My Houzz: Personalized Updates in an 1880s Cincinnati Home
First-time homeowners say goodbye to wood paneling and hello to an eclectic, cozy home
Sarah Parisi Dowlin
February 24, 2019
Houzz contributor. Parisi Images creates purposeful photography to shape, share and celebrate the stories of your life, business and brand. Specializing in custom photo content and image strategy for small business owners, helps elevate brand stories to engage audiences and customer loyalty. Sarah contributes regularly to Houzz.com, among other publications.
Houzz contributor. Parisi Images creates purposeful photography to shape, share and... More
House at a Glance
Who lives here: Victoria Lavelanet and Jeff Martin and their Boston terrier, Rocky
Location: Cincinnati
Size: 1,800 square feet (167 square meters); three bedrooms, 1½ bathrooms
First-time homeowners Victoria Lavelanet and Jeff Martin bought their 1880s home in Cincinnati knowing it was a house that, in Lavelanet’s words, had “overlooked character that could be saved.” She adds, “What we loved was the location, big backyard and driveway, original wood double-hung windows, the master walk-in closet and all the space we had to work with.”
The couple bought the home in 2014 and worked with general contractor Shawn Zemojtel of Problem Solved to remove wood paneling and restore the home’s original trim. They also had new insulation and drywall added to the walls. The couple worked closely with Zemojtel to renovate the entry, bathrooms, living room and laundry area. “He has such a passion for old homes and a talent for carpentry,” Lavelanet says of their contractor.
Find a general contractor near you on Houzz
Who lives here: Victoria Lavelanet and Jeff Martin and their Boston terrier, Rocky
Location: Cincinnati
Size: 1,800 square feet (167 square meters); three bedrooms, 1½ bathrooms
First-time homeowners Victoria Lavelanet and Jeff Martin bought their 1880s home in Cincinnati knowing it was a house that, in Lavelanet’s words, had “overlooked character that could be saved.” She adds, “What we loved was the location, big backyard and driveway, original wood double-hung windows, the master walk-in closet and all the space we had to work with.”
The couple bought the home in 2014 and worked with general contractor Shawn Zemojtel of Problem Solved to remove wood paneling and restore the home’s original trim. They also had new insulation and drywall added to the walls. The couple worked closely with Zemojtel to renovate the entry, bathrooms, living room and laundry area. “He has such a passion for old homes and a talent for carpentry,” Lavelanet says of their contractor.
Find a general contractor near you on Houzz
Lavelanet, a product designer, admits to loving the idea of a “project house” but initially finding the process overwhelming. Martin, an operations manager for a local brewery, “was adamant about the beauty we could unveil,” she says. “I’m so glad I listened to him!” The couple are seen here with their 5-year-old Boston terrier, Rocky.
Before Photo
Before: When they bought the house, the dining room walls were a bright red. The flooring, mantel and trim are original.
After: Painting the walls and trim and refacing the fireplace were the big projects in the dining room.
Pink velvet GamFratesi Beetle chairs for Gubi surround a vintage table. The large antique mirror on the mantel is from a local estate auction house.
Browse pink dining chairs
Pink velvet GamFratesi Beetle chairs for Gubi surround a vintage table. The large antique mirror on the mantel is from a local estate auction house.
Browse pink dining chairs
Framed art collected at thrift stores forms a gallery above the sideboard.
An Insider’s Guide to Creating the Perfect Gallery Wall
An Insider’s Guide to Creating the Perfect Gallery Wall
Originally, the sideboard and hutch were one large stacked piece. The couple separated them and added custom legs to both to give them height.
Rocky, seen on the entryway bench, loves to be anywhere he can sunbathe. “You can usually find him lying on the entry rug, the attic couch or in the nursery — all spots where direct sunlight streams into the home,” Lavelanet says.
How to Design Your House Around Your Pet
Rocky, seen on the entryway bench, loves to be anywhere he can sunbathe. “You can usually find him lying on the entry rug, the attic couch or in the nursery — all spots where direct sunlight streams into the home,” Lavelanet says.
How to Design Your House Around Your Pet
Before: The family room was in good shape but featured wood paneling that the couple chose to remove.
After: The homeowners had the trim painted white to match the rest of the interior; the walls were painted a neutral gray.
“When planning how to decorate a room, I decide on a theme and then use a cohesive color palette to weave all the rooms together,” Lavelanet says.
The large vintage lockers (painted white by Lavelanet) create additional storage in this space.
“When planning how to decorate a room, I decide on a theme and then use a cohesive color palette to weave all the rooms together,” Lavelanet says.
The large vintage lockers (painted white by Lavelanet) create additional storage in this space.
Lavelanet added fringe to this half-circle mirror in the living room for a custom look.
Just off the dining room, an original window opens to a spot where milk could be delivered in days past. The couple chose to keep the feature. “I’m more an old soul, and I love that my home reflects that,” Lavelanet says.
In the entryway, they removed the ’70s-era wood paneling, added insulation and repainted. They also had the original large window restored. “The room was dark and cramped. Now it’s my favorite place in the entire home,” Lavelanet says.
Shop for indoor pots and planters
Shop for indoor pots and planters
“My personal design style is eclectic, and I love to decorate in layers,” Lavelanet says. Her parents owned an interior design business for over 15 years, which she says has influenced her style. Her decorating goal was to “create an environment that feels cozy and lived-in, with tiny surprises in each layer that you may notice over time. I focus on finding things that inspire me and remind me of something special.”
Lavelanet often repurposes things for new functions, taking time to find items that inspire rather than focusing on particular trends. Here, a reclaimed mail-sorting cabinet with new hairpin legs becomes a catchall for mail, keys and odds and ends.
Lavelanet often repurposes things for new functions, taking time to find items that inspire rather than focusing on particular trends. Here, a reclaimed mail-sorting cabinet with new hairpin legs becomes a catchall for mail, keys and odds and ends.
The vintage painting of the French countryside is a souvenir from a recent trip the couple took to Europe.
Before Photo
Before: The previous owners painted the kitchen walls bright yellow. The appliances were a bit outdated, and Lavelanet and Martin knew they could make some cosmetic fixes to greatly improve the look and feel of the space.
After: The couple replaced the existing appliances with new stainless steel ones, painted the cabinets and walls white and replaced the countertop. They drew inspiration from French country farm cottage style.
The island was created using an old wood table left behind by the previous owners.
The island was created using an old wood table left behind by the previous owners.
A vintage curio cabinet and wood shelf hold some of Lavelanet’s favorite vintage wares.
“I like to collect old, beautiful things,” Lavelanet says. The couple added custom shelves in this built-in nook and use them to display books, glassware and knickknacks.
In their bedroom, they removed a partial wall (not pictured), making the room feel much more open.
The master includes a walk-in closet that’s large enough to fit a full-size dresser. The couple added shelves for additional storage.
The couple, who are expecting their first child, converted one of the bedrooms into a nursery. Lavelanet says she wanted to create a space that would feel “magical” for the baby. The armoire is vintage.
Open shelves hold a few toys that the couple bought on a recent trip to Paris.
Before Photo
Before: The existing bathroom featured 4-by-4-inch blue tile and pink fixtures. The couple wanted to update the look and feel of the space.
After: The bath received a complete renovation, including replacement of all the plumbing. “We’ve learned after working with many people throughout different phases of renovation that it’s so important to have a good relationship with your contractor,” Lavelanet says.
An old wooden cabinet provides storage for towels and other essentials.
An old wooden cabinet provides storage for towels and other essentials.
A mostly neutral palette with subway tile and a white vanity gives the renovated bathroom a clean, crisp look.
The previously neglected third-floor attic space received all new insulation, drywall, electrical, trim and plumbing to make it usable. This small corner gives Lavelanet a place for crafting and other creative projects.
14 Tips for Decorating an Attic — Awkward Spots and All
14 Tips for Decorating an Attic — Awkward Spots and All
On the other side of the finished attic is Martin’s space, with a vintage-style refrigerator and 1970s couch.
New plumbing and electrical allowed the couple to bring the laundry area up from the basement to the now-finished attic. A vintage cabinet holds fresh linens.
My Houzz is a series in which we visit and photograph creative, personality-filled homes and the people who inhabit them. Share your home with us and see more projects.
More on Houzz
How to Remodel the Laundry Room
Find a general contractor on Houzz
My Houzz is a series in which we visit and photograph creative, personality-filled homes and the people who inhabit them. Share your home with us and see more projects.
More on Houzz
How to Remodel the Laundry Room
Find a general contractor on Houzz
Our philosophy at Kitchen Kraft is to make home remodeling convenient. We are your one-stop shop for kitchen... Read More
What are you working on?
Related Products
KA Builders is a dedicated and innovative remodeling company based in the heart of your city. With our years of... Read More
Related Stories
Decorating Guides
So Your Style Is: Eclectic
This playful, personal home design style shakes up conventions and bridges the gap between other looks. Here's how to master the mix
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: Rich Color and Classic Features Revive a Row House
A designer restores period details and improves the layout to reinvent a London home for a family of 5
Full Story
Townhouses
Houzz Tour: Townhome Customized With Parisian Industrial Flair
By Becky Harris
A designer layers a home with old-world elements, a variety of patinas and plenty of space to store books
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: Spanish Colonial Home Gets a Colorful Makeover
A designer found on Houzz gives a Los Angeles home a cottage feel with lots of colorful patterns and decor
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: Dated ’80s Style Makes Way for a Modern-Vintage Mix
By Becky Harris
A design-build firm helps Brooklyn clients make their duplex a home that suits them
Full Story
Townhouses
Houzz Tour: Color and Character in a Historic Townhouse
A design pro helps a couple remodel their interior spaces in an upbeat style that honors the 1874 building’s history
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: 1970s Style Influences a Lakefront Home
By Becky Harris
A designer has fun helping a friend blend boho, earthy and glam looks in her new Illinois home
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: Making the Most of 700 Square Feet in New York
By Becky Harris
A designer maximizes storage and creates a workspace while highlighting her client’s art
Full Story
Coastal Style
Houzz Tour: Music, Crafts and Americana Inspire a Cozy Nest
By Becky Harris
A California bayside home is designed around a couple’s love of the arts and entertaining and the home’s natural setting
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Fresh Update for a Victorian-Era San Francisco Beauty
By Becky Harris
A respectful renovation preserves historic details while updating the home for modern family life
Full Story
I tend to struggle with changing old to new, but I had the same pink and blue bathroom that was anything but desirable or original to an 1800's structure. It even had faux marble on the upper walls! Because of $ restrictions I kept the heavy cast iron tub, but everything else went. Now have a tub surround (no grout to clean!), a water-saving white toilet and white sink. The shower curtain covers most of the tub and it looks fine. Walls are now beadboard top to bottom. 100% improvement. It now actually looks more original to the house.
I absolutely love what this couple did to their home! I would want less stuff around, but they have to clean it; I don't ;-) Would not encourage anyone to have a catch-all in their front entry however. Does "vintage style" fridge mean it's actually a new energy saving one?
Wow what lovely words, thank you so much! We have really loved the process of restoring the 1890's charm and preserving as much as we could. Our amazing son Theodore Lavelanet Martin was born in November 2018 and we couldn't be happier! Now that our house is completed I'm excited to pursue my passion of interior design, please message me on Instagram @victorialavelanet for inquiries. I would love to answer questions and provide perspective so here goes!
To the pink & blue bathroom lovers, I wish we could have done something but the entire plumbing needed to be replaced including drain stack & all pipes & it was in very rough shape otherwise! I personally feel the white, marble & claw foot tub are more true to the houses soul, so in the end I was thrilled.
The kitchen chalk board with curved frame was a mirror frame. I used the mirror with no frame in the half bath & converted the original frame for a new purpose! It is vintage from EBTH.
For the subject of painted vs natural trim- there was a patchwork of different trims throughout the house on the first floor from many renovations over the years. We restored as much trim to match the original (as it was missing in most places) and in the end we decided to paint but left the wood frame of the windows as a compromise! They are beautiful! Upstairs was already painted so overall it made the house more cohesive anyway. I believe both can be beautiful especially if you have quality wood.
The fridge in the attic is in fact an actual vintage GE refrigerator; that's the beer fridge in the hang out space ha! On the subject of cost, I completely understand now how people can make the hard choice of replacing vs restoring. The siding restoration & adding a vintage door true to the era was 3-4times as much as a new modern replacement which was hard to swallow. In the end we completed some projects ourselves and paid professionals to do important craftsman work. Throughout the process we saved where we could without compromising the integrity of the project & splurged where it counted. We hope that our enhancements help this Victorian beauty live for another 100 years. We've been able to make things our own while restoring the beauty that was stripped away and to me that's the goal and we've been successful :)
Thanks again we appreciate the opportunity to share our story. Follow me on Instagram for the final reveal of the outside, freshly painted and original siding that was found beneath layers preserved!! Here's a sneak peek of the new cedar we added to match the old. Instagram: @victorialavelanet
Victoria, did you refinish the floors? In the before photos they look quite orange, but in the after photos they look darker and richer. Is that a refinishing result or lighting or ??
And your house is truly beautiful!