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Project posted by HxH Architects PLLC

Before and After: A Faded Mid-Century Becomes Luminous

View 24 Photos
Location
Crestwood, Washington, District of Columbia
Year
1957
Structure
House (Single Residence)
Style
Midcentury
Before: A dark front entry with dated front door and railings. Small entry to an enclosed kitchen is to the right.
Before: A dark front entry with dated front door and railings. Small entry to an enclosed kitchen is to the right.
After: Terrazzo flooring leads into the kitchen from the main entry. New white oak cabinetry with bright countertop and larger windows to the rear garden make the kitchen feel more spacious without any real change in footprint.
After: Terrazzo flooring leads into the kitchen from the main entry. New white oak cabinetry with bright countertop and larger windows to the rear garden make the kitchen feel more spacious without any real change in footprint.
After: Fridge and Pantry (right) separate the kitchen from the living room on one side, while a small penninsula with seating captures the open kitchen on the dining room side.
After: Fridge and Pantry (right) separate the kitchen from the living room on one side, while a small penninsula with seating captures the open kitchen on the dining room side.
Before: Old appliances and an oversized fridge surround a small kitchen. There was limited light and view from small windows facing the rear garden and the enclosed kitchen design blocked view from the adjacent living room space.
Before: Old appliances and an oversized fridge surround a small kitchen. There was limited light and view from small windows facing the rear garden and the enclosed kitchen design blocked view from the adjacent living room space.
After: A view of the kitchen from the dining room
After: A view of the kitchen from the dining room
After: Updated tread and risers in squared white oak with minimal painted steel railing
After: Updated tread and risers in squared white oak with minimal painted steel railing
Before: The original switchback stair with open ironwork
Before: The original switchback stair with open ironwork
After: Original brick and firebox with a new hearth and metal trim details. The mantel top is reclaimed as floating shelf
After: Original brick and firebox with a new hearth and metal trim details. The mantel top is reclaimed as floating shelf
Before: Brick fireplace and dark paneling at living room
Before: Brick fireplace and dark paneling at living room
After: Bright terrazzo and a new white oak slatted screen define the entryway. A custom milled cedar door matches wood elements on the home exterior.
After: Bright terrazzo and a new white oak slatted screen define the entryway. A custom milled cedar door matches wood elements on the home exterior.
After: Exposing structure at the underside of the sunken living room visually “lifts” an otherwise low basement ceiling. Small surface mounted lighting tucks between unfinished original joists.
After: Exposing structure at the underside of the sunken living room visually “lifts” an otherwise low basement ceiling. Small surface mounted lighting tucks between unfinished original joists.
Before: Brick and wood paneling surround a dismal basement. The ceiling is punctuated by low ductwork and beams covered in suspended ceiling tiles.
Before: Brick and wood paneling surround a dismal basement. The ceiling is punctuated by low ductwork and beams covered in suspended ceiling tiles.
After: A library niche flanks the far end of a bright and inviting basement all purpose room. The fireplace was discovered behind an older wood stove. Existing firebrick is exposed behind a new gas fireplace insert. The fireplace is surrounded by geometric textured tile and framed with a painted steel surround
After: A library niche flanks the far end of a bright and inviting basement all purpose room. The fireplace was discovered behind an older wood stove. Existing firebrick is exposed behind a new gas fireplace insert. The fireplace is surrounded by geometric textured tile and framed with a painted steel surround
Before: Dropped ceilings and wood stove at the basement fireplace
Before: Dropped ceilings and wood stove at the basement fireplace
The primary bath: Showing white oak vanity with a mix of black and gold fixtures and hardware
The primary bath: Showing white oak vanity with a mix of black and gold fixtures and hardware
Playful tile and soap niche in the primary bath shower
Playful tile and soap niche in the primary bath shower
Primary Bedroom Closets
Primary Bedroom Closets
Guest bath with pink hex tile!
Guest bath with pink hex tile!
Guest bath with pink hex tile!
Guest bath with pink hex tile!

4 more photos

Details

Square Feet
2000
Lot Size
5769
Bedrooms
4
Full Baths
3

Credits

From HxH Architects PLLC

A couple fell in love with a Mid-Century home in the Crestwood Neighborhood of Washington DC. Built in 1957, the exterior of the home had character, blending with an assemblage of original homes along Rock Creek Park. The interior, however, was laden with dark and dated finishes, some from misguided ‘improvements’ from the late 80's. Rooms were compartmentalized and lacked connection to limited window availability.

The renovated home celebrates light and view. New windows, some in strategic locations, replaced original single pane aluminum sliders. Window placement is highly responsive to the house setting along Rock Creek Park. Subtle room reconfiguration also ensures that each room has ample daylighting and visual access to the home's unique natural surroundings.

Materials have been chosen with a nod towards the Mid-Century Era, and detailed as cleanly and geometrically as possible. Lightness of material is favored over darker tones. Bright terrazzo in the entry hall and kitchen spaces lead to naturally finished wide plank wood flooring in bedrooms and living spaces. Millwork is white oak with bright concrete countertops. Walls, including original brick structural walls, are bathed in a subtle light grey. Black and bronze hardware help anchor the abundant lightness.

Care has been taken to maintain the exterior brick structure of the house, both for budget reasons and also as a nod to the consistency of the neighboring houses along the street. Existing floors and most interior walls at the bedrooms and garage remained, as did the main stair structure. Although the home’s mechanical equipment remained, ductwork was rerouted in most rooms, and spray insulation added throughout.

Built-ins millwork and finishes are especially important at the basement level. Once a dark storage space with heavy wall panels and a suspended tile ceiling, the basement lacked any sense of hospitality. Ceilings were oddly dropped to make way for an old duct supply and low beam. A sunken living room at the floor above made the ceiling heights feel unnaturally low.

The renovated basement is now flanked by built in program, including media and storage, a library nook, a wet bar, and a gas fireplace. Larger window openings add critically needed natural light. The existing concrete slab is upgraded with a white concrete topping material. The basement is a glorious space for entertaining.