A REMODEL OF A WINDSOR HOME
The decision to remodel a home is not an easy one to make, nor a process everyone is eager or prepared to assume. Some homes have the ability to “speak” to you. They offer the capability to fulfill your entire wish list in such a way that you are willing to take on the monumental task of making it perfectly yours. While this Windsor home had many of the elements the homeowners were looking for, it was, at the time of purchase far from their perfect, dream home. Undaunted by the challenge of a full renovation the couple engaged the services of architect Tom Hoos and RCL Development to create their perfect residence. In just under a year the extensive renovation was complete. We had the enviable opportunity to not only photograph this beautiful home but also to ask the homeowners to tell us about their experience.
A Reclaimed Limestone floor from Peacock Pavers sets the tone for a casually elegant entry of a Windsor Home
Q&A with the owners
What led you to purchase a home in need of so much renovation? There was so much to overlook to see the bigger picture. Was it the view, the layout, the potential, or something else?
It was all those things together. The location came first. We wanted the convenience of being in the Windsor Village and we were hoping to find something with an expansive golf course view. We also desired a house, if possible, that was facing due east, so that the sunrise was directly in front of us and sunsets were directly off our west facing verandas. When this house came up we felt very fortunate. It had stunning views, the floor plan was simple and well laid out, it had high ceilings, wood paneling instead of sheetrock throughout the downstairs living areas, in short, the house had ‘great bones’. The main house however only had two bedrooms, hence the renovation.
Parsons Chairs in a beautiful cream are set off by an Asian screen. A collection of Blue and White decorates the table top.
What do you feel was the most significant change?
We added on and re-configuring the second floor to accommodate an additional bedroom as well as a small meditation room and bath. The kitchen renovation provided a better flow which was a big plus.
Living and Dining in one room beautifully serene and traditional.
How did you decide to live without upper kitchen cabinets?
This is our 3rd house with no upper cabinets. The first time it happened due to circumstance, our kitchen was designed to take advantage of the mountain views North Carolina and was filled with windows. Once you live without upper cabinets you realize how spacious and clean a kitchen can look and you realize how much dodging of cabinet doors you had been doing in the past! So the decision was very easy to eliminate upper cabinets in this renovation.
A contemporary Kitchen with no upper storage cabinets
How did you come to the selection of Quartzite for the Kitchen Countertops?
The Quartzite is called “Figi” stone and it was love at first sight, literally. When we walked into the stone yard, it was sitting out in full view. The coloration and movement within the stone felt like nature’s artistry at its finest.
A serene and comfortable Den
How was the renovation process for you? Would you be inclined to do another renovation if the opportunity presented itself?
This was not our first home renovation project so we knew the key to a smooth renovation was to plan well in advance and to make as many final decisions as possible before starting. We also had a great builder in RCL and supervisor in Wayne Bradford who kept us well informed so we did not find ourselves having to make last minute decisions. As for taking on another renovation, we would be hard-pressed to find any house that we would feel more comfortable, peaceful and at home in than this one.
What do you think was the most difficult decision to make and the easiest throughout the process?
Choosing paint colors was the most difficult. The house was 15 years old and needed every surface to be repainted. When you add it up there were more than 20 different color choices to be made and they all had to coordinate. The tricky thing about color is it changes depending on the light source and orientation of the room as well as the time of day. We painted large pieces of Sheetrock (2’x3’) and moved the pieces around the room to see the effect of light on the color samples. The decisions pertaining to the kitchen were the easiest. Perhaps it because I spend a lot of time cooking. I knew what I wanted in the kitchen, how it should flow, and where everything should be located. I put together a master list of every kitchen item and utensil. Doing this made it easy when it came time to locate and configure each cabinet.
How would you describe the style of furnishings?
Perhaps they can be best described as ’Modern Traditional’? The shapes are updated, simplified and scaled to larger dimensions. We used natural fiber fabrics such as linen, in muted tones which provide texture and softness.
You have mentioned that Habitat for Humanity was involved in the deconstruction of some items? How did that come to happen?
We understand that they take donations but were unaware that they will work on site to remove items as well. Our builder, RCL, recommended using Habitat for Humanity. They were willing to deconstruct and remove many items such as the old kitchen cabinets as well as the high-quality hickory wood floors. Habitat was extremely professional and well organized and we felt it was a real win/win. We saved money on the demolition and deconstruction phase and also received a tax deduction for the donation, while at the same time Habitat received substantial materials they could easily sell in their store.
It is obvious there was careful consideration of the material selections. How did you come to your selections of Peacock Pavers in the main living areas?
Originally the house had dark wood floors everywhere. We wanted to lighten the house up both in color and in feeling. In addition, the house opened up to both front and back verandas, so we wanted to take advantage of this and create more of an indoor/outdoor feeling. This was our first time using Peacock Pavers. We become familiar with them through an architect who designed a North Carolina home for us.
Remodel Architect –Tom Hoos
Builder – RCL Development
Photography by Aric Attas
Originally Published on Vero Home Life & Design
Desgin Resources
Wood Flooring: Designer’s Touch Flooring – 1715 Old Dixie Highway, Vero Beach, FL 32960 772.978.9111
Stone Flooring Installation & Kitchen Back Splash: Treasure Coast Tile & Marble – 1130 7th Court, Vero Beach, FL 32960 772.770.2556
Stone Flooring Peacock Pavers – 800-264-2072
Marble Counter Tops: Double E Marble – 540 2nd St SW # A, Vero Beach, FL 32962 772. 567.7277
Kitchen Cabinets & guest bedroom night stands: Lacorte’s Wooden Works – 1556 Old Dixie Highway, Vero Beach 32960 772.564.0068
Study Cabinets: Beachland Millwork – 525 2nd St SW, Vero Beach, FL 32962 772.562.7601
Painting throughout: Island Painting – 615 Royal Palm Point Place, Vero Beach, FL 32960 772.473.2675
Landscaping: Aiello Landscaping – 2111 47th St, Vero Beach, FL 32967 772.564.7270
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