Smart and Stylish Professorville
Clever spatial planning and colorful detailing give a historic home a whole new look and feel
As the old adage goes, “there’s no place like home.” But what happens when that home no longer fits the lifestyle of its owners? It was a question that a Professorville couple had been asking themselves for years. When they purchased the historic 1906 Colonial Revival, they were drawn to its original architectural details. Two decades and four children later, those architectural details lost their luster, while the original layout, once considered tidy and efficient, began to feel compartmentalized and out of touch with their needs. But rather than moving and leaving their memories behind, the family opted to stay put and embark on a modern makeover.
To maintain the architectural integrity of the home and pay respect to its historic neighbors, FGA carefully and cleverly enlarged interior rooms while staying within the confines of the existing footprint. By relocating the staircase from the center of the house to the perimeter, the structure was opened at its core resulting in expanded views and improved flow. A large covered porch, seamlessly added to the side of the house, creates a fluid, indoor-outdoor connection and provides the fun-loving family of six a comfortable spot for open-air living and entertaining. Aside from retaining the original footprint, FGA also retained the original roofline by “building down” as opposed to “building up.” By adding a basement level, the family was able to gain some much needed play space including a gym and game room.
QUICK FACTS
TYPE: HISTORIC RENOVATION AND ADDITION
LOCATION: PALO ALTO
AREA: 5,000 SF
Custom millwork and bespoke finishes honor the home’s architectural heritage while lending a fresh perspective. Wall treatments including wainscoting and paneling bring panache into the powder room and media room while ceiling applications—a Gambrel ceiling in a bedroom and a wood inlaid ceiling in the living room—call the eye up. In the kitchen and dining, fanciful red and cream tile balance wood and pebbled glass cabinets that hold precious dishware and family heirlooms.
Project Credits
ARCHITECT: FERGUS GARBER ARCHITECTS
GENERAL CONTRACTOR: LENCIONI CONSTRUCTION
LANDSCAPE: RAGNO ROSS & ASSOCIATES
INTERIOR DESIGN: MANSFIELD O'NEIL
PHOTOGRAPHY: THOMAS KUOH PHOTOGRAPHY
STYLING: ALLEGRA HSAIO
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