How We Transformed a Dilapidated Bungalow Into Something Special
Transforming a home is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about honoring its history while enhancing its functionality and beauty. This project, a remarkable bungalow remodel in Houston, showcases the power of thoughtful design and quality craftsmanship. With before-and-after photos that highlight the dramatic transformation, this home now exudes warmth, character, and timeless elegance.
This project was a true labor of love, and I couldn’t be more proud of the results. If you are looking to remodel or build a home that blends timeless design with modern luxury, Jamie House Design is here to bring your vision to life. Let’s create something extraordinary together—contact us today to get started!
Transforming a home is about more than just aesthetics, it’s about honoring its history while enhancing its functionality and beauty. This project, a remarkable bungalow remodel in Houston, showcases the power of thoughtful design and quality craftsmanship. With before-and-after photos that highlight the dramatic transformation, this home now exudes warmth, character, and timeless elegance.
Preserving the Character of a Historic Bungalow
As someone who lives in a 1920s bungalow in the Houston Heights, I have a deep appreciation for maintaining the integrity of historic homes. At Jamie House Design, we prioritize working with builders and homeowners who are dedicated to preserving the charm of their neighborhoods while upgrading homes with modern comforts and elevated design.
Exterior Revamp: A Fresh, Modern Take on Bungalow Style
The exterior of the home underwent a dramatic transformation. The original structure was outdated and enclosed by a towering fence. By reimagining the façade, we introduced:
A new roofline to accommodate interior ceiling changes
A lower, modern wood-and-wire fence for an open and welcoming aesthetic
Contemporary poured concrete pavers leading to the entrance
Native grasses and thoughtful landscaping for a fresh yet timeless curb appeal
A refined color palette of cream paneling with soft blue accents
This careful blend of traditional bungalow elements with modern enhancements ensures the home feels both classic and current.
Craftsmanship & Architectural Detailing
Inside, architectural details play a crucial role in elevating the home’s design. Craftsman-style columns and built-in bookcases create natural divisions between the entrance, dining, and study. Heavy craftsman moldings frame the windows, adding depth and authenticity. One particularly special touch was sourcing antique light fixtures from the same era as the home, enhancing its historical charm.
P&G Homes’ talented craftsmen share my commitment to superior millwork, allowing us to create spaces that feel beautifully designed even before furniture is added. My design philosophy is to ensure that the home’s architecture stands strong on its own, enhancing both form and function.
Kitchen Transformation: A Light-Filled Showpiece
One of the most striking changes in this home is the kitchen, now seamlessly integrated with the family room. Raising the ceiling allowed us to introduce clerestory windows, exposed beams, and elegant wall sconces that blend harmoniously into the architecture. The new kitchen features:
Granite countertops
Classic subway tile backsplash
Soft gray cabinetry
A spacious eat-in island with a built-in sink
The result? A bright, inviting space perfect for entertaining and everyday living.
Reimagining the Floor Plan for Modern Living
The floor plan reconfiguration enabled us to optimize the home’s layout, creating a seamless flow between spaces.
Secondary Bedroom: Featuring rich craftsman moldings and beautifully stained oak floors, this space exudes warmth and character.
Hall Bathroom: A complete down-to-the-studs renovation, featuring classic white hex mosaic flooring, white subway tile wainscoting, and a custom vanity with a black marble countertop and linen storage.
Family Room Enhancement: The addition of a tray ceiling brings depth and openness to the space, while large windows on two sides flood the room with natural light.
Primary Suite Expansion: A thoughtfully designed primary retreat now boasts a spa-like bathroom with a dual-sink custom vanity, black marble countertops, and a custom-framed mirror spanning the length of the vanity. The space also includes a luxurious walk-in shower, water closet, and a walk-in closet with custom built-ins for maximized storage.
Garage & Outdoor Living Space
The original one-car garage was reconstructed and expanded to include a covered carport, offering additional parking or a shaded outdoor retreat. The surrounding area, framed by stunning Live Oak trees, provides a serene and picturesque setting.
This project was completed during my years working in Houston's historic Heights neighborhood, one of the most design-rich environments I've worked in, and one that shaped how I think about historic homes today. The constraints of preserving original character while making a home genuinely livable for modern life are the same whether I'm working in Houston's Heights or Littleton's Old Town. If you're working with a home that has real bones and needs someone who knows what to do with them, I'd love to hear about it.
Another Day in a Designer's Life
I did my best to document what I did along the day, missing large chunks and even leaving my phone at the studio at one point. D'oh! This is my studio day. I take one day a week to not schedule appointments so I can have large chunks of time to really get into projects. It's a struggle, but man everyone benefits from my studio days.
I did my best to document what I did along the day, missing large chunks and even leaving my phone at the studio at one point. D'oh! This is my studio day. I take one day a week to not schedule appointments so I can have large chunks of time to really get into projects. It's a struggle, but man everyone benefits from my studio days.
So first of all I broke my cardinal rule and met a contractor at a jobsite on my studio day. The day before was super rainy and I just did not want to jobsite in the rain. I mean look at this mud! Interior Design is glamorous and chic.
This meeting was reviewing cabinetry and millwork drawings that I designed onsite to be sure everyone understands my concept and details. DETAILS. They're so important. I prefer to design all of the millwork if possible as well. It's much more fun to dream up ideas than to search catalogs.
This is so embarrassing. But it was requested that I actually BE in my posts sometimes ;) It was SO COLD.
I got to see how my wood floor inlay design turned out and I LOVE it. BUT I don't love the mud and power tools all over it... Really this site is so muddy with all of the rain they've done a good job trying to keep it clean.
I'm back at the studio to have coffee and emails. I usually run out the door quick in the morning and bring coffee along but since I knew the meeting would be quick I'd rather have my coffee in my fav mug cozy in front of the laptop. My desk is really a table, not the final but great for now. This is usually the state of things around here during the day. This randomness is actually organized chaos I promise!
So working working working is going on. A quick Skype call with my business coach, so paint color selections I should have photographed. These apples taste JUST like candy. Almost too sweet. Almost.
My assistant insists that we sit in the same chair. It's really cozy. & I love it. Perks of having a home studio!
So still in the office working through projects. I can't live without my notebooks. I write everything down. I just can't go full digital, I think with my hands. I've always sketched out plans and drawings before putting them into AutoCAD. I still have to write out ideas and to do lists before adding them to my calendar or emails. Are you fully digital?? I am more than I was a few years ago but I love to draw things out, it's like meditation to me.
Here's where I left my phone (my life!!!) at the studio. There is a great reclaimed wood dealer in my neighborhood so I popped over to meet a contractor there to look at some reclaimed beams that were brought in from Roundtop for a fun project I'm doing. This picture is from a few days earlier but you get the idea. This place is full of treasures.
So I ended the day meeting up with some good friends for a double date and we popped by a client's place to see how everything's going since we were close. Also since my client doubles as my friend's mom ;) Her place is really livable and cute. Maybe one day I'll share some about the people behind the rooms I design. This space is a complete reflection of her. And look she even lit candles! The sweetest. This room was wood paneled and just blah before. My most favorite part of interior design is creating spaces that reflect my client's tastes and lifestyles. I have the best job.
Now based in Denver, Jamie House Design continues to offer expert interior design services for high-end remodels in Houston and beyond. Whether you’re preserving a beloved home or updating a space to better suit your lifestyle, we bring thoughtful design, timeless materials, and unparalleled attention to detail.
If you’re considering a kitchen remodel, let’s create something extraordinary together. Contact Jamie House Design today to discuss your project.
A Day in a Designer's Life
I'm excited to start this ongoing series about what goes on in my daily life as well as start adding in other designers and creatives into the mix. I think it's fun to see how the design goes down. It's not usually as pretty or glamorous as the finished images we're used to seeing.
On January 14th I took pictures of what I was doing throughout the day. It happens that I spent that day completely out of the office, which is far more interesting for you than my office days. But I'll share some of that too sometime.
I'm excited to start this ongoing series about what goes on in my daily life as well as start adding in other designers and creatives into the mix. I think it's fun to see how the design goes down. It's not usually as pretty or glamorous as the finished images we're used to seeing.
On January 14th I took pictures of what I was doing throughout the day. It happens that I spent that day completely out of the office, which is far more interesting for you than my office days. But I'll share some of that too sometime.
Let me know what you think of this series!
I started off the day meeting at a jobsite to discuss the paint of a little bungalow I'm working on with P&G Homes. We were working out the accent details, notice the porch columns.
Inside the house we confirmed the moldings and checked on how the cabinets are coming along.
Next up I headed over to Adkins Architectural Antiques to look at antique door options. This place is the greatest, if you're in Houston you must go here.
I got distracted by this sink, turns out the back is too high for my client's space. Isn't it fabby though? I'm still brainstorming who needs this sink in their utility room.
I found this door, the size is perfect. The faux painted wood showing underneath the weird mauve is great. I love the aqua peaking out from all of that. But mauve. I called my client to meet me over here to check it out. No go on the mauve as I suspected. FYI this door is over 100 years old and a steal at $55!
This is the door! It was always our fav. Subtly & not shown in this pic, chartreuse if peaking out under the grayish finish. This door is a bit small so we'll build a frame around it and have that finished. To make this safe for a home we'll have it wire brushed to remove the flakes then sealed. We'll hang it as a slider in the family room.
We'll frame our door like these have been framed.
Checking out the slider door in the Adkins warehouse.It's a bit industrial for our look but a great option at a low price point. They got the hardware from Triple-S Steel Supply in Houston.
We ran by Circa to see the great Jackie and select sconces for the fireplace and look at options for the exterior sconces.
Distracted by the amazing lamps. I have a thing for lamps. We selected the fireplace sconces, I'm not going to show you till they're installed! Also have some options for the exterior.
Next I run over to the weekly P&G Homes meeting about all of the projects going on. Today's meeting is at a great Heights remodel that P&G is doing for a friend of mine, & theirs. We go through projects, what stage they're at, what's coming up next.
I poked around to check out the house. Here's the upstairs utility room! So. Cute.
Now I'm driving by some projects to check on progress, just drive bys though. This little one is already looking much better than this picture.
Back by the house I was at this morning to see about the gables. It's not my fav. The neighbors and painters don't love it, not that I usually listen to someone that doesn't know the overall vision. Still, the pale blue seems too sweet. I run back to the office to propose an edit to the paint plan. No more pics though, I'll have to be more diligent about taking pics in my studio.
There's my day for the most part!
I'm excited about this series, it's actually fun for me, so I hope it's fun for you. Plus I can't wait to see what other designers are doing. Our days vary so drastically from one day to the next.
Have a great weekend!
If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love contact me to learn more about Jamie House Design interior design services.
Before & After: A Stunning Home Transformation | Follow Up
At Jamie House Design, we believe a home remodel should not only enhance the beauty of a space but also improve its functionality. One of our most rewarding projects was a collaboration with P&G Homes on a full-scale home remodel in Houston. Designed with an affluent family in mind, this home now boasts a layout perfect for modern living, with luxurious details that balance elegance and practicality.
A Home Designed for Family Living
From the start, this home had strong bones and a fantastic floor plan. It featured a butler’s pantry with a desk, wine storage in the dining room, a spacious kitchen with two seating areas, four bedrooms, a generous utility room with ample storage, a private office off the primary suite, and a custom-built vanity for added convenience. The primary suite also included a walk-in closet and an expansive spa-like bathroom—everything a family could ask for.
At Jamie House Design, we believe a home remodel should not only enhance the beauty of a space but also improve its functionality. One of our most rewarding projects was a collaboration with P&G Homes on a full-scale home remodel in Houston. Designed with an affluent family in mind, this home now boasts a layout perfect for modern living, with luxurious details that balance elegance and practicality.
A Home Designed for Family Living
From the start, this home had strong bones and a fantastic floor plan. It featured a butler’s pantry with a desk, wine storage in the dining room, a spacious kitchen with two seating areas, four bedrooms, a generous utility room with ample storage, a private office off the primary suite, and a custom-built vanity for added convenience. The primary suite also included a walk-in closet and an expansive spa-like bathroom—everything a family could ask for.
Since we were working with a strict budget, every selection was thoughtfully curated. Many of the plumbing fixtures were sourced from Home Depot, but we elevated the overall aesthetic by using premium materials in strategic ways—opting for unique tile layouts, custom millwork, and high-impact details.
Dining Room Transformation
Added custom-designed built-ins for elegant wine storage
Maintained deep window wells for architectural charm
Installed new walnut wood flooring for warmth and sophistication
Replaced outdated lighting with modern fixtures
Kitchen Redesign
Removed the existing fireplace to expand the kitchen and allow for a spacious island with seating
Installed luxurious Panda marble on the island with honed black granite on the perimeter counters
Laid new marble tile floors with intricate border details in the hallways and entry
Optimized kitchen lighting with new recessed fixtures
Installed a Carrera marble subway tile backsplash with a striking mosaic inset above the cooktop
Upgraded to a professional 36” gas cooktop with a convenient pot filler
Designed and installed custom cabinetry for maximum storage and efficiency
Seamless Kitchen & Family Room Integration
Replaced the enclosed doorway with a cased opening to improve flow and allow for additional counter seating
Extended the stone tile flooring into the family room for continuity
Mudroom Upgrade
Designed and built a full wall of custom cabinetry, including:
A cozy window seat
Individual lockers for family members
A dedicated laundry folding station
A deep laundry sink for convenience
Hall Bathroom Revamp
Installed a custom vanity and linen storage
Selected timeless Crema Marfil marble counters with undermount sinks
Enhanced the space with brushed nickel hardware and full-framed mirrors
Primary Suite Reimagined
Removed outdated decorative windows between the bedroom and bathroom for added privacy
Upgraded from vinyl flooring to rich walnut wood floors
Installed custom-built storage solutions for clothing and accessories
Refreshed the primary closet with a fresh coat of paint and plush wall-to-wall carpet, transforming it into a dream-worthy dressing room
Primary Bathroom: A Spa-Like Escape
Replaced dated diagonal wall paneling with sleek, timeless finishes
Removed the oversized hot tub and outdated fluorescent lighting
Installed elegant white marble floors with soft veining
Designed custom gray double vanities topped with luxurious marble
Selected modern wall sconces to enhance the ambiance
Created a curbless walk-in shower with a marble bench that extends seamlessly into the deep soaking tub
Chose polished nickel plumbing fixtures and a full spa shower with a built-in storage ledge
A Home Ready for the Next Chapter
One of the most challenging aspects of designing for a spec home is not being able to fully furnish and style it post-remodel, but this home is brimming with potential. Every detail was chosen to appeal to a discerning homeowner who values quality, thoughtful design, and timeless style.
Now based in Centennial CO, Jamie House Design brings the same expertise in high-end home transformations to families looking to remodel in the South Denver area. Whether you're updating a historic home or designing a new space, we create interiors that balance beauty with everyday functionality.
If you're ready to transform your home, reach out to start a conversation.