Staying True To Your Roots

Custom Projects

How do we undertake a historical renovation and update while staying true to the roots?

We are a family-run business, which means history matters, especially its preservation. Our beginning started with a fallen oak tree that Travis Walker’s grandfather had planted. Rather than just tossing it on the fire or selling it, he chose to preserve it through transformation. A buffet and cradle were created from that wood, both of which have been kept. History is not only essential but also precious for the memories it holds. We love the opportunity to work on unique projects that turn a space into a functional area while staying true to its roots. We want to share a few of our favorites with you.

Historic Farmhouse Rehabilitation

Two hundred years of history were present at the Twin Chimney Farms in beautiful Shelby, NC, and we were given a unique opportunity to create something completely functional for the homeowners while staying true to the home’s character and integrity. Whenever possible, we enjoy reusing materials to produce something exactly what we did in this project. Using reclaimed heartwood pine to build the kitchen cabinets made them look as if they belonged perfectly, though it was not without its challenges. It was necessary to scan each piece with a metal detector to remove every nail and bolt to prevent damage to the machinery, but that was the easy part. The ever-present pitch and resin inside the wood made their mark on our equipment, but the result was stunning.

Whenever we design a space, we look for ways to incorporate as much storage as possible, and the old set of stairs provided the perfect area to build some exceptional cabinets that maximized the space; we even had room to place the refrigerator neatly inside. The use of hardwood flooring throughout the home makes everything look as if it belonged to the original structure. Design choices, such as shiplap in the master bathroom, allowed the home’s historic feel to blend seamlessly with modern updates, such as a walk-in shower.

This 18-month journey was worth every step, given the amazing transformation of this project and the preservation of history carried out with such accuracy, ensuring it will continue for another 200 years and beyond. See the project here

Old World Meets New

Circa 1824. That is the date of the elegant Magnolia Grove home in Iron Station, NC. This house had already been added, making it essential to remain true to its vintage roots. Each project area received its unique care.

Kitchen: The homeowners needed this space to be functional but authentic. One doorway was removed to create a single area, but the laundry room had to be moved. Doors were fashioned to look like cabinets so that the new entrance to the laundry room was perfectly hidden, creating a unified design. The brick that once was the home’s exterior now serves as a warm, inviting backsplash, with custom cabinets that allow them to show through. Brass hardware was chosen to match the look and feel of an 1824 home, and an exquisite stove shipped from Italy and manufactured by La Cournue Chateau. The kitchen island was also a unique piece. Due to its size, it had to be assembled inside the home and featured six custom timber wolf legs. The entire design was a success, as it had all the modern features needed in a kitchen today while harkening back to a time past.
Master Bedroom: The goal for this area was to create additional closet space by installing more cabinets along the wall, but they had to match the existing ones and the room’s style. There were a few extras included in the design, such as a unique locking cabinet that serves as a safe and cabinets built around the window frame.
Master Bathroom: Staying true to the home’s valuable heritage extends to the bathroom as well. Hardware and lighting played a key role here, as we continued the brass finish and included lovely wall sconces imported from France. A clawfoot tub and walk-in shower completed the look.

We felt so privileged to go on this renovation project with the homeowners, who were delighted with the results. Browsing the before and afters of this project is an absolute feast for anyone’s eye, whether you are a designer or not. See more details here.

Kitchen cabinets with a brick wall and a large island

Meyers Park Home

Sometimes a historic renovation means working within the given space without changing the layout or structure. This was the case with a 1940s home in Charlotte, NC’s Meyers Park neighborhood. Working with Guthmann Construction, our goal was to provide the owners with upgraded features and functions while remaining true to the home’s historic vibe. The kitchen, which needed more room for the family to move around more easily, was given a narrow custom island, allowing them to retain storage and additional counter space while maintaining traffic flow. Installing the microwave and double oven into the wall efficiently utilized space, giving the homeowners more room for other items. The completed project delivered the results everyone hoped for while retaining the elegance of its previous period. View the complete project here.

Historic Campbell Building

Whenever we talk about historic projects, we always like to include our award-winning showroom. Located in the quiet Uptown Shelby area on Lafayette Street, the Campbell building began as a department store offering everything Shelby’s residents needed. Its final use was as a furniture store, after which it remained vacant for a few decades. Owners Cliff and Angela Franklin realized its potential and purchased the building in 2014, with Travis and Stacey Walker agreeing to utilize the two main floors for the showroom they had wanted to build. Careful design choices were made to retain the integrity and beauty of the original building, including the solid wood floor made of maple, pine, and oak. A natural stain was used throughout the showroom floor so that the beauty could be seen and enjoyed by all our clients. The original banister and ceilings remain in the building, with the ceilings painted a timeless white. Don’t forget to look up the next time you visit our showroom. Learn more about our journey and see behind-the-scenes pictures here.

We Know Our History

With over 20 years of experience and a love of the past, we relish any chance to restore or renovate older homes. History is precious; it is what allows us to see how far we’ve come and where we are heading. To preserve it is to keep its memories and lessons alive. If you have an older home, one that may even be listed as a historic landmark, don’t be afraid to tackle a renovation so you can enjoy modern conveniences. Our goal is always to work with the home, making it functional while remaining true to its epic past. With our experienced design team, we can help you create a home that is truly stunning and true to its proud past.