Happy to have you here…
Welcome to my little Denver bungalow transformation…
In August of 2007, I purchased a home in the Highlands neighborhood of northwest Denver. The organization of the house, built in 1911, is typical to the neighborhood - with two bedrooms, a small bathroom, living and dining rooms and kitchen upstairs, and a full (but low-ceilinged) basement. One great bonus to the house is a circa-1930s sunroom addition to the back of the house. And then there are the challenges…
The kitchen: Oh, the kitchen. It was a very narrow galley-kitchen at the rear of the house, one so space-deprived that the previous owner kept the refrigerator in the mud room beyond the kitchen. Because of the size and generally poor space planning, there was very little storage space. In order to live happily in this house, the kitchen was priority number one in this renovation.
A disparity in taste: Over time, the interior style of the house went from (assumingly) traditional - if understated - Craftsman detailing to an art deco flavor. Not that there’s anything wrong with art deco, but it doesn’t really match the style of this home. There is something wrong, however, with some particularly garish sponge-painting that left the fireplace and the bathroom almost unbearable to look at. Lots of changes coming to trim, lighting, and other details to bring some design context back to the house.
The garden: The majority of my previous renovation experience is actually with the outdoors - I work in a landscape architecture office, and the design and organization of outdoor spaces is a passion of mine. While a first glance at the garden impressed with some fun details, room for a vegetable garden, and plenty of flowering plants - it became clear that the maintenance of the garden had fallen on hard times. Some initial projects to reveal the front of the house have begun, and the transformation of the outdoors will be on-going.
Through this renovation, I’m trying to create a home for myself and my 4-year old son - all while we live in the house through all the work. The challenges are numerous, but it’s fun to watch (and be responsible) for the transformation. I hope you enjoy following along as I guide you through the changes. Thanks for visiting my renovation…
I am looking forward to seeing your completed renovation. The place looks like it has great “bones.” It should be a great house for you and your son!
Comment by Catherine — November 27, 2007 @ 9:33 am