Our Portfolio

As many of you know from watching HGTV, buyers nowadays are looking for a home with character, an open floor plan, and traditional details. Many owners of older homes share this same list of “wants,” especially when it comes time for a remodel. 

To balance the need for updated fixtures and finishes without sacrificing the history of the home, it helps to have the assistance of a design-build team experienced with older homes when making any updates. 

Here's an example of one of our clients as they embarked on a redesign of their bathrooms in a historic Philadelphia home.

Exploring Options to Honor Original Architecture

These clients came to us to update their primary bath as well as their Jack and Jill bathroom on the second floor of their historic Center Hall Georgian Colonial. Our clients purchased the home complete with much of the original stunning woodwork throughout. They were passionate about updating the bathrooms but torn as how to maintain some of the architectural details that first made them fall in love with the property. 

Using a Design Approach to Merge Old & New

Our challenge was to combine the colonial craftsmanship and classic design with a tranquil and luxurious bathroom aesthetic. To do this, we wanted to incorporate many of the original finishes of the home, which was built in 1904 by the great Philadelphia architect John Hall Rankin (1868-1952).

Sadly, as beautiful as the original bathroom was, we couldn't utilize much of it. With leaks occurring way too often, our team of experts unfortunately decided the bathroom was at the end of its' life. Since there was no way to maintain or repair pieces like the original faucets or sinks, we instead needed to recreate!

The Bellweather team worked the designs around features like the unique radiators and baseboard heaters, craftsman style woodwork, detailed window casings as well as the 38-inch doors that are original to the home.

The Runtal Baseboard Electric Radiator under the large colonial window featured above is a fan favorite! Not only will it keep the bathroom warm and cozy on cold winter mornings, but also matches the design and aesthetic of the bathroom.

Creating a Timeless Classic Bathroom 

The most difficult part about renovating old homes is updating the space without changing the aesthetic. Diane, who heads Bellweather's selections team, chose materials and finishes with a modern interpretation of the bathrooms found in distinctive homes in the late 19th century. 

In the primary bathroom, we installed a Signature Hardware Apothecary style his and her sinks, which were an inspiration from the original sinks. The bathroom also features a multiple rain head shower, as well as a large soaking tub. These new yet classic plumbing fixtures are all surrounded by beautiful white and gray Carrara marble to create a timeless look and feel.

The brass finishes against the white Carrara marble are examples of design elements that allowed us preserve the history and character of the home while being mindful of the turn of the century influences.

A Better Flow Throughout 

While the bathroom is now beautifully laid out, it was not always like this. Originally, the bathroom was the only access point to the primary bedroom from the hallway. In order to create a better flow throughout this suite, our design team worked hand in hand with the clients to reorganize the layout to best suit their everyday needs.

After exploring all the potential options, Stephanie, our lead designer, decided it would be best to move the bath from the center of the suite to the end. Stephanie worked diligently to add all the elements the client wanted even though she was limited on wall space, due to window locations, original venting, and a fireplace. Despite these combinations, Stephanie was able to create a functional yet beautiful space the clients are extremely excited about!

BEFORE & AFTER FLOORPLAN

Now, the couple first walks into a cozy sitting room. To the left is the primary bedroom, and to the right is a custom closet, and finally the newly renovated bathroom to complete this luxury bedroom suite.

Are you looking to remodel your bathroom? Contact us today!