A Nashville couple, Laura and Dave Clauss, transformed a poorly renovated 1990s kitchen into a welcoming French-inspired space that complements their 1890 home’s original character. The redesign, led by interior designer Carly Ripp of Life of Plenty Home, addressed a jarring mismatch in styles that had long detracted from the home’s charm.
The Problem with Bad Renovations
Before the renovation, the kitchen featured clashing elements like blue tile, linoleum countertops, and an awkward layout that felt out of place in the historic house. Poorly executed updates can diminish a home’s value and ambiance, especially in older properties where architectural consistency is key. Ripp notes that a dated kitchen can disrupt the entire flow of an old house, making it feel disjointed and less inviting.
From Disaster to Opportunity
The project gained urgency when a bathroom leak caused the kitchen ceiling to collapse, forcing the homeowners to accelerate their renovation plans. This unexpected setback turned into an opportunity to create a space that served as both a functional cooking area and a social hub. The Clausses wanted a “magnetic” space that would draw people together, and the renovation was structured to achieve just that.
Restoring Historic Flow
The team focused on restoring the home’s original character by adding architectural details like transoms above the doorway leading to the dining room. These small changes highlighted the home’s high ceilings and created a seamless transition between rooms. Custom inset cabinets, white subway tile, soapstone, and reclaimed brick were used to create an elegant and timeless aesthetic. The kitchen was designed to feel natural and inviting, with a concealed pop-up vent replacing a traditional range hood to maintain a clean look.
Hidden Discoveries
During the renovation, Ripp discovered evidence of an original second doorway leading into the dining room. Removing the unnecessary door revealed a hidden leaded window, which was repurposed into a cozy desk nook near the outside entrance. This unexpected find highlights the importance of thorough renovation work : sometimes, the best design solutions are already built into the home’s history.
A Gathering Place
The completed kitchen cost approximately $150,000 to renovate but has become the heart of the Clauss’s home. The space is now a welcoming gathering place where friends and family enjoy cooking, eating, and spending time together. As Laura Clauss states, it’s “a place where friends and family come together, taste together, and enjoy one another’s company.”
The renovation demonstrates how thoughtful design can revive a historic home, turning a dated kitchen into a timeless and functional space. By respecting the home’s original architecture and embracing classic design elements, the team created a kitchen that seamlessly blends with the rest of the property.
