Open House Sunday

Today...a Modern Bungalow...sort of...

built 1917

Well, this is an old house...for sure...but inside it's brand new!

This little bungalow is in the Plaza District neighborhood of Oklahoma City.

Twenty years ago this neighborhood was really down on it's luck but now it's one of the most popular areas of town for dining and shopping and just hanging out.

All the old homes that were long neglected are being renovated in this neighborhood.

 This neighborhood is not on the register for historic places so anything can be done to a house and anything is being done to houses in the Plaza.

This one is cute...of course. But new modern windows replace the original wood windows.

In my neighborhood if it's decided a window is in such poor condition that it needs to be replaced a new one must be made of wood just like the old ones. 

Thankfully there is a company in town that does a fantastic job at this.

Wood Window Rescue

They restore and repair historic windows. They did my neighbor's house a few years ago and they did an amazing job!

 So if your house is designated Historic and is on the Historic register - you are not allowed to willy nilly do whatever you like on the outside. I'm happy about that...it keeps people from doing weird renovations. But on the other hand there are things I'd like to do to my house that are period appropriate but because my house didn't have them to begin with...I'm not allowed.

Like I'd like to turn my windows in front into french doors going out on to the front patio.

This was something that was done to other houses when my house was built but because my house didn't have this...I can never do it.

Oh...well...I'll survive. I understand they want to keep it all authentic to the time period. 

 Back to this house...it's very light and bright inside. I love that but....

Bungalows traditionally were not light and bright.

They were cozy and dark. 

So I wonder about renovations that take all the original inside character out and replace it with modern things. Like that modern wall fireplace. It's cool...I suppose...but I'd rather the original fireplace if there was one. 

 This house is staged and it's a crazy mix of furniture. I do like that it's fun.

But if I bought this house - the first thing I'd do is put in a more traditional looking fireplace.

 So the wall is gone between living room and dining room and kitchen. One of the things I love about bungalows is they usually have a pretty divided wall between living and dining. Maybe this one didn't but I hate to see those gone. 

But it is a nice open space.

I do like this kitchen ...but it's so modern farmhouse. I love a white kitchen. My own kitchen is white but this kitchen doesn't look like it would be in a bungalow at all.

And that bothers me.

But a lot of people will love it.

 I guess that's all that matters. Actually...I should try to design a bungalow kitchen that is light and bright but still feels like a bungalow..that would be a nice challenge for me.

The tile is fun. I'd get tired of it very fast though.

 I really like this mirrors and the lights over them...again..this does not feel like a bungalow at all.

 Very cool shower and tub.

 Very modern

 They created rooms in the attic...so it's a two story now.

The backyard has a ways to go to reach it's full potential. That's for the new owners to work on.

 see full listing here

 What's your feelings on renovations like this? Do you think they should stay more true to the original character of the house or go with what's trending at the moment?

Personally, I think it's better to mimic the original vibe of the house than to go with trends that will be dated quickly. 

But I know it's mainly younger buyers in this neighborhood and they have to do what appeals to them. 

Happy Sunday!

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Open House Sunday

 built 1910

This is my friend Becca's house. It's in the Plaza District of Oklahoma City.

A very sought after neighborhood.

 (oh yeah...this neighborhood is way too cool for me)

Or at least at night anyway. I can only go during the day. It's too young at night.

Twenty years ago this neighborhood was very run down, drug ridden and didn't have much going for it.

Now it's home to hip restaurants, shops and galleries.

Unfortunately, Becca is in the middle of a life change and is selling it.

She had it decorated so cute. Take a look -

 These photos were taken back in winter - so brown dead grass - sorry.

The house to the west of her was a real dump when she moved in but it got a 

complete modern transformation and recently sold for $750,000.

 A pretty classic entry. I love that little french chair in the bright color.

 looking into the living room

 I love the big open doorways in this house.

That's a large dog crate there to the left. Serves as a tv console and dog kennel.

 Love this kitchen. The Barq's cooler really works! 

Becca had it fixed. Not long after she moved into this house she held a Root Beer Float Party

complete with alcoholic Root Beer.

She was inspired by this cooler. 

Lots of fun, hot dogs and root beer floats.

 I love the mix matched chairs.

 Really love this kitchen. It's a nice mix of modern and vintage.

 Becca threw some great parties in this house.

I love the exposed brick.

 I love that it's a square kitchen. I wish my own kitchen were square instead of a galley.

Master is just through the doors from the dining area.

French doors off this room lead to a deck.

 Love the shower in the master bath.

 There are a couple of bedrooms upstairs.

Notice the cute lockers in her son's room?

 A lovely vintage inspired bath.

I'd kill for a bathroom this big. My own is very small.

It's a great home. I'm sad I won't be going to any more parties at this house.

See full listing here.

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