Inspiration photo from Studio McGee – Midway House
WWhen we first saw our new house, my imagination raced with possibilities. I kept asking myself: what could this house become and what do I want it to be? If you buy or build a house that already matches your style, or plan to preserve it exactly as it is, you may not ask those questions. But with this home, those questions helped me shape a vision for transforming the space into our own.
Being open to “what could be” rather than stuck in “what is” is part of the enjoyment—and the challenge—of designing a home. The house already has excellent bones, so it didn’t take long for me to see how to enhance what’s already there and make it ours. This solid 1950s house provides a perfect shell for adding an eclectic mix of styles, inside and out.
The structure itself is in good condition, so we don’t need a complete overhaul or major structural changes. It feels solid and comfortable, so for now we’ll keep the original footprint and basic layout while playing up its personality with finishes and details.
My goal is to preserve the house’s good bones while allowing it to evolve into what I jokingly call an unexpected blend of modern, farmhouse, tropical, British Colonial, coastal, and midcentury influences. I think my style will complement what the house wants to be, and that feels like a good partnership.
My new entry. A blank slate!
The entry sets the tone for the rest of the home, so I’m starting there to show what I’m working with and how I envision the space evolving. The exterior will also influence the interior, and we’ll aim for cohesion between both, but for now the entry is the focus.
Entry: pros and cons
- The house has a designated entry, which is a bonus—many homes we viewed had doors that opened directly into the living area. While this entry is more hallway-like, it still provides a separate transition space.
- The walls need a fresh coat of paint; the current color feels dated and heavy.
- The entry is a bit dark, long, and narrow, but bright paint, thoughtful accessories, and a touch of paneling could turn it into a charming passage.
- I’m happy the slate floors are original and will remain— they give the entrance character and durability.
- The front door is fine for now, though it’s likely we’ll replace it in the future to better suit our vision.
- I’ll be swapping out the interior door hardware for pieces that feel more appropriate to the home’s style.
- We may alter the way the master bedroom connects to the front hall—more on that as plans develop.
- Lighting will be updated. With standard ceiling heights, flush-mount fixtures are a practical choice.
- Though the space is narrow, there’s room opposite the doorway for a small bookshelf or shallow cabinet to add character and function.
- Additional updates to the adjoining hall are likely as we refine the layout and finishes.
The inspiration images shown are not exact matches for my entry’s size or shape, but each contains elements I can envision incorporating here. You’ll recognize pieces of my previous style—this house doesn’t force a complete change in aesthetic; rather, it allows the house and our style to blend into a better version of both.
Photo Source: Justin Bishop Interior Design
Photo Source: Studio McGee – Midway House
Photo Source: Millennium
Photo Source: Jenna Sue Design
Photo Source: Emily A. Clark
Photo Source: Traditional Home
Original source unknown
Photo Source: Studio McGee (Lynwood Remodel)
I’m excited to work through each room and share the elements we’re considering. If you missed our video tour, it gives a useful overview of the house and the possibilities we’re exploring. Thanks for following along as this house becomes our home.