In homes with a century of character, even the most charming features can be compromised by dated design. Such was the case with this 1924 home—full of potential yet hindered by an awkward and inefficient upstairs layout. Corinthian Fine Homes reimagined this space, transforming clunky circulation and cramped corners into a graceful blend of form and function, all while preserving the historic integrity of the home.
Before: A Maze of Small Spaces and Strange Circulation
In the original floor plan, the upstairs layout was more puzzling than practical. The most notable inconvenience? To enter the primary closet, one had to exit the primary bedroom, and without a dedicated hallway the primary closet acted as the passageway from the north and south bedrooms—an unconventional and impractical circulation route. Meanwhile, Bedrooms #3 and #4 suffered from tiny bathrooms and undersized closets, which did little to support the daily routines of a modern family.
The space felt tight and disjointed, while Bedroom 3 was generous in size, the bathroom couldn’t have been smaller, and Bedroom 4 had a reasonable bathroom, but the closet was awkward and tight.
After: A Masterclass in Flow and Function
The updated layout brings a breath of fresh air to the upper level. Corinthian Fine Homes expertly reoriented the layout to achieve three major objectives:
1. Create Flow with a New Hallway: By reducing bedroom 3 and relocating the closet it allowed for a proper hallway, the design team eliminated the awkward circulation that previously required passing through the primary closet.
2. Design a Modern Jack & Jill Bathroom: In place of the original, cramped bathrooms, the new Jack & Jill layout (Bathroom #3 and #4) offers shared access between Bedrooms #3 and #4. This not only improves functionality but allows for a larger, modern bathroom that still nods to the past.
3. Introduce a Luxurious, Functional Primary Closet: The newly configured Primary Closet is more streamlined and spacious, allowing the bedroom to feel expansive and serene. While it was condensed from its original footprint, the result is a more useful storage and a walk-in closet that anchors the suite with intention.
Classic Materials Meet Timeless Design
To maintain the soul of this 100-year-old home, the team leaned into materials and finishes with historical weight. The bathroom’s Carrara marble floor and countertops, classic black-and-white tile, and elegant wainscoting capped with detailed molding all reflect the 1920s aesthetic. These choices honor the original architecture while offering a fresh, luxurious take on everyday function.
A Space Designed for Living—and Loving
Today, the redesigned space is not only more efficient—it’s also more joyful. The homeowner’s daughter, now enjoying the refreshed rooms, particularly loves the bright, feminine palette chosen just for her. She finally has space to live, grow, and feel at home in a way that wasn’t possible before.
From chaos to clarity, this project is a testament to thoughtful renovation—where every square foot works harder, every detail feels intentional, and every room tells a story that’s both old and new.