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
Related To:
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Outdated furniture paired with dark wood beams and dark wood built-ins made the dining room feel like a dungeon.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Outdated, traditional style made the living room feel very dark and uninviting before its dramatic update.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
