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Breathing
New Life
If you’re redesigning your own historical
home, consider Ziemer’s advice for
breathing new life into old structures.
1Respect for architecture is
important, but you don’t have to
be a slave to it.
2When designing, focus on the
family who lives there and their
lifestyle instead of purely
preserving traditional layouts.
3Don’t take design too seriously.
Adding a touch of whimsy and
layering makes a room more
comfortable and more authentic.
modern interpretation of a classic material. Modern art punctuates
the look while a traditional chair fabric and a white ceiling take it
down a notch. “You need a place for the eye to rest,” says Ziemer.
Small-scale subway tiles run vertically in the powder room
for a change of pace. Woodsy wallpaper creates the perfect
backdrop for a bunny watercolor done by a friend, and the old
trolley cart and sink were installed by the previous owner.
The living room is visually quieter than the rest of the home.
Neutral grasscloth walls set a subtle stage for the space that was
primarily used for entertaining. “It was a little more traditional
and subdued; a more formal space,” explains Ziemer, who
couldn’t resist adding an unexpected green rug.
Though Ziemer has since moved out of the house to gain
more indoor and mostly outdoor space for her family, she won’t
soon forget living there. The carriage house may no longer be
the place they call home, but it has a permanent place in their
hearts. “I am hoping we can buy it back again someday after the
kids go to college,” she says.
42 home by design|april|may|2014