New Colonial Remodel | A Whole House Renovation
What began as a modest plan to open up a closed-off kitchen and refresh a few rooms quickly evolved into a full interior renovation — in all the best ways. Located in the West Leigh neighborhood of Charlottesville, VA, this project became an opportunity to bring clarity, warmth, and modern functionality to every space. The resulting design leans into a refined New Colonial aesthetic: earthy tones, tailored details, and a balance of formality and comfort, all thoughtfully adapted for a busy family of four.
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3
Bedrooms
3,141
Square Feet
3.5
Bathrooms
House Highlights
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New Open-Concept Kitchen and Dining Room
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More Functional and Beautiful Entryway
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Reimagined Bathrooms
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Natural Light
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Additional Storage
House Highlights
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Fresh, Earthy Paints in Every Room
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Hardwood Flooring
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New Traditional (Colonial) Style Lighting
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Unlacquered Brass Accents
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Custom Floating Marble Sink
Practical Reconfiguration
A Kitchen-Centered Transformation
The renovation unfolded as a room-by-room transformation, guided by the goal of creating a cohesive interior that feels both timeless and entirely livable. At the center of this transformation was the kitchen. Formerly dark and compact (above-right), it was reimagined with an open layout, increased storage, and generous windows to welcome natural light throughout the day. The new configuration allows for better flow and effortless daily use, while the material palette elevates the space with quiet elegance.
Taking down the wall between the kitchen and dining room made a huge difference — everything feels more open and connected now. And adding more windows brought in a ton of natural light, which just makes the kitchen feel brighter, bigger, and more comfortable to be in.
Ben Robbins
Architecture & Build Manager
An obsolete entry hallway was strategically reworked to create two practical spaces: a coat closet and a pantry, adjacent to the kitchen. This added both utility and organization to the home’s main level, reinforcing the clean, intentional layout that defines the renovation.
Reimagined Bathrooms
New Colonial Character
The primary bathroom, previously compartmentalized along with the primary closets, was completely reconfigured to feel more functional, open, and serene. With a generous footprint to work with, we were able to thoughtfully reorganize the layout around the existing windows — which had been underutilized previously. Rather than covering the windows for privacy, we positioned fixtures to take advantage of the natural light, allowing the windows to enhance the space and support a brighter, more comfortable atmosphere without compromising privacy.
There were areas of the house that likely made sense when it was first built, but it’s clear that the layout no longer supports the way families live today. Fortunately, the home had plenty of space — it just needed to be thoughtfully reworked to make it more functional and better suited to modern living.
Nick Corcoran
Architecture & Project Manager
Two additional bathrooms — one for the homeowners’ teenage boys and another for guests on the main level — were updated with durable, thoughtful finishes that balance style and longevity. The boys’ bathroom was designed to feel playful yet refined, with selections that could evolve with them, from energetic teens to sophisticated adults.
The full guest bathroom, located on the main level directly across from the client’s home office, was envisioned to function more like a powder room — a high-impact space meant to impress. We embraced the opportunity to make it a true showstopper. Leaning into the New Colonial aesthetic, we paired timeless detailing with standout elements, including a custom handmade marble floating sink, unlacquered brass fixtures, and earth-toned wall paneling. A black and white tile floor and marble shower added a layer of texture and contrast, reinforcing the character and intentionality we carried throughout the home.
Finishing Touches
Details with Timeless Impact
Throughout the home, fresh paint, updated lighting, and the thoughtful layering of materials support the New Colonial interior language: sophisticated but understated, warm yet edited. Existing hardwood floors were refinished to bring out their natural depth, and new hardwood replaced outdated laminate, establishing visual and textural continuity across rooms. The finishing touch came in the form of unlacquered brass hardware — chosen for its ability to patina, or gracefully age over time, adding character and warmth to the crisp new interiors.
Check out this link to learn more about what New Colonial design encompasses.
The house already had some really beautiful, classic details and finishes, like the wainscoting in the dining room, the brass fireplace in the living room, the large bay windows, and the wood flooring throughout. I’m glad our clients wanted to build on those elements instead of replacing or removing them entirely.
Dani Harttraft
Architecture & Interior Design Manager
This renovation reimagines an antiquated home through the lens of New Colonial design — thoughtful, balanced, and grounded in everyday functionality. The result is a complete interior transformation that reflects the needs of a modern family, while offering enduring style and a sense of calm cohesion. Every room now feels intentional and aligned, designed not just to look beautiful, but to be lived in with ease and joy.