THE TRANSFORMATION OF A WINDSOR HOME RENOVATION REVEALS TRUE BEAUTY
What once was a tired, old and dated home was recreated into equestrian lovers well loved and lived in Vero Beach Home. Not your typical Florida style, this home is rich in texture, color with a timeless and traditional vibe. Be sure to check out the before photos at the end of the post.
Ten years after originally working with clients Pat and Howard “Skip” Hauser, interior designer Jill Shevlin of Jill Shevlin Design had the pleasure of collaborating with them again to spruce up and redecorate their initial project. It was not long after finalizing the house that Jill received a call to preview a new home they were considering purchasing just a few doors down the street.
Soon enough, the sale was final and renovations were underway. The new home originally built in 1999 was formerly decorated in exactly the opposite taste of the new owners. There were many items, without question, that had to immediately go. Yards of gold damask fabric on the windows, a marble Grecian goddess fireplace mantel, and a mock Tiffany stained glass ceiling inset in the dining room just to name a few. There were however just as many exquisite details that had to be celebrated including a stunning black and white marble entryway with finely detailed coin millwork walls, a grand stair hall and a pool room that would easily convert to a theatre room. The renovations began and the home was steadily converted into a simpler version of itself, celebrating the multitude of magnificent details throughout.
Phil Barth of Barth Construction built the original home, so the Hauser’s selected him for the renovation as well. Having built ten homes during their married life together, the Hauser’s are veterans of the process and as they shared, this particular project has been the most rewarding and seamless of all. “Phil Barth was totally involved and on top of the project on a daily basis. His superintendent, Randall, worked on the original home, as well, and was invaluable during the renovation. Both gentlemen were a pleasure to work with,” recounted Pat.
Not all decisions associated with the renovation were as easy as choosing the builder, however. Pat revealed that it was difficult to part with and replace costly items in perfect condition, simply because they were not to their taste. The upside to parting with such items, however, is their new home has now exceeded all expectations and has quickly become the favorite house of any in which they have lived. Skip loves the home theatre with its comfortable seating; Pat prefers the breakfast room, with its bright light, a cheery place to read in the morning.
The interior furnishings of the home are a simple, traditional mix of dark rich wood tones and textures that accent the original millwork, one of the many original details that remain and were restored during the renovation. “As a designer, it is critical to pay close attention to details, while taking into account the client’s desires,” says designer Jill Shevlin. Working with someone like Pat, who has a great eye for detail and is able to vocalize her wishes makes the project that much easier and enjoyable.
The color palate evolved organically while trying to offset the formality especially that of the black and white marble entry. We worked diligently to create a balance by using casual fabrics and slightly bolder colors to compliment. Another major point of consideration on all our decisions was the Hauser’s family. Pat wanted this home to stand up to her growing family which includes four grandchildren, and a few live in and pet visitors. Pat immediately gravitated toward the dining room chair fabric and from there the color scheme for the Living area naturally evolved. “Working with Jill on a previous project definitely helped. She was astutely aware of my likes and dislikes—and quirks! She knew that comfortable family areas are important to us and that we are more casual—rather than formal—people”.
Throughout the year-long renovation process, the house evolved into a home that now greets guests with an inviting courtyard entry with simple elegant fountain. Once concealed by a “bridge” across the front of the home that connected the two carriage houses. Everyone involved would agree that the front façade work created the most impressive change by opening up and revealing the true beauty of the home.
Interior Designer: Jill Shevlin, Jill Shelvin Design
Builder: Barth Construction
Living Room
Dining Room Side Table
Q&A with the Home Owners
What is the age of the home? How long did the renovation take?
The house was built in 1999. The actual construction took 11 months, there were a few additional months spent in the planning stages.
The renovations were quite extensive, what do you feel made the greatest impact?
Originally there was a “bridge” on the front of the house connecting the two upstairs Carriage Houses that concealed the front façade. Removing that made the greatest impact visually.
How painful or joyful was the renovation process? Would you do it again?
Barth Construction built the original home so we selected them to do the renovation. We have built over ten homes during our married years and this experience was the best of all. Phil Barth was totally involved and on top of the project on a daily basis. His superintendent, Randall, worked on the original home as well and was invaluable during the renovation. Both gentlemen were a pleasure to work with.
What was the most difficult decision to make with regard to renovating?
It was most difficult to replace items that were costly and in perfectly good condition merely because they were not our taste.
Is your home what you envisioned when you started the process?
The home turned out better than anything we had imagined and has become our favorite home that we’ve ever lived in.
Is there anything you would change?
We would have loved to have had a place for a wine cellar but we are managing with a large wine refrigerator instead.
What is your favorite room in the house?
For Skip, probably the Home Theater with its comfortable seating.
For Pat, probably the Breakfast Room which is light and airy – a cheerful place to read in the mornings.
Want to see the before images of the billard room? Check them out here on the Jill Shevlin Design Blog
Pool / Media Room
Photography: Aric Attas
Check out the before photos.
Originally published on Vero Home Life & Design
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