Timeless appeal

It’s not often an interior designer works with a client who is more interested in looking older rather than up-to-the-moment and trending. The couple that owns this farmhouse in Austinburg was intent on taking their circa 1990s home back to the 1920s. They had worked with the design team at Guhde Flooring America & Design Studio in the past to install LVT flooring in their home and returned to it for this challenge: to marry vintage charm with modern functionality.

“The wife really did her research into what her grandmother’s kitchen would have looked like and we did our best to bring that to life,” says Kitchen & Bath Designer Jillian Brickman.

The names of the product selections tell the story: Relic Oak floors, Cottage White backsplash, Unlacquered Brass fixtures.

Finishes that Will Age with Time

“The husband is retired from Sherwin-Williams and was specific in how they wanted the cabinetry painted, varnished and slightly distressed,” says Jillian. “It’s high-end Fieldstone, made from all hardwoods, in a flat Shaker style, which was common in the 1920s.”

A focal point in the space is the custom wall-mounted farm sink that’s 40 inches wide with a drainboard and unlacquered brass faucet that will age naturally over time. Even the smallest design detail, cabinet hardware, was carefully considered and they chose unique Emtek unlacquered brass knobs, cup pulls and latches. The countertops also lend a textured, “lived in” appearance, with flecks of ground quartz, polymer and pigment that look like rough, textured slate.

“In the butler’s pantry that leads to the dining room, we had some fun and added wire-fronted cabinets that look like an old-fashioned chicken coop,” she says. “And we enclosed all the mechanicals, like phone cords, etc., for a clean look.”

Primary Bath Transformation

The couple also chose Guhde Flooring America to reimagine their primary bathroom, which featured dated eyesores like a tiny corner fiberglass shower you could barely turn around in, a large jetted tub with steps surrounding it that was unused, and a commode that was floating in the middle of the space.

“Boosting functionality, adding storage and creating the capability to age in place were the main goals here,” she says. “To make room for the massive shower, which is about four times the size of the previous one, we got rid of the tub altogether, and then visually opened up the space with a partial glass shower door. We built a curbless entry, added grab bars and installed a non-slip flooring surface. We also added a center linen cabinet between the two sinks. Unlacquered brass fixtures were a star in the bathroom, too.”

New Store Alert

Another fine example that everything old is new again, the Guhde family just announced it will be opening a new store—The Floor Trader Outlet—in its former headquarters at 1880 Mentor Avenuˇe in Painesville.

“The discount outlet will provide a wide selection of in-stock flooring from around the world for the DIY customer,” says Office Manager Monica Guhde-Rosa. “Our store is currently undergoing an extensive renovation inside and out, and we expect to celebrate our grand opening in July. Stay tuned.”

Guhde Flooring America & Design Studio is located on the terrace level of the Platinum Center, at 7200 Center Street, Suite 100, in Mentor. Access and parking are in the rear of the building. Backed by the buying power of a 500-store nationwide retail flooring group, Guhde Flooring America offers its clients some of the lowest prices, best warranties, and widest selections in the industry. Exclusive financing plans give you the financial freedom to renovate your home whenever you choose. Call 440-639-1990 or visit GuhdeFlooringAmerica.com for more information.