Restoring Elegance: A Journey Through the Renovation of a Historic Forest Park Home- The Living Room
Welcome back, dear readers! We're thrilled to have you join us for Part II of our journey through the meticulous restoration of a historic Forest Park home, owned by our esteemed member, Steve Buchanan. After taking you through the foyer’s transformation in Part I, today, we’re stepping into the heart of the home – the living room.
In Progress: The Living Room
When Steve first laid eyes on the formal living room, he saw a canvas of potential beneath its modest appearance. Spanning the entire length of the home, from front to back, the living room was a blank slate, just waiting to be infused with new life and character. With ten-foot ceilings and original hardwood floors, the room already had the bones of grandeur; it just needed a touch of elegance and Steve’s visionary flair.
A Blend of Styles
Interestingly, this room boasted a Tudor influence on the interior, which contrasted with the home’s distinctly Georgian exterior. The only original decorative features were a simple three-piece crown molding and a rough-cut limestone fireplace surround. The journey began with a thoughtful examination of these details, leading to a harmonious blend of historical reverence and modern elegance.
Out with the Old
The transformation kicked off with the removal of the limestone fireplace surround, which turned out to be an exciting endeavor. Each stone was numbered on the back, a charming nod to the meticulous craftsmanship of yesteryear. This numbering not only made reinstallation a breeze for the masons but also highlighted the home’s rich history and the care taken by its original builders.
Structural Enhancements
One of the significant changes Steve made was replacing the low plaster arched openings from the foyer with tall, cased openings. This subtle alteration had a monumental impact, lifting the eye upward and allowing natural light to flood into the living room. The once understated room began to feel airy and expansive, setting the stage for the grand vision to come.
Doors of Distinction
The original glass French doors leading to the music room were replaced with solid mahogany doors, meticulously stained to match the room’s evolving elegance. This choice added a sense of privacy and sophistication, enhancing the room’s function as a space for both intimate gatherings and solitary reflection.
The Fireplace Transformation
Perhaps the most dramatic change was the fireplace transformation. The original stone surround was repurposed for the fireplace on the new screened porch, a creative reuse that honored the home's history while embracing its future. In its place, an antique mantle was installed, set on elegant plinth blocks. A new overmantle was added, drawing the eye toward the lofty ceilings and creating a striking focal point in the room.
Windows and Trim
To further elevate the space, a large bay window was added to the rear of the room, offering a picturesque view of the courtyard and flooding the room with natural light. The original window and door trims were replaced with wider, classic styles, adding layers of detail that enhance the room’s grandeur. Two additional pieces of trim were added to the original crown molding, creating a rich, layered effect that is both modern and timeless.
Ceiling and Beams
In a nod to the room’s Tudor roots, faux beams were added to the ceiling, creating a visual break that adds depth and character. This detail, combined with the new, wider trims and the grand mantle, has transformed the room into a space that feels both stately and inviting.
A Living Room Reborn
Steve’s vision and dedication have breathed new life into this historic space, creating a living room that honors the home’s storied past while embracing modern elegance. From the grand fireplace to the stately bay window, every detail has been carefully considered and lovingly restored.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this glimpse into the living room’s transformation. Stay tuned for Part III, where we’ll delve into the renovation of another room in Steve’s remarkable home. Thank you for joining us on this journey through history and design.
Until next time,
The Cahaba Collective