HGTV First Look: Vintage Flip

Jessie and Tina Rodriguez know that, when it comes to homes, you can't manufacture vintage charm — but you can sell it. HGTV's series Vintage Flip follows the California couple who turn their passion for authentic period homes into a profitable business as they buy, restore and market vintage houses. Check out this snapshot gallery from one of their projects — the restoration of a 1924 Spanish revival style home in Monrovia, Calif.

By: David L. Haynes
Related To:
Renovation

Vintage Purists

Meet Jessie and Tina Rodriguez. Jessie's a real estate agent as well as a contractor, and Tina has a flair for design and decorating. They both love vintage homes, and they started a house-flipping business that has steadily grown over the last few years. They both care about the architecture and period attributes that make old homes distinctive and special, and they strive to preserve that in their renovations. Here they await prospective buyers prior to an open house in a newly renovated 1924 Spanish Revival home in southern California.

BEFORE

Prior to the renovation, the house was in need of fresh paint and landscaping. The exterior was plain and drab, and the enclosed window detracted from the home's profile.

AFTER

A clean white exterior accented by green trim, contrasting black railing, a fresh take on windows and improved lawn and landscaping all contribute to a more visually arresting look.

Spanish Accents

New brick and decorative tile, along with substantial iron railings, go a long way toward andding new curb appeal to the home and helping revive the Spanish flavor.

BEFORE

Dated cabinets, old paneling, worn laminate flooring and a generally awkward layout made for a kitchen that was less than inviting.

AFTER

New ceiling-height cabinets, dark-stained butcher block countertops, brick tile flooring and dramatic contrasting backsplash in a chevron pattern make for a completely updated galley-style kitchen that works well within the home's Spanish revival style.

BEFORE

The living room had water-stained walls, worn wall-to-wall carpeting and a fireplace that didn't suit the home's architecture.

AFTER

A distinctively southwest decorating scheme, arched insets and a re-envisioned fireplace brings a total transformation to the living room. For staging, I want to bring out the rustic elements of Spanish architecture with lots of authentic wood," says Tina, "and then add some colorful touches that will soften all that masculinity. Finding that balance will really appeal to younger buyers."

Dining Room, AFTER

Arches and rounded doors are carried throughout the house, as seen here in the newly remodeled kitchen and hallway just off the main dining area. French doors, offering a view to the back yard, replaced plain sliding glass doors.

Hallway, AFTER

The archways in the redesigned hallway leading to the master suite give the interior space a larger feel and continue the Spanish architectural motif.

Master Bedroom, BEFORE

A distressed floor plan with a door opening to the back yard made for an odd bedroom arrangement.

Master Bedroom, AFTER

Dark wood floors and dark trim contrast with the white walls to create a dramatic presentation in the newly remodeled master suite. A sliding barn door separates the bedroom seating area from the master bath.

Master Bedroom, AFTER

A modified layout makes the master bedroom seem more spacious and provides a much improved flow to the room.

Master Bathroom, BEFORE

A dated and unspectacular bathroom can significantly detract from the resale value of a home.

Master Bathroom, AFTER

The colorful tile around the vanity, enhanced lighting and new wood countertops create a unique bathroom space.

Bathroom Shower, BEFORE

Bathroom Shower, AFTER

The colorful backsplash in the shower and vanity is made from cement encaustic tile. The pattern in encaustic tile derives, not from a glaze, but from different colors of cement or clay. Just like with wood, they can be sanded to bring back their natural colors.

Back Patio, BEFORE

Back Patio, AFTER

Reworked columns, new French doors and fresh landscaping make for a backyard that's ideal for alfresco dining and casual entertaining.

The completed renovation resulted in a bidding war once the house was put on the market. The asking price was around $699,000, but more than 14 offers were made on the house. It ultimately sold for $765,000 — a full $66,000 above asking price.

Ambassadors of Vintage

Did you enjoy this Vintage Flip project? You might also want to check out this one: 

A Ranch House Reno in Rancho Cucamonga

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