4]
In the end, the 1930s Massachusetts home had found its perfect partner – a younger, vivacious counterpart that celebrated its timeless elegance while introducing a delightful modern twist. The vintage charm had awakened, and the result was a harmonious, inviting sanctuary that would stand the test of time.
References
[1] Knowledge from https://www.pinterest.com/pin/349380883592315047/
[2] Knowledge from https://www.lemonthistle.com/modern-classic-bathroom-makeover/
[3] Knowledge from https://www.instagram.com/maxwhumphrey/p/CwnQjd2OHiA/
[4] Knowledge from https://ruemag.com/home-tour-2/jen-dulacs-fresh-classic-design-has-a-twistand-a-smile
[5] Knowledge from https://decormatters.com/blog/interior-design-trends-for-2022-with-the-style-so-simple-twist
[6] Knowledge from https://helenmilesmosaics.org/mosaics-miscellaneous/mosaic-opus/
[7] Knowledge from https://www.bloominghomestead.com/2015/05/patriotic-rice-krispie-treats.html
[8] Knowledge from https://www.makingjoyandprettythings.com/modern-vintage-bathroom-inspiration/