For today’s Expert Interview I was lucky enough to get responses from Diane Foreman, a designer for Neil Kelly Design/Build, one of the most respected and recognized home improvement companies in Portland.  She’ll be giving us some insight on her expertise: historical renovations.

Portland is home to lovely old bungalows and houses that many design/build companies in the area pride themselves on restoring. There is nothing like restoring an old home to it’s orginal statuesque beauty.

Diane Foreman, CKD, a national award-winning kitchen, bath and residential interior designer, moved to Portland from a long-established Seattle area practice to join Neil Kelly Design/Build Remodeling as part of the firm’s design team.

A graduate of the UCLA School of Interior Design, Foreman has won first place honors in several national kitchen and bath design competitions and has earned the James M. Foster award for overall best in competition by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA). She is a Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer.

(Kitchen Before Neil Kelly Renovation)

Foreman credits “an ability to listen” as key to successful remodeling projects. “Good design is a collaborative process between client and designer,” she noted. “A skilled designer will listen, ask questions, and then focus on reaching the highest realization of a client’s needs.”

Her work has been published in Northwest regional publications, as well as national industry and consumer magazines, including “Kitchen and Bath Business,” “Remodeler,” “Woman’s Day” and “American Homes and Lifestyles.” She has served as a design competition judge for the Olympia Master Builders Association and in a variety of posts as a board member of the NKBA’s Puget Sound Chapter.

(After Neil Kelly Historic Remodel)

With all of Diane’s expereince and recognition, she’s a great expert to have answer questions for us. Continue on to read about why Diane thinks older home are so great, how to being planning your own renovation, and some hints on where to find period remodeling materials.

1. Starting the renovation of an old home can seem daunting, where do you recommend planning should start?

I think the first decision is what is the desired end result?  A museum quality restoration or a living home?  If you look around most old houses, you will find design elements from more than one period.  The home has evolved over time whether for the good or in many case, not for the good.  If the choice is for a living home, ie a respectful renovation that honors the home’s period architecture while updating it for a modern lifestyle, I would recommend starting with the home’s most complex rooms; the kitchen and baths.  I recommend starting planning at least six months in advance of when construction is to start.

2. What are some of the most common problems that occur during a renovation that homeowners might not have foreseen?

Lath and Plaster shattering.  Outdated building practices inadequate to present day standards.  Prior remodels that may have impacted the structural integrity of the home.

3. What are some of the advantages of renovating an old home versus buying a brand new one?

If you love period architecture, there is no greater joy than restoring one of these treasures to their former glory.  It also affords you the opportunity to design the home to your own needs rather than buying someone else’s dream.

4. What are your favorite features of older homes that you no longer see in new homes? 

Incredible mouldings, wonderful details, history.

5. What materials and resources do you recommend to homeowners doing historic home renovations?

Many companies specialize in reproduction fixtures, wallpapers, custom moldings.  Rejuvenation is a great resource.  Kohler has brought back designs from the 30’s in their line of bath fixtures.  A good website is www.preservationdirectory.com

6. If you had one piece of advice for a homeowner starting their own renovation what would it be?

Hire a good designer with a strong knowledge of architectural and decorative art history.  Hire a general contractor known for quality craftsmanship and attention to detail such as the Neil Kelly Company.

Again, thanks to Diane for taking the time to lend her knowledge on this subject!

Instead of building a new home, many people are taking old buildings and repurposing them for their needs. It creates a unique space, helps preserve historic buildings, and minimizes waste from materials to build a brand new house from scratch.

Check out these immaculately executed building renovations: 

Ladies’ Parlor of the former South Congregational Church in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn

By repurposing old buildings homeowners get to incorporate unconventional parts of their building’s original purpose into their own modern use. The swinging institutional doors and the back staircase with the very ecclesiastical high windows are key elements from the building’s original function as a multi-purpose space for church social gatherings. It is these features that create design focal points, and which make living in a repurposed home so fun.

(Photo Courtesy: The New York Times)

176-year Old Barn

This barn was about to be demolished before the current owners bought it and moved it 45 miles to be made into a home for entertaining family and friends.

In renovating the building, Orion General Contractors carried out a green renovating plan that included energy efficiency and reuse of materials. Over 90% of the materials used for the project were either from the original structure or salvaged from other older buildings, this included most of doors and windows too.

The end product, well, I think it’s nothing short of beautiful, and encompasses much of the building’s original charm. This renovation also received major kudos from Professional Remodeler, for being on the best designs of the year.

The honest truth is that it’s not a quick or inexpensive prospect to buy an old building to renovate. But most homeowners agree that the journey through the project is part of the fun, and the results leave you with a lot to talk about and impress your friends with.