Two homeowners offer up some smart renovation lessons.
ntrigued by an article featuring gorgeous and inexpensive 19th-century houses in New York's Catskills, Gotham magazine lifestyle editor, Jason Oliver Nixon, and decorator John Loecke decided to check out the area's real estate websites. To their amazement, they found a Federal-style former schoolhouse listed at $30,000. Three hours later they were exploring the 900-square-foot structure — a neglected rental with no closets, second-floor ceilings so low they couldn't stand erect and multiple layers of wallpaper and paint. Convinced that a little renovation and decorating would revive the c. 1840 building, they purchased it. One week after the closing, pipes burst and the ceiling caved in. Undeterred, they began a gut renovation, doing much of the work themselves alongside Nixon's uncle Lary and father, Jary.
From: Country Living
1. Catskills Cottage
A year later, the house was transformed into a weekend retreat they call Monkey Cottage, full of color, bold prints and a playful spirit. "We didn't know anyone in town, but something about the place felt like home."
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2. John and Jason at Their Monkey Cottage
Nixon: "We call it Monkey Cottage because it's a place to monkey around. In the winter, we enjoy the snow that accumulates. And on summer days, we just putter around the garden."
Loecke: "I love the fact that we were able to give this old house a longer history. Everything that we've done to bring it back to life is in keeping with the original architectural style, but we've also managed to make it our own."
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3. Modern English Country Living Room
The overall design was meant to harken to the classic interiors found in the English country house of a century ago — rooms filled with antiques, sculptural furniture pieces and botanical patterns and prints on the walls. Loecke and Nixon reinterpreted the look, however, by introducing some decidedly offbeat pieces, including silver scallop sconces, giraffe print pillows and a tropical-inspired chandelier.
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4. A Chinese-Inspired Railing
This railing was inspired by a Chinese garden bridge.
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5. Green Bathroom
Faux bathroom paneling was crafted with 4x4's.
Source : BY SARA BLISS | housebeautiful.com
