Renovations Bring Modern Style to Older Homes

A rectory for a Catholic Church in Old Northeast was remodeled into a comfortable and stylish Mediterranean private home.

Photos from Strobel Design/Build

BY BETH ANN DRAKE

As we spend more time in our homes, renovations have become top of mind for many homeowners. Focal points for these projects are often kitchens, which is where families tend to congregate. Outdoor living spaces fall into the same category as a gathering space in the environment we are in. We talked with President of Strobel Design/ Build Mark Zdrojewski to get a glimpse of what is involved in the renovation process, especially when dealing with older or historic homes.

“While kitchens were once just a functional room in a home, it is now a gathering spot. Older homes may need structural upgrades to open up that space,” says Zdrojewski. “Our clients want the modern conveniences along with the charm of an older home.”

For kitchens as well as baths, this may include electrical or plumbing upgrades as well. As Floridians, we can enjoy our outdoor living areas almost year round, and given current social distancing practices people are spending more time than ever outside.

“Living better in an outdoor space can be achieved many ways,” suggest Zdrojewski. “Adding a pool or outdoor kitchen always maximizes outdoor space, and landscaping can create both privacy and ambiance at the same time.”

Replacing windows and doors can also open up the home to the outdoors by installing new sliders or folding pocket doors.

Whole home remodels or renovations can be more of a challenge especially with older or historic homes. Zdrojewski recalls a specific project in Old Northeast that was challenging but rewarding. “This home was once a rectory for the Catholic Church and the owners wanted to keep the historic value but make it trendy and also create an outdoor oasis. This meant keeping the front of the home the same but adding a wing in the back along with a garage and apartment. We also added a pool and created a courtyard that tied it all together.”

Using “like for like” materials on historic projects is important, and Strobel Design/Build has decades of experience walking clients through the process. Often designs must be submitted to a preservation board to obtain a certificate of appropriateness. “Even if it’s a major renovation project, we want the home to refl ect hints of how it was originally constructed,” says Zdrojewski.

His best advice when embarking on a renovation project? “Get professionally drawn design plans. Have a dream in your head, but put it on paper. A set of plans provides realistic objectives, aids in pricing and cuts out the unknowns that can pop up in the process.” Next, a “design agreement” takes a conceptual design plan step by step through your project to a successful completion.