Modern Crestwood Bungalow   |   crestwood, AL  

This charming Crestwood Bungalow was purchased as the first home for a young married couple, both architects. Using their design skills, these homeowners had the unique ability to see the potential in this fixer upper to create an updated and beautiful home that appreciates the past, but also incorporates modern living. The house had a lot of charm and character from the start, but these architect homeowners wanted to infuse their style to bring this house into the modern day. They set out to tackle the addition together, framing the shell for a master suite addition to the back of the house. As a response to a tight lot, set back restrictions and the natural elevation of the lot, the addition is set on a slight angle to the original and elevated a few steps, really delineating the old from the new. 

 After the long process of completing the board formed foundation walls and framing the addition themselves, the homeowners decided they needed a quality home builder who could partner with them to help them achieve their vision for the rest of the home. With a great set of design plans to follow, and detailed direction from the homeowners, we were able to partner with them to help them cross the finish line and finally relax and enjoy their fully renovated fixer upper home. 

 The existing traditional floor plan was opened up to create one unified entertaining space from the kitchen, the dining and living rooms, suitable for a more modern couple. The interiors follow a modern and sleek approach to design, with attention to materiality. Our custom cabinet maker created the cabinets to the homeowner’s exact specifications in the living and dining room. These cabinets were made out of quarter sawn white oak veneer with vertical grain and give the now open living and entertaining space a unified feeling with the warm and natural materials used. The cabinets were cleverly designed to house all necessary items for the heart of the home including pantry items, entertainment equipment, and laundry machines. Every space was well planned, and expertly executed. Custom blackened steel cabinet hardware designed by the architect were incorporated, adding a repeated modern detail. Stainless steel was used along the perimeter countertop in the kitchen, to provide a durable work surface that will stand the test of time. Beautiful black honed granite was used with a waterfall edge at the bar. A lighter quartz with soft veigning was used as the backsplash for contrast and to add softness to the pallet of materials. Now with a large and open kitchen this young couple can easily entertain guests.

 Special care and consideration were given to all the mechanicals in the house with all new plumbing, electrical and HVAC systems throughout. High efficiency mini-split HVAC systems coupled with hybrid spray foam and traditional insulation with a fully encapsulated crawlspace give this home low energy bills throughout the year.

 Careful attention was made to maintain the original character of the home and lace in new hardwood floor boards to the existing hardwood floors and stain them a rich dark custom stain color. Modern decorative pendants were installed to punctuate special areas, such as the dining room and the library space. New recessed LED lighting with dimming capability was installed throughout to further bring the home up to current convenient lighting standards. The small, but efficient hall bathroom was completely modernized with new tile flooring and tile walls and current plumbing fixtures. A roll-in shower floor with a single fixed panel of glass provides openness and ease of use. The master bathroom boasts of a walk-in shower as well as a built-in soaking tub. We incorporated reclaimed Alabama White marble on the vanity countertop as a warm natural surface for the homeowners to appreciate every day. The same custom cabinetry approach from the kitchen and dining room continues into the master closet where everything is carefully considered and concealed, leaving a calm and organized space. 

 We were able to work quickly and efficiently to complete this Avondale Bungalow for the homeowners, helping them get to the finish line so they can start living in, and enjoying their home.