Before & After: Bringing Light to an 1850’s Greek Revival

1850's Greek Revival Renovation - Hinman Construction

I purchased an 1850’s Greek Revival that had been added on to and remodeled over the years. The kitchen was well past due and the adjoining back room also served as a mudroom and TV room, not to mention the principal entry from the driveway, garage, and pool area. Everything was dark and tired. Although I had a vision, I did not know how to proceed, or if the vision was even feasible. I found Jami and Kim via friends and Houzz. They were enthusiastic about the potential and the challenges, and dove right in. Kim was terrific in helping me choose cabinets, countertops, and colors, as well as coordinating the lighting design. Jami and his team of true craftsmen worked at an amazing pace but at the same time managed to be perfectionists. As others have commented, I never came home at the end of the day to a workspace that was not immaculate. Most importantly, I was never out of the loop. Every day things would come up, as they must in every job but particularly in an old house filled with idiosyncrasies, and they never went ahead without asking for my input or approval. Thus, it truly was a work in progress.

The end result is stunning. Dark walls are now filled with windows that welcome the sun. The kitchen is bright and warm and spacious from the hardwood floors to the exposed original beams. The Greenfield cabinets are truly elegant in design. They also have more than enough space and versatility for this cook.

I can entertain with the adjoining dining space or start my day in a cozy breakfast nook that looks out over the pool. The back door now opens into a true mudroom that sports more Greenfield cabinetry as well as a custom barn-style closet door and a natural edge wood boot/shoe bench. Matching barn doors also hide a back stairway, the laundry, and a hall closet. The bathroom, which once opened on to the living room, is now tucked down a side hallway where it is also easily accessed by those enjoying the deck and pool. It also offers a heated tile floor for cold stocking feet in the winter and wet feet stepping out of the shower. Jami, his son Jesse, and the ever-stalwart Matt did it all, from soup to nuts, under the careful scrutiny of Kim. They make a great team. They love doing what they do and have fun doing it. It truly shows in the results.

-M.

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