“It’s a beautiful space to live. It’s a beautiful backdrop for everyday life.” What a ringing endorsement from homeowner Helen Carter, who recently trusted Taylor Rison and Amy Hogg of Sage Hill Interiors to help remodel her family home.
Located on Lahoma Avenue in the Chautauqua Historic District in Norman, this home was built in 1924. In its 100-year lifespan, it has been a sorority house, a fraternity house, and most recently, a family home. When Jordan and Helen Carter bought it, they knew they wanted to remodel, but also keep true to the 1920s character of the home. They shared and celebrated the process on an Instagram page titled “Home on Lahoma.”
Completely remodeling a historic home is not necessarily an easy or quick task (this project spanned over two years), but it is definitely worthwhile. The homeowners enlisted Old Home Rescue to restore the exterior façade and ensure that an add-on met preservation rules and matched the original finishes. Inside the home, designers moved walls, and installed all new electrical, HVAC, and plumbing. Amidst these changes, some things remained the same. Original windows and hardwood floors were preserved, and fireplaces with their tile surrounds were carefully refurbished. A toile green wallpaper that was once in the entry way now adorns the laundry room, subtly nodding to the house’s history.
The main living spaces all have what Sage Hill designers refer to as a “fresh, traditional feel,” which was the client’s goal. In the dining room, the original mixes seamlessly with the new. An antique crystal chandelier hangs regally above the table, looking perfectly at home alongside the original (refurbished) breakfront cabinet, and new Morris & Co. mural wallpaper. The kitchen features a curved Taj Mahal quartzite backsplash layered with gleaming subway tile. Pendants from Visual Comfort hang aside the vent hood, adding dimension and interest. Traditional wood paneling carefully conceals a 72” Thermador fridge/freezer. In the open kitchen and living room, charming café curtains in a Thibault block print and woven Roman shades layered with classic white drapes create a visual feast of texture. A custom upholstered corner banquette serves as a casual gathering place. Framed portraits of the family’s ancestors are lovingly hung in a thoughtful collage; their presence seems especially fitting in this historic home. Tucked away behind this sitting area lies a gorgeous jewel box of a room, complete with green Artemis marble countertops and wood paneling drenched in glossy green paint. An antique mirror, glass shelves, and brass accents provide light and shine. An ideal entertaining spot, this speakeasy style bar playfully pays homage to the house’s 1920s roots.
The Carters love their newly remodeled 6,300-square-foot home. They like hosting friends and family and throwing game day parties during OU football season. The children enjoy reading in their rooms, watching cartoons from the breakfast nook, and engaging in serious games of hide and seek.
The “Home on Lahoma” project was a smashing success, as Helen notes: “Sage Hill did an outstanding job of making the house formal and traditional, but also kid and life friendly.” And really, who could ask for anything more?
