Spanish Colonial Refresh with a Modern Twist

Updating this 1950s Spanish Colonial turned out to mean altering everything but the front door. Janet Patterson Interior Design (JPID) worked with architects Mark Marine and Hector Solis to reconfigure the inside of this 4 bedroom / 4.5 bathroom residence for better functionality, as well as the façade and landscaping to improve the home’s curb appeal. By the end of the project, no room went untouched. The modern interior, requested by the owner, was not without its challenges, like when it became apparent that a vintage sofa and traditional Cuban tile were some of the elements she couldn’t live without.

A demolished wall at the entry had two hidden structural columns. JPID's answer was to align evenly spaced vertical beams that disguise the support columns while also communicating the transparency of the home’s new open concept. Sleek lines and stone surfaces in the kitchen were punctuated by a backlit Quartzite backsplash that is both beautiful and functional. Neutral tones throughout the rest of the home, including the Minimalist bathrooms, carry on the modern theme and even establish a logical backdrop for the refurbished baroque sofa. Outside, the original front door takes center stage after being bathed in a dark tone that pops against the home’s new crisp white facade. In the backyard, a deck with a floating stair concept is highlighted by an ornamental feature wall, JPID’s clever solution for incorporating the must-have Cuban tile. The final design serves as a reminder that transforming old to new does not require wiping out a piece of history.