Future Legacy
Words by Meg Hilburn | Photos by Brynn Burns
A Rockhill Colonial on the Historic Register is elevated with classical, playful and functional dynamics.
he renovation began along with the prospective purchase, when the potential homeowner was considering buying this untouched historical 1921 gem. She saw the potential but knew she’d need help. She called on her designer from years past—Stephanie Abramson—to talk it through.
“Stephanie and I had crossed paths in 2005 when she lent her expertise to the design of my previous home,” she explains. “I knew she’d be the perfect partner for this project because of her keen ability to grasp a client’s vision and unwavering commitment to quality design choices that pay extraordinary attention to detail.”
The client’s asks were simple but nuanced. One, craft a modern, calm and serene aesthetic. Two, deftly blend contemporary and traditional elements with a few vibrant pops of color. And three, reconfigure the space without looking like they reconfigured it in order to incorporate modern conveniences to make entertaining easy.
Abramson was game.
“Creating a welcoming environment for friends, family and community was extremely important to this client,” she says. “Everything needed to be touched to bring this house into the 21st century without losing integrity and charm. Because I was allowed from the start to let creativity flow, we were able to make it relevant and blend the aesthetics of old and new seamlessly. I feel like we accomplished what we set out to do.”
The balance of old and new is evident from the outside in—one of the biggest challenges they faced was addressing an existing lower-grade backyard and tiny detached garage. The solution? Construct an elevated driveway leading to a spacious new two-car garage. This not only provided ample parking but also made accessing the home more convenient. By tearing out an old back staircase, they were able to add an exterior door, allowing direct entry from the garage to the kitchen.
The homeowner believes life is colorful. We pushed it in a few places to add joy.”
~ Interior designer Stephanie Abramson
Removing this staircase also freed up space to expand the area off the kitchen, allowing for the addition of a desired butler’s pantry and a new main-level full bath. These lifestyle-oriented additions fulfilled the client’s needs as an avid entertainer and incorporated thoughtful future planning to accommodate for aging in place. The results are functionality at its best. The new butler’s pantry—complete with a second dishwasher, ice maker, beverage fridge and sink—matches any new-construction wish list.
Noteworthy kitchen selections perfectly reflect the project’s overall vision. The classic cabinetry is paired with a showstopping green marble island, hammered stainless apron sink, ethereal quartzite backsplash and tops, organic hand-glazed tiles and mixed metal hardware and lighting, creating an intriguing blend of textural tones.
In the new full bath, Abramson explains how, “Everything is new except the sink, which was original to the house—we decided to restore it and give it a new faucet.”
It mixes perfectly with modern choices, such as a custom glass shower and charcoal and wood-textured plank tiles. An antique framed tapestry on the wall keeps it in good company.
The main hall still connects the kitchen, dining room and living room—a central plan so recognizable to many Rockhill homes—but its appearance is anything but typical, courtesy of a hand-painted wallcovering by Porter Teleo.
“I’ve long admired [Porter Teleo’s] aesthetic and finally had the opportunity to incorporate their signature look into my living space,” the homeowner notes. “Its uplifting presence greets you the moment you step inside.”
Within each connecting room, the details are anything but expected. The dining room has new wainscotting that appears original, an antique dining set dons new vibrant seat covers and the ceiling features deep-blue paint paired with a modern chandelier. The walls also showcase the homeowner’s own classical Asian scrolls.
“I had chills when she pulled those out,” Abramson says. “We knew we were using them!”
In the adjacent living room, more Asian-inspired antiques were incorporated as coffee and side tables. Abramson paired them with new custom-upholstered sofas in rich, iridescent rust-colored velvet. Above, a vintage batik in the same deep blue as the dining room ceiling faces off with a modern print, lending subtle energy to the conversation area.
It’s in the adjoining library where dynamic color shines in full force.
“The homeowner believes life is colorful,” the designer muses. “We pushed it in a few places to add joy.”
All-new bookcases—painted in a vibrant green—were made to hold more than 2,000 books that the homeowner had purchased along with the home. A small window was expanded to bring in more light, complementing the bold green marble floor tiles that anchor the room and create a jewel-box effect.
Upstairs in the primary bedroom and bathroom, serenity and luxury rule supreme with a return to natural tones and materials.
“The space was there, but we reconfigured it from the tiny original closet and bath to create a large closet and open shower room that incorporates a separate soaking tub,” Abramson explains.
The walls are clad in full slabs of marble from floor to ceiling, allowing for uninterrupted movement in the veining.
All old houses come with a few surprises, but in this case, it was the client and designer who added them! The full bath on the third floor is just plain fun for guests, with a bright red vanity and walls striped à la Pendleton blanket. And, to top it all off—literally—this dynamic client-designer duo added a mirrored yoga studio in the loft space above the new garage. The result surprises and delights.
“I never want to do the same thing twice,” Abramson says. “This client didn’t shy away from letting creativity reign. When a client is so open to expressing herself and we can play, amazing things can happen.”
Interior Designer: SEA Design, @seadesignkc
Architect: BNB Design, bnbdesign.com
Contractor: Noblit Didier Construction, @noblitdidierconstruction
Resources:
Architect: BNB Designs
Interior Designer: SEA Designs
Contractor: Noblit Didier
Appliances & Plumbing Fixtures: Ferguson
Countertops: SCI
Flooring: Tile Creative
Hardware: Locks & Pulls
Paint:BW Quinn
Roofing: Bill Davis Roofing
Windows: BuildersFirst
Custom Furniture, Fabrics, Carpet and Lighting: Designer’s Library
Custom Cabinets: Dalzo Group
Wallpaper: Porter Teleo
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