A classic Dutch Colonial is on tap today, and a quick note before we dive in. We’re on Instagram. IG. Insta. Whatever the cool cats call it. We’re there with pics of our work and brief comments, cool catting it up @afinishedspace. We'll try to keep it snappy and regular.
Back to this sweet Dutch Colonial, built in 1929. This small home had some seen limited cosmetic remodeling a few years ago, but the basement was mostly original and the substantive improvements had been ignored. Our first steps included removing radiators in favor of modern HVAC, new electrical service, insulating the attic, installing a new water heater, new windows in the basement, and removing a narrow set of stairs to the basement accessed via . . . the powder room.
No kidding, the powder room. So, we built a new stairwell and finished the basement before refreshing the first and second floor.
A lovely 1929 brick Dutch Colonial. These homes can easily live another 100 years or more with some improvements, and we hope they do.
It was time to retire the stairs-in-the-bathroom concept, so we applied some engineering magic to create new stairs near the back of the home.
Tip of the Day: you should not need to maneuver around the toilet to use basement stairs. Our clients agreed. These new stairs in the back of the house were the perfect solution.
The original basement was not an inviting place, and many basements from this era were the same. It’s a great opportunity to add valuable living space as an alternative to finding a new home or undertaking an addition.
Another perspective of the old basement.
New windows, cabinetry, improved lighting, and new porcelain flooring make the basement laundry room less gloomy.
Frosted glass doors allow some light to pass through while keeping the laundry room out of sight when not in use.
A media nook and new mechanicals complete the basement.
As we head upstairs, the home was looking a bit tired. We refinished the floors, updated the fireplace, painted, installed new light fixtures and tile, and helped the owners pick out some new furniture—all while minding the classic details that made this home so attractive.
The original entry.
The new entry.
We installed new light fixtures, tile around the fireplace, painted the walls and ceiling, and refinished the floors before helping our clients pick new pieces for their family room. Same for the music area and dining room below.
We maintained the original stained glass windows and stained oak millwork, all of which was in fairly good condition, to meet our client’s objectives.
The original kitchen.
New lighting, backsplash, and hardware upgraded the refinished cabinetry in this kitchen.
It was rewarding to give this Dutch Colonial a second act in life. We hope this family and the next generations of owners enjoy it well into the next century and beyond.
