Outdated to Modern | Season 1 Episode 3

Written by Jenny Marrs on November 11, 2019. Posted in Fixer to Fabulous.

This week’s episode of Fixer to Fabulous featured the adorable Baldwin family. Kelsey and Jefferson have four kiddos, own a local brewery and are such a fun couple. We absolutely loved working with them to update their home in order to highlight the gorgeous tucked-away-in-the-woods setting and the fantastic midcentury architecture. This was honest-to-goodness one of my favorite projects: the location, the family, the top-secret surprise bathroom reno orchestrated by Jefferson, and the incredible natural light inside the home all made this a dream project!

Exterior

BEFORE: a lackluster exterior.

The existing exterior of the home was unique, yet it was also a bit lifeless and dull. The overgrown holly bushes and stone planter beds were unsightly and the closed off wrap-around balconies blocked the gorgeous outdoor views. Although Jefferson was hesitant at first, Kelsey and I were able to convince him of the need for a fresh coat of exterior paint. I chose a dark and smoky green that not only made the home more inviting but allowed it to blend in seamlessly with the surrounding lush wooded landscape. Dave also built a cedar trellis accent over the front windows to add architectural interest, we updated the landscaping and we added modern craftsman-style railings with horizontal balusters to really open up the deck and entrance to the home.

AFTER: a full refresh highlights the natural elements of the home and surrounding area.

Sources

Landscaping | John Zito Landscaping LLC

Cedar Window Trellis | Custom by Dave Marrs

Exterior Siding & Trim Paint Color | Farrow & Ball “Green Smoke” No. 47

Front Door Paint Color | Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray HC-168

Outdoor Kitchen

BEFORE: a small space unsuited for this family of six.

The existing deck was narrow and not functional for this family who loves to entertain. We expanded the deck in order to create the perfect place for a simple outdoor kitchen. Dave built custom shelving to house a grill and I stacked firewood into the open shelving which helped to blend the outdoor space in seamlessly with the surrounding woods.

Since the Baldwin’s own a brewery, we naturally had to incorporate a kegerator into the outdoor kitchen. In order to add a custom touch, Dave carved a custom beer tap handle from wood and then came up with his favorite project to date: gunpowder art. He attached a vinyl stencil of the Baldwin’s brewery logo to the tap handle, ﬁlled it in with gunpowder and then lit it on ﬁre for an engraved burn effect.

AFTER: the perfect spot for outdoor entertaining.

Sources

Custom Logo Stencil | Best Sign Group

Kegerator | Metro Appliances

The Kitchen

BEFORE: a cramped and dark space.

The existing kitchen was dark and needed to be updated in order to better function for this young family.

We brightened things up with white paint and by installing a new, larger window over the kitchen sink. We also got rid of the odd sushi bar and imposing (but very cool) dumb waiter in order to make the entire space more inviting (while still maintaining the integrity of the classic Ozark E. Fay Jones-style home). The new custom cabinetry with counter-height shelves and glass fronts make the entire space feel lighter and and more open. Because the Baldwins didn’t want to replace the existing terra-cotta tile floor, I had a challenge finding the perfect paint color to compliment the tile. I went with one of my favorites – Pigeon by Farrow & Ball – and I think it complimented the warmth of the tile floor perfectly.

AFTER: a bright, inviting kitchen.

Sources

Island Pendant | Shades of Light – Link

Cabinetry | Premier Wood Concepts – Link

Appliances | Metro Appliances

Faucet | Kohler – Link

Cabinet Hardware | Top Knobs

Cabinet Paint Color | Farrow & Ball Pigeon No. 25

Dining Table & Chairs | Avenue Design Company – Link

The Great Room

BEFORE: a less-than-great room.

Despite all of the gorgeous windows in the Baldwin’s home, the existing interior still felt heavy and cramped. I brightened up the great room with fresh paint (a great example of the magic of the right shade of white paint!) and kept the warmth of the wood beams in tact. Where the dresser and TV were, Chase built a custom media cabinet to add storage and balance out the stone ﬁreplace. Additionally, I added a small window seat reading nook between the media unit and ﬁreplace and we swapped out the old mantle for a lighter one. Overall, the space feels much more welcoming and bright.

AFTER: a light, airy and welcoming space.

Sources

Fan | Shades of Light

Artwork | Kelly Ventura – Link

Coffee Table & Chairs | Avenue Design Co

Wall Paint Color | Benjamin Moore Simply White

Powder Bath

BEFORE: a very cramped out-dated bathroom.

Jefferson asked us to surprise Kelsey by updating the powder bath. This space wasn’t in their original budget or plan but we all agreed it needed to be updated in order to better fit into the overall home. The new vanity and gorgeous ceramic tile brightened up this room and made it a fun, unexpected space the Baldwins could proudly let guests use. It was SO MUCH FUN surprising Kelsey with this room!

AFTER: a fresh and bright powder bath for guests.

Sources

Bathroom Vanity | Premier Wood Concepts – Link

Bathroom Light | Kichler

Bathroom Tile | Tilebar – Link

Vanity Faucet | Delta – Link

Shower Faucet – Delta – Link

The Master Suite

BEFORE: an odd layout without a master bathroom.

The master bedroom was choppy and outdated. There was a closet built into the room, a random sink and a door connecting the bedroom to the small powder bath. We framed a new bathroom where the extra closet space had been, added a rich, dark wood double vanity and made the space feel luxe and spa-like. Contemporary matte black tile added a modern twist to an otherwise earthy and organic color palette.

With not a lot of room left in the budget, we refreshed the bedroom by painting the walls and trim, updating the wood floor and reorienting the layout of the furniture. Custom curtains helped to frame out the awkward window layout in the space.

Lastly, I commissioned Chase to build a modern take on a traditional barn door. The unique door helps to maximize space and is also a beautiful focal point in the room (and, I received a few questions about the ability to lock this door – yes it does lock from the inside:)).