This Colonial-style home in Newport, Rhode Island, had 120 years of history under its roof, but for a long time none of its potential was tapped since it was turned into a college rental and suffered the indignities of shoddy workmanship, impersonal builder-grade renovations and so much dust and dirt that it was impervious to scrubbing. However, the minute Rebecca Staub, principal and founder of Rebecca Staub Staging & Design, saw it, she knew that with a little love it would be the perfect home for her family. "Through it all, I could see that the house had great bones and a nice flow," Rebecca says. "We resolved to bring it back to its original beauty."
Buying a historical house and renovating every inch of it is ambitious. On top of that, the home was only 1,200 square feet, with the inability to add any square footage due to its downtown location and no footprint space, but Rebecca was up to the task and came up with solutions to update the home and make it live large.
This story is from the June - July 2024 edition of Cottages and Bungalows.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June - July 2024 edition of Cottages and Bungalows.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Variations on Vignettes
The art of still-life interior design.
An English Country Kitchen
Our Project House Utah kitchen came alive long before the first tile was laid, thanks to 3D and mood-board renderings.
Coastal Cool
An updated condo gets an improved layout and a seaside-inspired décor.
Colonial Revival
Built over 120 years ago, this house was relegated to being a college rental with shoddy repairs but was rescued to receive a new lease on life.
Fresh Updates for a Historic Bungalow
A homeowner modifies her 1921 Craftsman with respectful renovations and redesigns.
Summer Scenes & Design Dreams
Our brand ambassador shares his seasonal styling inspirations.
BEAT The HEAT
Get your home ready for the summer heat with cottage-friendly cooling.
Cozy & Collected
An art collector enlists a designer to help her renovate her 1964 Colonial cottage. Together, they create a home filled with sumptuous textiles and treasured heirlooms.
Beach Town Bungalow
While this 1922 Craftsman embodies the character and charm of a bygone era, its owner has found creative ways to bring it into the present while honoring its past.
Nostalgic Magic
Old and new magic combine in this quirky redesign of an old Tudor house, complete with dinosaur wallpaper, scalloped edges and whimsical tile.