Volunteer Park Residence Refresh

This move required a rethink of the kitchen’s footprint. A previous addition adjacent to the kitchen was functioning as a garage and family room. With its natural light and access to the back deck, relocating the kitchen to this space was an easy decision.

The transitional-style kitchen ties together both the original beauty of the historic home and the more modern addition. The highly functional layout with clean lines and spacious countertops is anchored by a wide island at the center. Plentiful cabinets hide away practical necessities, making for a clean and classic impression. Bright white materials and finishes glow under abundant natural light, making this a magnetic space that draws people in and encourages them to linger there together.

Relocating the kitchen had two additional benefits. First, it made it possible to add a comfortable breakfast nook for casual dining — or even overflow during large parties — next to the kitchen and near the formal dining room. Second, the kitchen’s new location already featured access to the backyard via a small deck. Adding French doors connected the new kitchen to the outdoors, allowing for easy al fresco breakfasts and afternoons outside at the grill.

Another key concern for the owners was the home’s many bathrooms. During its time as a bed and breakfast, each bedroom had been given an ensuite 3/4 bath, bringing the house’s total bathroom count to six. Reverting two of these back to closets improved the livability of the bedrooms on the second floor.

The remaining hall bathroom on the second floor received a cosmetic update in a chic black-and-white color scheme with a spacious, traditional black vanity capped with a glossy natural stone countertop. On the third floor, the guest bathroom was fully remodeled in the same color scheme, visually connecting these support spaces. The new layout includes a carefully crafted custom shower that makes clever use of a tight spot under the sloped ceiling. Hidden storage pairs with the large vanity to ensure guests or residents have everything they may need close at hand.

For the owners’ primary bathroom, a warm gray color palette is accented with high-contrast fixtures. Marble makes a soft statement throughout, most noticeably in the custom spa shower with built-in bench seating, shelving, dual shower heads. Floor-to-ceiling casework takes advantage of the height of the space to provide ample storage for two. Access to a private balcony adds to the spa-like feel.

Several other updates throughout the home helped to breathe new life into each space. On the main floor, parquet flooring was replaced with new, warm hardwood. This subtle update helps the main entry, sitting room, dining room, and kitchen feel connected and contiguous. Traditional millwork and the original pocket doors were repaired, light fixtures were replaced with understated crystal and glass chandeliers, and the living room fireplace was updated with a new gas insert and marble tile surround.

Remodeling such a spacious home can quickly become an overwhelming endeavor. By focusing changes in the highest-impact areas and being selective with smaller interventions elsewhere, this home received a dramatic transformation while maintaining its original identity. It’s easy to understand why this special house has survived the test of time — now, it has even more to offer its inhabitants as a stately home that will welcome generations to come.