Our client instantly fell in love with this Raleigh Hills mid-century modern gem, but it wasn’t just the architecture that captured her heart. While touring the 1960s-built home during an open house, a remarkable connection to her past came to light; the original owners, a physician and his family, were longtime friends of her parents. In fact, the doctor who once lived here delivered her at birth, and her parents’ engagement party had taken place in the very living room she now stood in. It was serendipity. She knew this house was meant to be hers, and she called on us to help bring it into the modern day.
The Vision
Our client imagined a space that honored the home’s heritage while embracing her love of entertaining. She dreamed of an open-concept kitchen with a large island for gathering, a show-stopping butler’s pantry and wet bar, and a laundry room that sparked joy rather than dread. Our talented designers leaned into the mid-century charm, crafting a plan that bridged past and present with thoughtful elegance.
The Process
The home’s existing structure offered a strong foundation for transformation. We removed a dividing wall to merge the kitchen and dining room, replacing the original U-shaped kitchen with a spacious island that functions as prep space, storage, and a party hub. The former laundry room was reborn as a striking butler’s pantry, featuring a blend of butcher block and Carrara marble countertops, with the marble continuing up the backsplash for a cohesive, sophisticated look. The laundry area found a new home in the mudroom, where custom-built-ins with charming cutouts add storage and style.
Given the deep personal history, the client wanted to retain elements of the original design. We carefully removed the living room’s wood paneling before construction and reinstalled it post-renovation. The vintage navy floral wallpaper was replaced with a modern interpretation, still navy, still floral, but with a fresh, contemporary edge. And while some might have considered removing the spiral staircase to the primary bedroom, its legacy was too meaningful to let go. Originally installed so the doctor could slip out for nighttime emergencies without waking the family, the staircase remains as a tribute to the home’s story.
The Finishing Touches
From custom-cut baseboards to laser-cut floral motifs echoed throughout the cabinetry, every detail of this remodel was deliberate and artful. Built-in storage, generous workspaces, and warm, timeless materials create a space that’s as functional as it is beautiful. In every corner, there’s a nod to the past and a celebration of the future, a home that feels both familiar and entirely new.
