Restoring Homes of the 1970s and 80s | Work Outside of the Kitchen

From time to time, clients reach out to me and ask for help with more than just their kitchens.  I have fond memories of working with clients on their living areas, pantries, bathrooms, closet spaces, window fixtures, and even the exteriors of their homes, among other spaces!

This French styled home pictured above was built sometime in the 1970’s. Although the home was far from being a tear-down, it certainly need a facelift and as many changes that could be made without compromising the structure’s foundation. It seemed that the original builders of the home were not aware of the precision that was required to properly embellish the home and its architectural style. Unfortunately, the absence of precision and lack of implementation of classical design can be found in many homes built in the 1970s and 80s. It seems that during that time, the study of classicism was lost in residential architecture.

When I began working on this home in particular, the first items on my list were new windows, proper-sized trim, and entablature.  Next, my team and I created a new entry way that gave a sense of place, without the use of faux builder special pilaster. To emulate stone, the façade was built out of wood and then sand was sprayed onto the wood’s wet paint. This technique is an old trick that Thomas Jefferson devised and used when he built his own private home, Monticello. Altogether, the home’s embellishments were properly restored with precise, classical expertise.

Best,

Sarah A. Blank

Sarah Blank Design Studio is a high-end architectural design firm that specializes in high-end kitchens, butler’s pantries, libraries, and master bedrooms, bath suites.  The firm works predominantly in Fairfield County and Westchester County. Our award winning firm, with 33 years of experience, often works beyond the kitchens and baths of a client’s home, and designs the architectural interiors for many of the projects that have been commissioned.