New American Renovation Couples Sophistication and Practicality

The front elevation was redesigned to include an inviting porch, triple columns and a concrete floor that is scored and stained to resemble tile. Landscaping enhances rather than hides the entrance.

A stately wood door and craftsman-style lighting set the theme for the home.

An open floor plan in this modestly-sized home provides a spacious feel and room for entertaining.

Shaker-inspired cabinetry carries out the New American theme of this home. State-of-the-art appliances include a 48” stainless steel refrigerator, convection/microwave oven and cook top with retractable downdraft. A warming drawer is tucked into the enter island. Granite countertops and tile floors were selected in earthen colors to complement the rich wood color of the cabinetry. An opaque glass door leads to the laundry/mud room.

Seating at the raised counter comes in handy for entertaining or casual meals. Pendant lights reflect the New American theme.

An entertainment buffet is the highlight of the dining area. Matching the kitchen cabinetry for a unified look, the buffet features a wine cooler, two refrigerated drawers and a mirrored back. The doors of the lighted hutch have opaque glass insets that match the laundry room door. A door leads directly to the rear patio.

The state-of-the-art front-loading washer and dryer are topped with a laminated counter. An adjacent stationary tub has a matching top and is encased in the cabinetry that matches the kitchen cabinetry. A powder room is tucked into the space to the left, and the mini tub to the right of the washer and dryer is equipped with a shower head for easy clean up of everything from pets to muddy shoes.

The exterior was given a new patio and landscaping that provides privacy for this casual outdoor retreat.

The exterior door leads to the laundry/mud room. A planting shelf adds a charming appeal to the side of the house.

The Story

Whole House Renovation:
2006 Parade of Homes First Place Winner
2006 Aurora Award Winner

Proximity to downtown Orlando and the husband’s work was a priority for this newly married couple. So when a 1950’s ranch became available in Rowena Park, just minutes from his office—and around the corner from Leu Gardens–the husband (a bachelor at the time) scooped it up and began its transformation.

Wanting the home to serve their busy lifestyle, the couple decided to limit the home to its original 1,650 square feet to keep it manageable, while blending with the neighborhood. As a result, the home was gutted and renovated within the existing space. In spite of the modest size, the home is incredibly efficient and spoils the couple with state-of-the-art amenities that make their busy days less taxing.

Guests are welcomed with a spacious front porch with a faux tile floor created out of stained and scored concrete. Craftsman-style exterior lighting and a handsome wood door set the theme for the interior.

With a New American style, the interior features thick base trim and crown moulding painted a deep chocolate to set off the bold paint colors selected for each room. Removing a wall that closed the kitchen off from the dining and living rooms created an open floor plan that provides a sense of spaciousness and enables the couple to entertain comfortably. Claret silk draperies in the living and dining rooms create a sophisticated mood. An entertainment buffet is the highlight of the dining area. Matching the kitchen cabinetry for a unified look, the buffet features a wine cooler, two refrigerated drawers and a mirrored back. The doors of the lighted hutch have opaque glass insets that match the laundry room door.

Corinthian leather bar stools at the raised counter between the kitchen and dining room offer additional seating for entertaining or for a casual meal. Shaker-inspired cabinetry carries out the New American theme of this home. State-of-the-art appliances include a 48” stainless steel refrigerator, convection/microwave oven and cook top with retractable downdraft. A warming drawer is tucked into the center island. Granite countertops and tile floors were selected in earthen colors to complement the rich wood color of the cabinetry.

A mini tub with shower head was added to the laundry/mud room to accommodate the active lifestyle of this couple. Avid runners, the husband and wife use a built-in storage center to store running gear. The front-loading washer and dryer are topped with a laminate counter. An adjacent stationary tub has a matching top and is encased in cabinetry that matches the kitchen cabinetry. With a powder room attached, the multi-purpose space is highly functional for busy lifestyles.

To accommodate the dual-income couple, a bedroom was converted to a two-person office. An entire wall with a bank of windows is lined with desk space. A second bedroom serves as a guest room.

The hall and master bathrooms were reconfigured to more evenly distribute the space and allow for a larger master bathroom. The hall bathroom cabinets include a spacious tower cabinet and are stained with a black finish. The original mini tub with faucet was resurfaced and incorporated into a new tiled shower.

In the master bedroom suite, soothing but bold colors accent the bedroom and bathroom walls. A wood stained tower cabinet in the master bathroom has an outlet hidden inside, where the wife’s hair appliances can be permanently plugged in and remain out-of-sight. A rectangular sink is surrounded by a granite countertop. A separate cold water spout allows the husband to have the cold water he desires on command.

At the rear of the home, accessed by a door from the dining room as well as the laundry/mud room, an oversized patio provides space for outdoor furniture. New landscaping sets the stage for relaxation, while creating privacy.

Modestly sized but hardly lacking in luxury, this newly married couple’s home surrounds them with all the amenities they need to keep up with their fast-paced lifestyle. When necessary, their home also allows them to unwind at a moment’s notice.