Not to be overdramatic (I may be known to get a bit excited and geek out over miscellaneous remodel topics from time to time, i.e., toilets, found items, a new and amazing manufacturer discovery, etc.), but our latest project is like a gift from heaven. You have no idea how serious I am. I might elaborate on this at some point, but not today.
Many, many years ago, someone asked me what I would do for a living if I could do anything at all. My answers were: write, design furniture, and renovate old homes. Our newest project is our first actually old home renovation (she’s 97 years old as I write this) and I can barely contain my excitement. She is full of character, history, charm, and her fair share of high maintenance needs.
The beauty of these old homes, and especially the neighborhood where The Banyan House sits, is that the people who live there value the quirks, imperfections, and history of these old houses more than some of the modern comforts and conveniences of a new(er) home. Things like parking, clear sidewalks, 2 lanes on your street, level floors, and central AC are pretty significant trade-offs. The fact is that the residents here not only gladly make the trade, but they also pay a premium for them at the same time. Now that’s a powerful community rich with culture and it is so much more than just a house on a street. I feel so privileged to be a part of it, and even more so motivated to COMPLETELY CRUSH IT and do an amazing job.
This is a sample of the inspiration I’ve collected for the downstairs unit of The Banyan House. We call it Blue Banyan.
It all begins with these incredible knobs that I FOUND buried in a kitchen cabinet. Be still my heart. These knockouts are hefty and large and feel good in your hand (no pip squeak knobs here). They are all a little different and their colors are glorious. Perfect for a fresh white kitchen in a historical Florida neighborhood.
Since we are embracing the age and subsequent charming imperfections of The Banyan House, we are planning to keep the old bamboo floors. They are definitely not original to the home, but they have their own charm and balance the blues nicely. Same goes for the wood framed windows. Also not original (thank goodness for TBH’s double hung Pella windows), but they’re warm and appropriate for the style of the home (What To Do About Aged & Orangey Wood post to follow).
I thought hard about this since white, white, white is the hot trend right now. I researched and looked at countless images. This article on apartmenttherapy.com was just one of many I read that told me I was making the right choice. It features a beautiful 100 year old home and the designers Victoria Sass and Sarah Swanson did a phenomenal job balancing the old & new. Just what we’re aiming for at The Banyan House.
Our downstairs unit of the Banyan house will feature fresh white cabinetry and trim, while the floors, windows, and floating shelves in the kitchen will be a warm wood tone. We’ll also see those amazing pops of blue in the kitchen with our found knobs partnered with a glossy subway backsplash like this Canvas La Belle Antique Blue Polished Ceramic Tile from Floor & Decor.
We’ll use blue again in the bathroom, creating a modern take on vintage style with porcelain tiles like this Royal Blue Matte Porcelain Tile on the floor and this Volga Aqua Matte Porcelain Tile on the shower walls (both from Floor & Decor). They incorporate the blue theme, but gracefully enough that it is not alienating.
I went searching for vintage Florida art to complete the color pallet and tie the strategy together and found this reproduction of an old ad for florida oranges. The color, content, and general feel is all right on the money. (I found this available through Amazon, believe it or not! I’ve even seen versions where you can change “florida” to a custom location.)
The paint palette is made of soft greys and balanced ivorys- if you notice, they’re very similar to the background in the oranges ad above. Honestly, it feels like I cheated on the palette now that I notice it, but hey, what looks good, looks good! Just like in the ad, these neutrals will complement the woodwork throughtout the house and cool down any hot tones. Soothing colors like these from Sherwin Williams will provide an easy backdrop for accent pieces to look their best.
The furniture will be comfy with a hint of traditional styling. Patterned accents, touches of honey colored baskets and bits of metal will complete the look. This Design Challenge posted by One Kings Lane, explores the amazing things you can do with blue. It absolutely helped to solidify the plan for the lower unit.
My hope is that when we’re done, Blue Banyan will be a kind of homage to old Saint Petersburg, Florida. A bit traditional, a bit craftsman, a little Latin, a little Mediterranean. Listen to the porch fan tick, sip your mojito, and let it take you back.
