Old homes have a certain poetry—the creak of original floors, the thick plaster walls, the sense of permanence you can’t fake.
But even poetry needs editing.
When our clients bought their 1923 home, they fell in love with its charm—but not its layout. The primary suite was fragmented: a bathroom that felt forgotten, a closet across the hall, and a bedroom that didn’t quite belong to either.
They wanted connection, calm, and modern comfort—without changing the home’s footprint.
They turned to Charleene’s Houses, whom they’ve worked with before.
What began as a bathroom update evolved into a reimagined master suite—one that threads together architecture, emotion, and function with quiet precision.
The finished result is a seamless retreat that honors the home’s history while living beautifully in the present.
Project Overview
Project Type: Master Suite Remodel (Bedroom, Bathroom & Closet Ensemble)
Location: Near Homeland and Roland Park
Before the remodel, the primary suite was disjointed and inefficient. The bathroom was outdated and cramped, the closet was across the open hallway, and the flow of the entire space felt disconnected. Our customers wanted a cohesive suite that balanced historic charm with modern function.
The Challenge: A Disconnected Layout in a Historic Home
The original configuration made daily routines inconvenient and uninspiring:
- The bathroom and closet were separated by a hallway.
- The existing bath layout wasted space and lacked storage.
- The fixtures, lighting, and finishes didn’t reflect the home’s character or the owners’ lifestyle.
- The couple needed more function without expanding the home’s footprint.
The challenge was to create a seamless suite within the home’s structural constraints while maintaining the historic integrity of a 1923 build.
Why Historic Homes Require Specialized Design-Build Expertise
Older homes like this one often include:
- Narrow access points (such as the 24-inch pocket door that prevented the tub from fitting).
- Nonstandard dimensions and uneven wall lines.
- Limited electrical and plumbing access within plaster and lath walls.
- Layouts that resist modern flow and function.
Where most remodelers would suggest an addition, Charleene’s Houses uses advanced space planning to redesign existing square footage intelligently—an approach that saved the couple time and money.
The Charleene’s Houses Process
Vision & Space Planning
The project began with a basic goal: update the bathroom and closet.
Through in-depth discussions and design walkthroughs with the clients, Charleene and her team developed a more refined vision—an enclosed master suite connecting the bedroom, bathroom, and closet through a unified design flow.
Design Development & Selections
Charleene’s Houses guided the homeowners through lighting, finishes, fixtures, and paint selections.
Every element was planned with the intention of creating a calming, ocean-inspired palette.
A custom stained-glass installation by local artist Karin Frye Strawderman became the focal point over the double doors.
Construction & Layout Reconfiguration
The team reallocated space from an existing hallway and closet to create a full master suite.
The new double-door entrance connects the bedroom to the bathroom and closet seamlessly—allowing private access without crossing an open hall.
Problem-Solving During Build
When the new bathtub couldn’t fit through the pocket door, our team engineered a creative solution: removing a window and using a pulley system with four crew members to bring the tub through the opening safely.
Final Detailing & Walkthrough
After all installations were complete—including a steam shower, heated towel rack, and ocean-colored tile—our team completed a detailed walkthrough, ensuring perfect alignment, finish, and functionality.
How Each Space Was Reimagined Our Clients
The Bedroom: Restored Character With Modern Calm
Although the bedroom required the least structural work, it set the tone for the entire suite.
The goal was to create a cohesive flow into the new bathroom and closet without adding square footage or losing the home’s historic charm.
Charleene’s team began by closing off the original bathroom door, reclaiming wall space for new design possibilities, and improving privacy. We selected a tranquil paint color that complemented the ocean-inspired palette of the adjoining bathroom. New ceiling fixtures and a sleek modern fan completed the room, adding comfort and elegance without visual clutter.
The result is a calm, welcoming entry point to the suite—a space that feels both timeless and connected to the rest of the renovation.
The Bathroom: Ocean-Inspired Luxury in a Compact Footprint
The bathroom was completely reimagined from the studs up.
Charleene’s Houses combined the home’s existing bathroom and adjacent closet to create one large, spa-like retreat.
The new layout included every element the homeowners wanted: a freestanding bathtub, a steam shower, a double vanity, and ample natural light—all within the home’s existing structure.
The design centered around soothing, ocean-inspired tones, achieved through scalloped wall tiles and natural stone finishes.
The custom-stained-glass window by Karin Frye Strawderman above the double-door entrance filters light into the space while providing privacy and artistry.
When the freestanding bathtub from Vintage Tub & Bath couldn’t fit through the 24-inch pocket door, our team engineered a creative solution—lifting it through the window using a pulley system and four crew members.
A Hansgrohe Locarno shower system transformed the shower into a true steam spa. One of the clients uses it nearly every day, making it one of the most practical luxuries in the home.
This bathroom doesn’t just look beautiful—it performs flawlessly, with function, flow, and craftsmanship working in harmony.
The Closet: A Custom “Closet on Steroids”
The closet became one of the most unique spaces Charleene’s Houses has ever designed. What began as a simple storage plan turned into a masterclass in personalized space optimization.
Before construction began, Charleene asked her clients to individually count every item they owned—shoes, jackets, dresses, shirts, and slacks—and measure their linear footage.
Using those measurements, the carpenter built each section to exact specifications, ensuring every inch served a purpose.
The result is an elegant, fully customized walk-in closet that includes:
- Stackable washer and dryer, allowing second-floor laundry.
- Built-in steamer for daily garment care.
- Hidden hamper and cleaning storage to keep surfaces clear.
- Open jewelry display area that doubles as décor.
- Efficient lighting and ventilation to keep the space bright and comfortable.
Our clients call it “life-changing,” and both homeowners now describe the closet as one of the most functional spaces in their home.
Despite the limited footprint, it feels expansive, efficient, and beautifully designed—proof of Charleene’s philosophy that good planning can outwork square footage.
The Suite Layout: Smart Planning, Seamless Flow
The final configuration unified the three spaces—bedroom, bathroom, and closet—into one cohesive master suite.
The new design captured an additional three feet of hallway space to improve flow and allowed the homeowners to move privately between rooms without crossing a public corridor.
Through precise space reallocation and expert carpentry, Charleene’s Houses turned a disjointed arrangement into a connected retreat.
Every design decision supported daily life—laundry, bathing, dressing—while maintaining the architectural integrity of the 1923 home.
The suite now feels effortless and intuitive, the way a home should live after nearly a century of evolution.
Structural & Functional Results
The remodel redefined the flow and comfort of the suite without altering the home’s footprint.
- New enclosed suite uniting bedroom, bath, and closet.
- Added three feet of hallway space to the bathroom.
- Seamless double-door connection between spaces.
- Structural precision preserved the integrity of the 1923 home.
Design & Lifestyle Upgrades
- Ocean-inspired tile and color palette for calmness and continuity.
- A steam shower for better relaxation.
- Closet steamer used daily.
- Freestanding bathtub from Vintage Tub & Bath.
- Vanity by Room & Board and Calacatta Miraggio Gold surfaces by MSI Surfaces.
- Hansgrohe Locarno plumbing fixtures throughout.
- Stackable washer/dryer in the closet for daily efficiency.
- Custom storage built to exact linear-foot counts of clothing and accessories.
- Jewelry display area, integrated lighting, and organization systems.
Every choice reflected Charleene’s Houses’ design-first, family-centered approach.
The Outcome: A Master Suite That Feels Effortless
Before, the owner’s suite felt divided, cluttered, and stressful.
Now, it’s a serene, highly functional space that gives them privacy, efficiency, and calm.
They describe it as “life-changing.” He uses the steam shower nearly every day, while She enjoys having all her clothing and jewelry visible, organized, and easy to access. Both appreciate the peace and order the space now brings to their daily routine.
Turn Your Historic Home Into a Modern Sanctuary with Charleene’s Houses
A remodel like this shows what’s possible when design intelligence meets craftsmanship. Charleene’s Houses transforms older homes into modern sanctuaries—spaces that feel cohesive, timeless, and deeply personal without adding square footage or losing character.
Your dream space may already be within your walls—you just need the right team to bring it to life.
If you’re ready to reimagine your home with that same precision and creativity, fill out our Calendly form today or give us a call.
FAQs
What challenges should I expect when renovating a historic home?
Expect challenges like preserving original features, updating outdated systems, and complying with preservation regulations when renovating a historic home. Structural surprises and material limitations are also common in older properties.
Why is planning more important in historic renovations?
Planning is critical in historic renovations because hidden issues—like outdated wiring or foundation problems—often surface once work begins. A detailed plan with built-in flexibility helps protect both budget and historic integrity.
Do I need specialized contractors for a historic home remodel?
Yes, you should hire contractors with experience in historic homes. They know how to work around aging materials, maintain architectural details, and meet code while honoring the home’s original design.
