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After more than a decade, a San Francisco couple has completed a meticulous renovation of their historic home, emphasizing restoring original features and personal touches. The project highlights a slow, thoughtful approach to home improvement.
A San Francisco couple has completed an 11-year renovation of their historic Richmond District home, emphasizing restoration and personal design over trends. The project highlights a deliberate, thoughtful approach to creating a home that reflects their tastes and lifestyle, including their beloved show corgis.
The homeowners, both physicians who relocated from New York City, began their renovation shortly after moving into the 1916 house. The house retained some original features like coved ceilings and millwork, but years of updates had diminished its charm. They enlisted designer Lynn Kloythanomsup of Landed Interiors, along with architect Susanna Douglas and contractor Ben Hardy & Company, to restore and refine the space.
Rather than rushing to gut the house, they prioritized restoring original wooden windows, repairing moldings, and addressing structural issues, allowing the house to breathe and evolve. The process included furnishings first, followed by targeted renovations like a bathroom upgrade with durable surfaces and a custom dog-friendly shower, and subtle interior details such as antique Dutch Delft tiles in the fireplace and vintage furniture paired with emerging art.
Why the Long Renovation Matters for Homeowners
This project exemplifies a shift away from quick renovations driven by trends, emphasizing patience and personal connection to a home. The couple’s approach highlights the value of restoring original features and living in a space to understand evolving needs, offering a model for thoughtful, sustainable home improvement.
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Historic Homes and Personal Renovation Journeys in San Francisco
The Richmond District is known for its historic homes, many of which have undergone various updates over the decades. This renovation reflects a broader trend of homeowners seeking to preserve and personalize older properties rather than replace them entirely. The couple’s journey underscores the importance of craftsmanship, patience, and personal taste in creating a meaningful living space.
“Taking over a house with history requires patience and a delicate touch; restoring its original character can be more rewarding than a complete gut job.”
— an anonymous researcher
Remaining Questions About the Renovation Process
It is not yet clear how the homeowners will handle future updates or whether they plan to undertake additional major renovations. Details about the long-term maintenance and sustainability of the restored features are still emerging.
Next Steps for the Homeowners and Their Home
The homeowners may focus on maintaining the restored features and possibly expanding their collection of personal art and furnishings. There is also potential for future updates, but the current phase marks a milestone of completion and reflection.
Key Questions
Why did the homeowners choose such a long renovation timeline?
The couple prioritized restoring original features and living in the house to understand their needs, which took time to do thoughtfully without rushing.
What are some unique features of the renovated house?
Original wooden windows, antique Dutch Delft tiles in the fireplace, a dog-friendly bathroom with durable finishes, and vintage furniture paired with emerging art are notable features.
Did the homeowners gut the house completely?
No, they focused on restoring existing elements like moldings and windows, and only made selective updates, preserving much of the home’s historic character.
How does this renovation reflect current trends in home improvement?
It exemplifies a move away from trend-driven, quick renovations toward patience, restoration, and personalized design rooted in history and craftsmanship.
What lessons can other homeowners learn from this project?
Patience, careful restoration, and living in the space to understand personal needs can lead to a more meaningful and sustainable home.
Source: Domino
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