Explore a renovation project that has a rollercoaster of a backstory

It’s often a good backstory that makes for a beautiful home, and this home has a rollercoaster of a backstory. The house was built in the early nineteenth century and had some stunning original features and buckets of charm, but when it was bought by a young family, it was in need of a contemporary update and some major TLC. So far, so straightforward.

The pandemic of 2020 was the first spanner in the works as it meant lead times were long and progress was slow, then as things started to return back to normal in the wider world, a flood caused by a burst pipe caused lots of damage and homeowners were forced to move into a temporary home. Sounds like enough drama for one renovation project, but the third part of the story, and the happy ending here, is due to the designers behind the space.

This home was, in fact, worked on by two designers, Nashville-based Sandra Funk and New Jersey-based Campbell Minister. And they worked together seamlessly at different points throughout the renovation to create a home that honors the charm but also works for a modern young family. Let’s take a tour and hear more about the project (and its challenges).

‘The home was built in 1915, and is in a suburb 13 miles outside of Manhattan,’ explains Campbell Minister, who worked on the second part of the renovation. ‘Located in an area where Dutch settlers came in the 18th century, and artists and other creatives tend to live and commute to work from.’

‘The clients are busy parents of three children, and both work outside the home. They wanted to capture a sense of whimsy and interest with color selections throughout the project, and reflect the personality of each person’s individual space.’

Designer Sandra Funk was originally brought in at the very start of the project. She worked on the living room library, the dining room, the bathrooms, and the den. However, when the homeowners got back in touch with Sandra to work on a kitchen remodel, Sandra was in the middle of a relocation to the Northeast and had stopped taking on clients on the East Coast.

However, Sandra instantly had the solution. She recommended a designer who was perfect for their vision, and that is when Campbell Minister took over the kitchen, pantry, and bathroom renovation.

‘The interiors reflect a sense of the family’s lifestyle and an appreciation for family heirlooms, which honestly, Sandra did an amazing job curating from her early work there,’ says Campbell.

She explains that the look she wanted to achieve after taking over the remodel was ‘lived in but elevated. Bookshelves painted in a high-gloss lacquer but showing the patina of the home. Cozy blankets by the fireplace, but layers of window treatments for both privacy and beauty.’

‘The handoff was seamless. Sandra’s team was wrapping one section of the renovation while our work began in another space. Using the same contractor helped with this transition.’