Ballard Craftsman
Ballard Craftsman
Back view of house was taken before renovation. Small service porch blocked view of gardens, and unused driveway ate up valuable space. Back view after renovation shows new kitchen bump-out and roof terrace. Center window in dormer was made into door. Kitchen now opens to its own deck, and stairs lead to a masonry terrace that replaced driveway.Street view of house after renovation shows restored roof deck with new pedestals and ballustrade. Damaged overhangs were rebuilt. Gutters and roofing were replaced.Street view shows covered porch with master bedroom terrace above. We restored front stair with flanking pylons that connect to watertable and mahogany treads for durability.New railing for master bedroom deck has cut-out design in ballustrade. Since deck faces street we used slats for more privacy. New eaves can be seen with natural finish.Existing kitchen prior to renovation. You can see why owners needed a little more space.Kitchen expanded into new bump-out. Highlight is a beautifully restored Wedgwood range on far wall. Walls are bead board. Cabinets are a lightly stained cherry with black Richlite countertops. Oak flooring is continuous on first floor.This sunny corner became a new breakfast alcove. We designed trestle table and bench to fit. Instead of a lift-top bench this has two deep drawers that pull out from ends.Opening between living and dining rooms seemed too wide, and like a bowling alley. We added colonnade with columns, a common feature of the period. Rooms now have distinct shapes and corners are more useable.Dining room had lost most of its original features except built-in buffet. Windows on each side may have rested on a plate rail, so we added one with wainscoting below. A drywall ceiling was removed to uncover box beams. Door and window cornices and arch in bay window were also added.Our design included china cabinets with art glass to match new doors in buffet.Second floor landing includes skylights that bring light into center of the house. High interior windows bring light into a new bath, which also has an exterior window.New master bedroom is located within existing front-facing gable. We took out flat ceiling and added skylights. We replaced door between windows for terrace access.Master bedroom entry has transom above door, a traditional method to ventilate tall rooms and borrow natural light. Former closet was made into a new bathroom.New master bath includes period fixtures owners found and reconditioned. They retain patina of age and add a sense of authenticity to project.New second floor bath is tiny but bright with borrowed light from stairwell skylights. White tile walls are framed in Douglas fir trim. Console top and floor are limestone.
back.
This lucky 1913 Craftsman house has been carefully restored and improved by its owners over many years, one project at a time.  Original features that had been lost were restored or designed anew to fit the period.  Work included restoring living and dining rooms, baths, building a new master suite, kitchen addition,  restoring eaves and porches.  In the process owners have created a home that is a perfect fit.
photos by David Whelan