Project Overview
When Madison and Carr relocated back to Greensboro with their toddler, they chose a stately 1918 home in the historic Fisher Park neighborhood to be near family. They loved its character, charm, and architectural integrity — but after living in it long enough, the limitations of a century-old layout became clear.
The kitchen had last been updated 30 years earlier. The home had only one full bathroom serving all three bedrooms upstairs. Storage was limited. Flow between kitchen and dining felt constrained.
Their goal was not to modernize at the expense of history — but to create a home that functioned beautifully for a growing family while preserving its historic soul. The project was selected for the Builders Association Tour of Remodeled Homes (2nd year) and reflects our commitment to thoughtful design, craftsmanship, and long-term livability.
The Challenge
The existing kitchen lacked the work surfaces and storage needed for serious cooking and hosting. A peninsula interrupted flow and separated the kitchen from the dining room. Pantry storage was inadequate, and the former butler’s pantry was underutilized.
Upstairs, one full hall bathroom served the entire family — a constraint that would only grow more challenging over time. The primary bedroom had two walk-in closets but no en-suite bathroom.
The remodel required thoughtful expansion, modern performance, and architectural sensitivity — all within a 1918 historic home.
The Design Vision
Create a modern chef’s kitchen and functional primary suite while honoring the craftsmanship and character of the original home. Every new element needed to feel intentional — as if it belonged.
The guiding principle: modern performance, historic respect.
The Solution
Kitchen Transformation
- Removed the peninsula to restore circulation and improve flow
- Opened the load-bearing wall between kitchen and dining room and replaced it with a four-seat bar for connection and casual dining
- Installed a full-height tile feature wall behind a new gas range
- Added a wall-mounted range hood as a focal point
- Designed shaker cabinetry with nearly double the storage and work surfaces
- Installed Absolute Black granite countertops
- Reworked the former butler’s pantry to expand storage and improve movement
- Added tall pantry cabinetry and functional pull-outs
- Repaired, restored, and refinished the original heart pine flooring
The result is a true chef’s kitchen — open, efficient, and ideal for hosting — while maintaining the home’s historic warmth.
Bathroom Expansion & Modernization
Primary Suite Addition
- Moved a wall within the generously sized primary bedroom
- Utilized portions of two walk-in closets to create a new en-suite bathroom
- Installed a heated bidet seat and a shower with accent tile wall and niche
- Created one new closet and expanded the remaining original closet
- Maintained generous bedroom proportions with space for a king-size bed and full furniture layout
The wall relocation was barely perceptible but highly strategic — significantly improving function without sacrificing comfort.
Upstairs Hall Bath Remodel
- Fully modernized with materials and fixtures that complement the historic character
- Added meaningful storage solutions
- Balanced modern performance with period sensitivity
New Configuration:
- 2 full baths upstairs (including new primary en-suite)
- 1 half bath downstairs
Laundry Upgrade
- Relocated appliances
- Added cabinetry and work surfaces
- Improved storage and workflow
Historic Preservation Approach
Although historic district approval was not required for interior alterations, the remodel was executed with architectural discipline:
- Original trim and flooring preserved
- Original door, baseboard, and crown moulding profiles copied and matched for new openings
- Vintage doors and architectural elements sourced from Greensboro Architectural Salvage
- Materials selected to feel appropriate to the 1918 era
The result feels cohesive — not like a modern renovation inserted into an old home.
Special Features
- Four-seat bar replacing former load-bearing wall
- Full-height tile feature wall behind gas range
- Absolute Black granite countertops
- Restored original heart pine floors
- Newly created primary en-suite
- Custom closet systems
- Butler’s pantry reimagined for flow and storage
- Salvaged architectural details integrated throughout
The Result
The home now functions as beautifully as it looks.
The kitchen supports real cooking and gathering. Flow between dining and kitchen feels natural and open. Storage nearly doubled. The family no longer shares a single bathroom upstairs.
Most importantly, the historic integrity of the 1918 home remains intact — enhanced rather than erased.
This Fisher Park residence now balances heritage and modern family life with craftsmanship and intention.
Homeowner Experience
“We are thrilled with the outcome of our renovation and recommend Eric to all of our friends who are considering home projects. We also truly enjoyed getting to know Eric and consider him a good friend. Months after the renovation, when our son was born, Eric was the first person to show up at our front door with a gift to welcome us home.”
