EMORYWOOD ELEGANCE
Classic bones, modern life, and a plan built to grow with them.
For a young couple settling into their 1950s Colonial Revival in High Point’s historic Emorywood neighborhood, the goal was clear: honor the character that drew them to the home in the first place, while gently layering in warmth, function, and a fresh perspective.
The home’s gracious curved staircase inspired a series of archways to soften the transitions between rooms — a subtle architectural thread that helped bring cohesion to the newly updated floorplan. One key move involved opening up a former closet at the stair landing to create a graceful new path from the foyer to the kitchen. The result? Better flow, more natural light, and just enough tucked-away privacy to keep food-prep out of view during dinner parties.
Like most older homes, this one was short on storage. So we leaned into custom built-ins — not just as practical solutions, but as opportunities to add personality and polish throughout the home. A former study became a generous new primary closet, complete with cabinetry tailored to the clients’ daily rhythms.
The original kitchen, though full of charm, simply couldn’t keep up with modern life. Several small, segmented rooms were reimagined as a single open-plan kitchen and dining space, anchored by a large island that faces out to the picture windows and garden beyond.
Every detail was designed with intent — from ceiling beams that define zones while adding architectural interest, to clever tilework and disguised bathroom storage that struck the right balance between splurge and sensibility.
Because this renovation was planned in phases, we approached it with a master plan in place — ensuring that Phase 1 would set the stage for seamless future expansion without redundant costs. Phase 2 will include a new outdoor living area, a small rear addition, and the conversion of the garage attic into a light-filled office loft.
This home is proof that honoring the past doesn’t mean standing still — and that with the right vision, every corner can be a conversation between eras.
