1920s English Cotswold-Style Home Updated for 21st Century

Architect Michael Abraham opened up the interiors of this 1920s English Cotswold-style house, making it brighter and more comfortable for the family of eight who call it home. The changes honor the designs of the home's original architect, R. Harold Zook, while bringing it into the 21st century.

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August 31, 2016

From: Michael Abraham

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Photo By: Michael Robinson

Before: Overgrown Exterior

Overgrown greenery has taken hold of the 1920s home's exterior, covering the beautiful gray stone and masking its English Cotswold-style architectural features.

From: Michael Abraham

Gorgeous English Country Style Home

Clad in gray stone with a hint of Tudor style, this renovated home exterior is lovely to look at it.

From: Michael Abraham

Before: Dark, Uninviting Foyer

Guests need to feel welcomed in the foyer. The traditional rug and dark furnishings were not helping make the space feel warm and inviting.

From: Michael Abraham

Bright and Airy Entryway

Guests are greeted in the bright, white foyer featuring minimal furnishings that complement the stylish design. The door is original to the home but was refreshed during the remodeling project.

From: Michael Abraham

Before: Dark and Cramped Kitchen

Not only was the kitchen a tight place to maneuver around, the dark cabinets weren't doing the space any favors.

From: Michael Abraham

Striking Eat-In Kitchen

Talk about a "wow" factor. This stunning, renovated kitchen features hardwood flooring, beautiful white cabinets and a lovely kitchen island that serves as place to prep and eat. Black stone countertops add striking contrast to the fresh design.

From: Michael Abraham

Before: Dark Dining Room

Outdated furniture paired with dark wood beams and dark wood built-ins made the dining room feel like a dungeon.

From: Michael Abraham

Fresh, White Dining Room With Exposed Beam Ceiling

Stark white walls and a dark wood beam ceiling provide beautiful contrast in this dining room. White, slipcovered chairs surround a long, dark wood table, providing a great spot for dining with friends and family. Niche shelves feature a gold backdrop that adds an elegant touch to the design.

From: Michael Abraham

Before: Dark and Dated Living Room

Outdated, traditional style made the living room feel very dark and uninviting before its dramatic update.

From: Michael Abraham

Bright & Inviting Living Room

After the renovation, the living room feels bright and inviting, with a plush sectional offering a comfy place to rest. A pair of gray armchairs completes the sitting area, grounded by a fluffy shag rug.

From: Michael Abraham

Before: Dreary Sunroom

Dark, dated furniture made the sunroom feel less than sunny. Lighter, more updated furnishings replaced the old furniture to give it a fresh and airy look.

From: Michael Abraham

Renovated Sunroom With Sliding Door Access

Sliding wood doors open up to reveal the renovated sunroom, featuring a white, blue and neutral color palette that is both fresh and peaceful.

From: Michael Abraham

Before: Dreary Sunroom

A sunroom needs to feel light and airy, not dark and dreary. The dark leather furniture was replaced with lighter, more updated furnishings.

From: Michael Abraham

Lovely, Updated Sunroom

Four plush armchairs provide comfortable seating in the freshly updated sunroom. The vaulted ceiling is a gorgeous detail that adds great height and contrast to the space. There's even a place to work thanks to the elongated, built-in desk.

From: Michael Abraham

Bright Sunroom With Reflective Coffee Table

The renovated sunroom features a bright white color palette, accented with neutrals and hints of blue. The X-based, reflective coffee table adds a modern touch and works well with the more traditional armchairs.

From: Michael Abraham

Before: Dark and Outdated Family Room

Ugly blue carpet and a floral loveseat? This family room needed a bright and airy update that the family would love and enjoy.

From: Michael Abraham

Refreshing Family Room

Once a dark and dated space, the family room feels light and bright thanks to the white walls and furniture. The dingy blue carpet was removed and replaced with light floors.

From: Michael Abraham

Before: Dark and Outdated Family Room

Dark brown windows, a floral loveseat and flagstone wall are just a few of the dated details in this family room.

From: Michael Abraham

Bar in the Family Room

The beautiful stone wall stayed with the updated design of the family room and provided the perfect nook for a bar.

From: Michael Abraham

Before: Ugly and Dated Staircase

The wood railing and carpeted stairs needed a fresh update that wasn't so hideous.

From: Michael Abraham

Freshly Updated Staircase

The third floor staircase received a fresh update with contemporary style.

From: Michael Abraham

Before: Old-Fashioned Master Bedroom

Antique, but not in a good way, the master bedroom felt very outdated and needed a fresh update.

From: Michael Abraham

Chic Master Bedroom

Updated with chic style, the master bedroom is a cozy place to rest your head. Details such as the exposed beam ceiling and delicate chandelier add character and style to the space.

From: Michael Abraham

Michael Abraham

1920s English Cotswold-Style Home Updated for 21st Century

Related To:

Shop This Look

Before: Overgrown Exterior

Gorgeous English Country Style Home

Before: Dark, Uninviting Foyer

Bright and Airy Entryway

Before: Dark and Cramped Kitchen

Striking Eat-In Kitchen

Before: Dark Dining Room

Fresh, White Dining Room With Exposed Beam Ceiling

Before: Dark and Dated Living Room

Bright & Inviting Living Room

Before: Dreary Sunroom

Renovated Sunroom With Sliding Door Access

Before: Dreary Sunroom

Lovely, Updated Sunroom

Bright Sunroom With Reflective Coffee Table

Before: Dark and Outdated Family Room

Refreshing Family Room

Before: Dark and Outdated Family Room

Bar in the Family Room

Before: Ugly and Dated Staircase

Freshly Updated Staircase

Before: Old-Fashioned Master Bedroom

Chic Master Bedroom

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