Seeking a project to sink their teeth into, they stumbled upon a charming 1949 house with great potential and a prime location surrounded by oak trees. With a vision to preserve its character while injecting fresh life, the couple embarked on a journey of renovation.
Before starting the project
The interior, initially dreary and lacking personality, underwent a dramatic makeover. Dark color schemes, bulky moldings, and outdated fixtures made way for a bright, airy aesthetic. McLaughlin’s keen eye for design balanced high-end elements with budget-friendly finds, ensuring elegance without breaking the bank.
Beginning with the living room, McLaughlin aimed for refinement, incorporating framed panels of luxurious wallpaper to create a statement without committing to a permanent fixture. Inspired by the arches of mission-style homes in the neighborhood, she removed heavy moldings, opting for clean archways to enhance fluidity between spaces.
Before
After
The dining room seamlessly blended old and new, with antique pieces complementing modern elements, all united by a cohesive design palette. In the kitchen, strategic changes such as relocating the cooktop and incorporating Carrara marble countertops revitalized the space, while a unique vent hood added visual interest.
Before
After
Subway tile adorned the walls, offering a timeless yet cost-effective backdrop, enhanced by uneven surfaces for added dimension. Additional rooms, like the transformed bedroom-turned-hideaway, reflected McLaughlin’s attention to detail, with touches of luxury mingling effortlessly with practicality.
Even the shared bath received a playful update, with economical penny tile flooring juxtaposed against bold wallpaper and a striking bubble chandelier, demonstrating McLaughlin’s knack for balancing style and budget throughout the renovation process.
