This 1922 historical home in Meridian Kessler was ready for a few updates that remained true to its original elegant charm while including modern amenities and finishes. The kitchen and master bath were updated in the 90’s and received most of our focus with a combination of refurbished fixtures and materials seamlessly blending old with the new. But the entire home from top to bottom received a freshening up for an updated twist on its past, as well as deferred and needed maintenance throughout the home.
The kitchen had been renovated in the 1990’s, but we reconfigured it for improved function and openness. The 90’s renovation had left the main windows in the existing space with varying heights. By raising the low window to match the others it gives a more cohesive layout and allowed a large run of cabinets on the hood wall. There was a brick chimney in the existing kitchen that was covered with cabinetry. We stripped the chimney to raw brick and faux painted it for uniformity. A small island now wraps the chimney brick and integrates the classic elements of the original while providing a modern aesthetic. Classic elements in the cabinetry, backsplash, lighting, and plumbing fixtures mimic the history of the home. The 90’s prefinished oak flooring was replaced with slim slat oak and stained to match the original oak floor in the rest of the home for a seamless transition of old to new.
Unique Features:
- Stainless steel appliances with matching hood
- Unique island incorporating a restored brick chimney
- New windows for symmetry and aesthetics
For the master suite we integrated two bedrooms and a jack and jill bathroom to allow for a walk-in closet, larger master bedroom and large bathroom with all the modern amenities most coveted. By increasing this space, it allowed for a fireplace that had been in a corner of the bedroom to be centered symmetrically between two existing windows perfectly. We refurbished the original mantle details and installed a new marble hearth to make this fireplace look original. The bathroom now accommodates a large shower with marble tile floor and the shower tile is exquisite and includes a seat. The new vanity cabinets are white painted maple, and the new location and layout significantly increased storage and function. An original crystal chandelier was found in the home and was hung in its place of honor while a new wall sconce adds a touch of elegance. This larger space for the bathroom allows storage, large windows, plenty of open space and a separate toilet room with a door. The new master closet was customized specifically for this homeowner’s shoe boxes and clothing and included matching cabinet hardware with the bathroom for cohesiveness.
Unique Features:
- Single vertically installed sconce
- Fireplace sitting area in master bedroom
- Carrara marble floor and shower tile
- Double vanity with tall tall custom cabinets
- Large walk-in master closet with customized storage
Among the areas we remodeled was the back staircase. We took the original front staircase details and mimicked them for the smaller scale of the rear stairs, again to return as many details as possible to the original age of this home. Throughout the home we patched, repaired, and refinished the original hardwoods. The dining room was refurbished including fixing the original tracks and hardware of 2 sets of pocket doors, while a fresh coat of paint and a new chandelier complete this room. The living room and den just needed a fresh coat of paint, and the existing fireplace received a good cleaning. A small bedroom received maintenance of built-in cabinets and a fresh coat of paint. In the basement we did a major clean and paint of the space and added doors and a wall to separate the mechanical room. New carpet and painting of the walls and ceiling makes this now a finished and functional space as a playroom, home office or work out area.
The finished renovation restores this beautiful home to its original aesthetic while maintaining the historical details. It is a stunning blend of history and modern style with improved functionality for today’s family.
Location: Meridian Kessler in Indianapolis, IN
Credits: Photography by Sara C Imagery
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