Ron and Marianne’s decision to give up city living for a little slice of heaven on an apple orchard in wine country came easy, but getting around to the renovations their 80-year-old farmhouse needed was a different story. Without the time and talent to transform their country place into a stunning space, the couple called on Carolyn Wilbrink and Billy Pearson to create the farmhouse of their dreams with a $150,000 reno budget.
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Dusting Off the Home’s Original Charm
Billy immediately picked up on the original elements of the home, like the beautiful staircase, that sadly were overlooked due to dated decor surrounding it.
To breathe new life into Ron and Marianne’s entryway, Billy and Carolyn chose a gorgeous grey herringbone floor to add a modern touch and contrast against the charming white staircase. Simple decorative elements, like a lush plant and welcoming bench, add warmth without distracting from the home’s beautiful bones.
A Bad and Drab First Impression
The entryway prior to the renovation was awkward and unfinished, and the stain of the wood floors was uninspiring. Billy and Carolyn knew that to really modernize the home, and make it a space for entertaining, beautiful new floors would set the tone for the entire renovation.
Great Room Potential
In its original state, all of the rooms were cut off from one another, but Carolyn saw the potential for an open concept great room, with a living room and dining room that opened onto the kitchen. She knew with architectural details added, like exposed wood beams and farmhouse paneling, this main floor could be restored to its former farmhouse glory, while functioning as a modern space for living and entertaining.
A Great Great Room
Carolyn and Billy said “so long” to the family room’s sad drywall and filled the space with charming architectural details, like beautiful exposed beams, beadboard panels, and board and batten. Together they create a room bursting not only with style, but a story, too. They speak to the charm and cozy comforts of farmhouses. Needless to say, Ron and Marianne had one word when they first toured the reveal, “WOW!”
A Gorgeous Gallery Wall
Ron and Marianne had stressed their desire to entertain in their farmhouse, and make it a destination for family and friends. Billy and Carolyn ensured the home reflected that by filling the walls of the family room and entryway with beautiful black and white photography of friends and family.
A Fine Dining Room
Prior to the renovation, this area was a cut off breakfast nook, but now it flows between the formal living room and family room.
Antique corbels sourced by Carolyn help to create some divide and differentiation between the dining room and the rest of the main floor, while a gorgeous medallion anchors the light fixture imbues the room with an elegant and historical touch.
An Impractical Kitchen
While the kitchen had been recently renovated before Ron and Marianne purchased the farmhouse, they quickly realized it lacked storage and surface space, making it pretty impractical for cooking and entertaining. Marianne dreamed of a kitchen with full upper cabinets, an island and loads of extra storage options.
The Perfect Kitchen
Billy and Carolyn transformed the farmhouse kitchen! Now, the room centers around a beautiful island, with space for seating, prep work, and a sink.
Carolyn chose a gorgeous blue tile that harkens back to a traditional farmhouse. It feels distinct from the other rooms of the home, and makes the kitchen a welcoming space for guests.
A Kitchen That Maximizes Storage and Style
Storage was a huge component of the kitchen renovation. Marianne hated how the original cabinets stopped short of the ceiling, so Carolyn ensured the new cabinetry went all the way up, and included a library ladder so the couple could actually make use of their newfound shelves!
In addition, Billy created a custom wine rack to make use of an empty wall space, and floating wood shelves where cutting boards and cookbooks are artfully displayed.
A Beautiful Bathroom
A stunning new bathroom with a blue vanity and contrasting matte black hardware was the icing on the cake of this renovation!
Prior to this, Ron and Marianne never wanted their guests to use the unsightly loo, but now, they actually encourage guests to take a peek!
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