Case Study:

1920s Colonial Rescue

Design Brief: Rescue a neglected 1920s Colonial home by making major repairs. Maintain the building's historicity while blending in the Client's southwestern roots and love of Japandi aesthetics.

The Process

Project Overview

Color consult

Lighting overhaul

Floor restoration

Project management

Project Overview

The Client originally contacted JohnnyCakes for a simple color consultation for the home they just bought. During a walkthrough we were able to help the client identify issues that needed addressing before aesthetic work could be done. We were able to assemble the right team to address issues such as water damage, plaster damage, floor damage, window damage, and major updates to lighting. We infused the Client's style while preserving the historic qualities of the home including a gorgeous stained glass window and original pine moulding. The result is a home that is ready for another 100 years.

Before Images

Initial

Moodboard

We collected images that showed spaces of brightness and aligned with our clients southwestern roots and love of Japandi aesthetics.

Color

Palettes

We were asked to present an initial palette including plum, terracotta, and sage. Our study of 10+ terracotta options was essential to unlocking the final color story. We presented the client with skrenders (sketch+renders) prior to on site testing. We vetted all painted on multiple surfaces and checked on them in all major times of day as part of our light study. The result is a harmonious, rich, and contemporary color application in a historic home.

Testing Color

Skrenders

To aid in decision making prior to buying paint samples we utilize digital skrenders (sketch+renders). Using photo images of the house, we apply digital finishes. While these aren't exact they can help narrow down color families and application type. Since this was a whole home project with 30+ gallons of paint, this was an essential part of testing.

Color

Swatches

Digital testing is never a replacement for on site color testing. We tested multiple colors in each room and applied them to each wall to capture the impact of natural and artificial light. While there were some colors that were wonderful in theory, this testing ultimately led to confident and coherent choices.

New

Lighting

With the exception of one vintage fixture, every single light needed to be replaced. This process started with a very wide set of options which we used to create a working internal language. This allowed us to narrow down options and identify themes on a room-by-room basis.

Project

Project Management

This client opted for our project management services as well as our design services. This means that in addition to collaborating with the client on creative decisions and product procurement, we also provided on-site management to ensure vendors were secured and work was being completed. This allowed the client to attend to their busy personal schedule while their home was being renovated.

After Images