Reviving a Historic Gem, as seen on Magnolia’s In With the Old (S7E5)

This colonial revival in Syracuse, New York, was a rare kind of project, the sort that comes with real history in its bones and a story worth telling. If it looks familiar, there is a reason: this one made it to television. My aim from the outset was to honor the home's classic architecture while giving it a fresh, modern update built for the way we actually live now. Bold color and rich texture became the language for it, adding personality and depth to every room.

The kitchen became the heart of the home, where warm wood tones, crisp whites, and smart storage came together to make a space that is as functional as it is beautiful. In the living and dining rooms, restored trim, layered textiles, and a warm-but-refined sensibility created rooms made for gathering.

The primary suite is where I let myself have some fun. A clever reworking of the layout turned it into a genuine retreat, dressed in rich fabrics and the kind of thoughtful details that make a space feel considered. The jewel-toned bedroom remains one of my favorites, unapologetically dramatic in its depth of color, with a mix of textures that gives the whole home character. And the main bath more than earns its moment: elevated with beautiful wallpaper, timeless tile, and layered finishes, it turned heads on-screen and off.

At its core, this project was about breathing new life into a historic home while trusting the power of bold color and tactile texture to carry it. It is proof that thoughtful design does more than transform a space. It creates stories, builds layers, and leaves moments of joy in every corner. Seeing this home celebrated on television was simply the cherry on top of an already rewarding journey.