Text by Bethany Adams
Updating a historic home to accommodate a modern family while honoring the property’s past is never a simple task—but it’s one that architect Rick Blanchard and designer Perry Walter were well-equipped to handle. “[The homeowners] wanted a subtle, peaceful palette throughout the entire home with some subtle colors splashed in here and there,” says Perry, who worked with the Schneider family to update their style from traditional to a blend of classic and contemporary.
Homeowner Natalie Schneider says, “It was important for this home to have those two concepts married, but I really wanted a very clean look.” Calming whites and neutral fabrics accomplished that goal, highlighting details like the arched doorways that were carried from the original home into the addition.
The decidedly unhistorical open-concept floor plan shows off the neoclassical spirit of the design, which Perry accented with modern elements like a teak root coffee table and chrome barstools. “They have very active teenagers in their home,” says Perry, noting that the Schneiders host lots of get-togethers and group activities. Because of the family’s active lifestyle, he opted for performance fabrics and other durable, easily maintained elements, like the concrete tabletop in the breakfast nook.
The furnishings in the dining room lean traditional, which allows the Schneiders’ art selections to shine at their brightest. A multimedia work by Craig Alan depicting a white dress caught the eye of both Natalie and her husband, Steve. “I go for my gut feeling, and I like what I like,” Natalie says of her opinion on purchasing art. “Our approach is—don’t take it so seriously and just have fun with it.”
Moving into the home’s more personal spaces, the design becomes more tailored to individual tastes. Perry notes that the couple’s daughter, Isabel, wanted a bedroom with an overall light feeling, which was accommodated via soft gray tones and touches of lavender. For their son, Cooper, a more nature-inspired rustic take resulted in a warm space with a splash of masculine style.
From the formal living room to the game room in the basement, the home is filled with spaces geared toward gathering. “I would say the kitchen . . . into the family room area is easily used the most,” Natalie says—though she notes that in the cooler seasons the family uses the screened porch more often. With rich, red-toned wood setting the stage, a custom farm table made by a neighbor is the perfect spot for lingering with friends and enjoying the Southern breeze.
With plenty of attention to detail, the design of this family home thoughtfully flows historical charm into the present—and it does so with all the practicality needed for an active family. In everything from the fabric choices to the handmade furniture, the finer points of the design facilitate a full life and endless memorable gatherings.
