Preservation & Modernization of a Historic Home

Craftsman Manor Resurrection

Restoring and modernizing a 110+ year old Craftsman home, taking it into its next chapter.

After decades without an update, this old Craftsman home is now restored, though with some adaptations for modern living. Before the remodel, centrally-located, stacked staircases and a large fireplace separated and compartmentalized the communal spaces, making them feel isolated and constricted. With those out of the way, the home now has a more open floor plan, with one space flowing seamlessly into the next.

To create “right-sized” rooms that feel natural and scaled for a family home, we added functional amenities — such as the built-in buffet in the dining room, a large pantry, and a breakfast nook in the kitchen — which reduce the scale of the spaces while adding functionality to the plan.

A small addition now connects the house to the existing garage, with quick access to a home gym. The exterior spaces of the home flow from one to the next with as much care as the interior spaces, and include a covered outdoor room, decks, a firepit with banquette seating, and a private outdoor space off the primary suite.

Living room in a Craftsman home with couches around a fireplace.
Making Space for Modern Living

After removing extra staircases and a large fireplace occupying central real estate, the layout of the common areas feels more open and flows naturally. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Travis Peterson.

Making Space for Modern Living

After removing extra staircases and a large fireplace occupying central real estate, the layout of the common areas feels more open and flows naturally. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Travis Peterson.

From the living room of this Craftsman home, you view the dining room and family room.
The Feel and the Flow

Common spaces flow seamlessly from one to the next while still reading as distinct rooms, made possible by strategic furniture placement and cased openings between spaces. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Travis Peterson.

The Feel and the Flow

Common spaces flow seamlessly from one to the next while still reading as distinct rooms, made possible by strategic furniture placement and cased openings between spaces. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Travis Peterson.

A dining room with large built-in China cabinet and blue walls.
Custom Features

Built-in China cabinets with buffet counters provide additional storage and functional space without the need for furniture protruding into the room. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Travis Peterson.

Custom Features

Built-in China cabinets with buffet counters provide additional storage and functional space without the need for furniture protruding into the room. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Travis Peterson.

Salvaged antique leaded glass windows decorate the dining room of a remodeled Craftsman home.
Dining Dreams

A modern light fixture illuminates a wooden dining table and leather chairs for a simple and timeless appeal. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Tina Witherspoon.

Dining Dreams

A modern light fixture illuminates a wooden dining table and leather chairs for a simple and timeless appeal. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Tina Witherspoon.

Close up view of salvaged antique leaded glass windows decorate the dining room of a remodeled Craftsman home.
Sentimental Touches

Leaded glass panels salvaged from the home’s original dining hutch are now repurposed in the new dining room, lending an elegant and nostalgic flare to the new buffet. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Tina Witherspoon.

Sentimental Touches

Leaded glass panels salvaged from the home’s original dining hutch are now repurposed in the new dining room, lending an elegant and nostalgic flare to the new buffet. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Tina Witherspoon.

Classic wood details adorn the foyer in this classic Craftsman manor home.
Blending Old and New

The home’s grand foyer exemplifies a balanced blend of Craftsman and contemporary styles, through the pairing of the original dark-stained wooden accents with a modern statement light fixture and rug. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Travis Peterson.

Blending Old and New

The home’s grand foyer exemplifies a balanced blend of Craftsman and contemporary styles, through the pairing of the original dark-stained wooden accents with a modern statement light fixture and rug. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Travis Peterson.

Between the foyer and kitchen is a den with couches and a flatscreen.
Integrated Living Space

Just off the foyer, a seating area is the ideal spot to assemble a more casual hang-out area with easy access to the activity in the kitchen. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Travis Peterson.

Integrated Living Space

Just off the foyer, a seating area is the ideal spot to assemble a more casual hang-out area with easy access to the activity in the kitchen. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Travis Peterson.

A den off the kitchen offers a casual and convenient room for relaxing.
Don’t Miss a Beat

With hosting duties in the kitchen, your guests can be near but not underfoot. It’s the perfect spot for guests to relax while you put the final touches on dinner. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Travis Peterson.

Don’t Miss a Beat

With hosting duties in the kitchen, your guests can be near but not underfoot. It’s the perfect spot for guests to relax while you put the final touches on dinner. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Travis Peterson.

Yellow bar stools at a large kitchen island in a Craftsman home.
Timeless Design

Using timeless materials such as marbled stone and stained wood, the kitchen maintains a classic charm while enjoying contemporary updates. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Travis Peterson.

Timeless Design

Using timeless materials such as marbled stone and stained wood, the kitchen maintains a classic charm while enjoying contemporary updates. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Travis Peterson.

Candelabra chandeliers over the kitchen island in a Craftsman home. – Board & Vellum Custom Home
Expansive Island

A large island anchors the room while also providing extra workspace for a busy chef, or extra seating for hungry guests. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Travis Peterson.

Expansive Island

A large island anchors the room while also providing extra workspace for a busy chef, or extra seating for hungry guests. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Travis Peterson.

A breakfast nook tucked into the corner with a view of a large kitchen with island seating in a Craftsman home.
Room for Everyone

A breakfast nook and large island with stool seating means there’s plenty of room for family and friends to share a casual meal. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Travis Peterson.

Room for Everyone

A breakfast nook and large island with stool seating means there’s plenty of room for family and friends to share a casual meal. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Travis Peterson.

Without a formal update since the mid-century, the home held a lot of surprises waiting behind the worn finishes, and during construction, we came across most of them. The lesson in this house turned out to be that, sometimes, replacing existing details is less expensive than restoring what is there — a hard pill for the design team and homeowners to swallow.

With care, we were able to blend the old with the new in a transitional Craftsman style, restoring and honoring the period details while adding more contemporary features to support the flow and function of the home. When restoring original details to meet current needs was cost-prohibitive, items were instead salvaged for reuse.

And, sometimes, in old homes, you can resurface hints of the past in new ways. For example, the beautiful, leaded glass panels now mounted in the new dining room built-ins were salvaged from the home’s original dining hutch that had been torn out years earlier. The previous owners stored them with care, and now they are repatriated to the dining room, a piece of the home’s history in a place of honor.

A breakfast nook with a chalkboard showing the week's meals.
Early Riser

A breakfast nook with bench seating provides a cozy, peaceful setting to enjoy a morning coffee. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Tina Witherspoon.

Early Riser

A breakfast nook with bench seating provides a cozy, peaceful setting to enjoy a morning coffee. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Tina Witherspoon.

A yellow screen door at the entry to the pantry.
Latch Screen Door

The screen door — an important period detail — stays true to the Craftsman roots of the home, now repurposed for the pantry. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Tina Witherspoon.

Latch Screen Door

The screen door — an important period detail — stays true to the Craftsman roots of the home, now repurposed for the pantry. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Tina Witherspoon.

The front door of a classic Craftsman home.
A Grand Entrance

This grand, hardwood door with intricate carvings is a classic welcome to a Craftsman home. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Tina Witherspoon.

A Grand Entrance

This grand, hardwood door with intricate carvings is a classic welcome to a Craftsman home. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Tina Witherspoon.

A classic porch swing on a large front porch on a Craftsman home.
A Shaded Swing

Covered porches are often a defining feature of Craftsman homes. Imagine a summer afternoon, gently rocking, relaxing with a lemonade! Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Tina Witherspoon.

A Shaded Swing

Covered porches are often a defining feature of Craftsman homes. Imagine a summer afternoon, gently rocking, relaxing with a lemonade! Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Tina Witherspoon.

A classic Craftsman home with a large front porch with columns.
A Simple Path

Stepping stones cut through native ground cover, guiding guests from the driveway to the front of the home. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Meghan Montgomery.

A Simple Path

Stepping stones cut through native ground cover, guiding guests from the driveway to the front of the home. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Meghan Montgomery.

The view from the street of a classic Craftsman Manor painted red with white trim.
Classic Craftsman

Fully restored and remodeled, this classic home stays true to its Craftsman style. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Meghan Montgomery.

Classic Craftsman

Fully restored and remodeled, this classic home stays true to its Craftsman style. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Meghan Montgomery.

A classic Craftsman home painted red with white trim with a large front porch.
Getting Into the Details

With careful restoration, this home is now revitalized with classic Craftsman details — from the columns to the corbeled brackets and dentals. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Meghan Montgomery.

Getting Into the Details

With careful restoration, this home is now revitalized with classic Craftsman details — from the columns to the corbeled brackets and dentals. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Meghan Montgomery.

A large wood-burning fire pit in the backyard with built-in benches and rocking chairs.
Patio Perks

Exterior spaces deserve the same love and attention as the indoors. The back patio is updated with modern amenities — like this large, wood-burning fire pit — providing additional space to entertain guests. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Meghan Montgomery.

Patio Perks

Exterior spaces deserve the same love and attention as the indoors. The back patio is updated with modern amenities — like this large, wood-burning fire pit — providing additional space to entertain guests. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Meghan Montgomery.

Wood rocking chairs around a fire pit.
A Place for Night Owls

Banquette seating and rocking chairs surrounding a large fire pit make the perfect setting for late-night chats. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Meghan Montgomery.

A Place for Night Owls

Banquette seating and rocking chairs surrounding a large fire pit make the perfect setting for late-night chats. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Meghan Montgomery.

Concrete pavers turn the corner as a path through the green lawn.
Guided Walk

Sometimes the smallest details can improve the flow of a landscape — such as stone walkways guiding guests around the property in clearcut paths. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Meghan Montgomery.

Guided Walk

Sometimes the smallest details can improve the flow of a landscape — such as stone walkways guiding guests around the property in clearcut paths. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Meghan Montgomery.

A large, covered back porch with steps down to a back deck and patio.
Double Decker

The back of the home features double decks, raised planter beds, and illuminated steps for a modern touch. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Meghan Montgomery.

Double Decker

The back of the home features double decks, raised planter beds, and illuminated steps for a modern touch. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Meghan Montgomery.

The sun flares over the roof of a Craftsman garage painted red with white trim.
Bringing it Together

The garage, previously disconnected from the home, now flows seamlessly into the main house via a small addition. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Meghan Montgomery.

Bringing it Together

The garage, previously disconnected from the home, now flows seamlessly into the main house via a small addition. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Meghan Montgomery.

A home gym in a converted garage with high-ceilings and timber beams.
Get a Lift In

A home gym makes for quick access to a full workout. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Travis Peterson.

Get a Lift In

A home gym makes for quick access to a full workout. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Travis Peterson.

A mudroom in a Craftsman home with hooks for coats and a bench with cubbies for shoes underneath.
Convenient Connections

A breezeway that serves as a mudroom connects the garage to the main house. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Travis Peterson.

Convenient Connections

A breezeway that serves as a mudroom connects the garage to the main house. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Travis Peterson.

A laundry room tucked under the sloping roof of a Craftsman home.
Tidy Times

The addition of a laundry room with contemporary appliances was an important upgrade bringing modern efficiencies to a classic midcentury home. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Travis Peterson.

Tidy Times

The addition of a laundry room with contemporary appliances was an important upgrade bringing modern efficiencies to a classic midcentury home. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Travis Peterson.

A rec room with a gaming space and kids' play area.
A Place to Play

Sometimes, little ones’ imaginations can occupy a lot of space. This roomy basement playroom gives kids space to run wild without interruption. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Travis Peterson.

A Place to Play

Sometimes, little ones’ imaginations can occupy a lot of space. This roomy basement playroom gives kids space to run wild without interruption. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Travis Peterson.

Basement guest room with built-in storage.
A Brighter View

Although this guest bedroom is located in the basement, it still receives natural light thanks to a window well – keeping the room bright and inviting. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Travis Peterson.

A Brighter View

Although this guest bedroom is located in the basement, it still receives natural light thanks to a window well – keeping the room bright and inviting. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Travis Peterson.

A child's bedroom with colorful accents.
Childhood Bedroom

This colorful children’s bedroom is complete with large windows, abundant natural light, and plenty of space for a little one to call their own. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Travis Peterson.

Childhood Bedroom

This colorful children’s bedroom is complete with large windows, abundant natural light, and plenty of space for a little one to call their own. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Travis Peterson.

A baby's bedroom with blue decor and a mural of mountains.
Rock-a-by Baby

This spacious nursery doesn't skimp on the generous storage or calming décor. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Travis Peterson.

Rock-a-by Baby

This spacious nursery doesn't skimp on the generous storage or calming décor. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Travis Peterson.

Master bedroom in a Craftsman home with a deck off the master suite.
Morning Light

The primary bedroom opens up to a top-floor deck through beautiful, light-filled French doors. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Travis Peterson.

Morning Light

The primary bedroom opens up to a top-floor deck through beautiful, light-filled French doors. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Travis Peterson.

Master bathroom with double sinks and dark wood cabinets.
Primping the Primary

The primary bath was restored with modern fixtures while maintaining classic Craftsman accents like the sturdy, dark-stained vanity. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Travis Peterson.

Primping the Primary

The primary bath was restored with modern fixtures while maintaining classic Craftsman accents like the sturdy, dark-stained vanity. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Travis Peterson.

Master bathroom in a Craftsman home with double sinks and a clawfoot tub with a chandelier over it.
Classic Clawfoot

The clawfoot tub is a classic vintage statement piece, bringing old-time charm to a contemporary bathroom. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Travis Peterson.

Classic Clawfoot

The clawfoot tub is a classic vintage statement piece, bringing old-time charm to a contemporary bathroom. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Travis Peterson.

Walk-in shower with two shower heads and a built-in bench under the eaves.
Wash the Day Off

An inset shelf, carved out and tucked beneath the exterior eaves, creates dimension, provides a pop of color, and allows for efficient storage while occupying minimal space. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Travis Peterson.

Wash the Day Off

An inset shelf, carved out and tucked beneath the exterior eaves, creates dimension, provides a pop of color, and allows for efficient storage while occupying minimal space. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Travis Peterson.

Shared hall bathroom with double sinks and a patterned tile floor.
No Line for the Bathroom

This spacious bathroom was designed to be shared, with two sinks, double mirrors, abundant storage, and a separate room for the more private amenities. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Travis Peterson.

No Line for the Bathroom

This spacious bathroom was designed to be shared, with two sinks, double mirrors, abundant storage, and a separate room for the more private amenities. Craftsman Manor Resurrection | Photo by Travis Peterson.

Notes & Credits
This project was built by Ambrose Construction.
Structural engineering by Bykonen Carter Quinn.
Photography by Meghan Montgomery, Travis Peterson, and Tina Witherspoon.

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