PORTFOLIO
White Hot Reno

AN ELEVATED FIRST FLOOR
RENOVATION IN FOX CHAPEL

Project Type

Renovation

Custom Space

2,000 ft2

Completed

Winter 2023

Neighborhood

Fox Chapel

Collaborators

Shea + Simone Architects

Photography

J.W. Ramp Photography

Affectionately named for its use of the color white throughout, White Hot Reno is one of our favorite projects for its high-impact finishes, dedication to quality materials, and use of custom, one-of-a-kind pieces. Not only was this project named after the color white and the frequent use of white oak throughout, but we thought the sleekness of the finishes selected brought some heat to the overall design, making it a standout in our portfolio.

A WARM WELCOME

The new entrance to this home features a deep overhang with cedar corbels, Boral and Hardie board and batten siding, and a custom wood door in a high-gloss Fine Paints of Europe finish. The corner Kolbe windows in a chutney color let natural light in and make for the perfect indoor planter area.

A LUXE, INTRICATE KITCHEN

Upon entering the kitchen, one starts to understand where this project name comes from. Throughout the renovated space, we installed an engineered white oak floor from Divine Flooring that now covers a substantial amount of the first floor. The backside of the kitchen island features backlit white subway tile installed in a vertical pattern and the range backsplash wall showcases a striking 3D white glossy tile. Above, hand-distressed white oak beams form a ceiling design in multiple renovated spaces on the first floor. A favorite detail of our team is the custom radius hood finished in an ultra-glossy white paint.

Besides the use of white finishes throughout, the color blue is another theme that pops up in most of the renovated spaces. The specific blue color on the BlueStar range was custom matched and applied to several other finishes throughout the space.

The kitchen island is two-tiered, featuring a lower workspace in a quartzite material and a higher pub table on a steel pedestal base, which was painted in the custom blue paint color.

The pantry stays hidden when not in use thanks to a wallpaper-clad sliding barn door that disguises the doorway. We also made use of flush mount wall covers that also received wallpaper to blend in with the other finishes and not draw attention to the vents.

STRIKING GATHERING PLACES

Close to the kitchen you’ll find a custom bar that features many of the same materials used elsewhere in the space – dark blue subway tile to mimic the custom paint color, a bar top with a waterfall end to match the lower kitchen island, and shelves with integrated lighting. Here, copper fixtures were introduced, which presents a bold contrast against the glossy blue tile. The upper cabinets feature glass-fronted glassware storage and a deep recessed cavity for a coffee station.

The dining area off of the kitchen leads into the living room, which continues the blue and white oak theme. Here, a carpet square was recessed into the floor, creating the look of a false rug. The same hand-hewn white oak beams were installed on the ceiling and a custom white oak trifold TV display was built.

Tucked away beside the fireplace is one of the most detailed spots in the home. A custom white oak pedestal base was made to celebrate an existing piece of artwork our clients wanted to feature. The nook is backlit and covered in white and blue blocks, all of which were hand painted.

FAMILY SPACES

In the family room, a step down from the bar area, the fireplace wall and shelving were reimagined to tie in with the renovated areas. A flush hearth and fireplace surround were clad in dark stone, setting the stage for a custom metal fire screen fabricated locally.

In the renovated mudroom and laundry room, a center island offers the perfect folding surface, while individual lockers provide storage for kid’s school supplies and sports equipment. The blue and white tones carry through this space in the white backsplash tile and apron sink, light blue cabinetry, and wallpapered accent walls.

AN ELEVATED FIRST FLOOR RENOVATION IN FOX CHAPEL