The Transformation of a Controversial Red Room
Reviving our 1920s Tudor
In the world of home renovation, not every transformation comes without a fair share of controversy. Take, for instance, our journey with a vibrant red room in our 1920s Tudor-style home. This room had become a point of contention among TikTok viewers who insisted that it should remain untouched. However, seeing past the 1970s makeover, we embarked on a mission to restore the space to its original 1920s aesthetic.
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The room, adorned with loud red carpet and overpowering wallpaper from the 1970s, was hiding its true potential beneath layers of time. As we peeled back the moldy red carpet, we discovered original red oak floors patiently waiting to be brought back to life. With some sanding and a light natural stain, we let the beauty of the red oak shine through, instantly brightening up
The Before
While I am a fan of wallpaper, I understood the importance of balance in a smaller room. Instead of covering every inch, we opted for an accent wall adorned with a classic block pattern featuring dense foliage. The color palette of green, teal, grey, and olive added a contemporary touch, perfectly complementing the 1920s charm of the house. The remaining walls were coated in a moody grey-blue shade from Benjamin Moore, providing a harmonious backdrop.
In our quest to revive the room's authentic character, we took extra care to restore the original wood doors. The result is stunning – these doors now stand as design elements against the wallpaper, adding a touch of vintage elegance to the space. The juxtaposition of the rich wood grain against the intricate wallpaper patterns creates a visual feast that ties the room's history seamlessly with its modern revival.
Out with the old, and in with the new – the 1970s light fixture had to make way for a new modern light fixture with a vintage flair. Three coats of custom Benjamin Moore paint, 80% Gibraltar Cliffs and 20% Buxton Blue extended to the baseboards, visually expanding the room and creating a seamless transition between the walls and floors. New windows replaced outdated ones, and removing the shutters allowed natural light to flood the space, transforming the room into an inviting haven.
Home renovations often come with unexpected challenges. In our case, removing a cork tile wall proved to be a daunting task. As a realtor, I always advocate for caution regarding potential lead paint and glue, which were likely present in this aging space. Careful measures were taken to ensure a safe and successful removal, setting the stage for the room's rejuvenation.
In the end, our decision to deviate from the TikTok consensus and breathe new life into this red room was guided by a vision of restoring its original charm. The transformation journey, from revealing hidden oak floors to choosing a tasteful wallpaper accent and restoring the wood doors, showcases the delicate balance between preserving history and embracing modernity. As we look forward to settling into our revamped space, the red room stands as a testament to the beauty of thoughtful renovations in a vintage home.
While we haven't moved in just yet, the red room's transformation has laid the foundation for an exciting interior decor journey. Stay tuned as we share our curated styles and decorative touches that will complete this 1920s Tudor gem.