UPDATED INTERIORS IN HISTORIC TUDOR HOME
WHEN DAVID HARRIS WAS PREPARING TO RETIRE FROM HIS ENGINEERING JOB IN ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA,
HE AND HIS WIFE, DIANE, WANTED TO MOVE CLOSER TO FAMILY.
Remarkably, they found a turn-of-the-20th-century, eight-bedroom Tudor located in Rochester, across the street from his sister and close to his parents in nearby Rush, New York.
In 2021, while still in Virginia, they purchased the house they said had great bones but definitely required a facelift, especially the kitchen.
“Except for a newer fridge, the kitchen hadn’t been updated since the 1950s,” Diane Harris said.
After connecting with interior designer Nicole Ntorinkansah and a remodeling crew at The Inde Design Studio in Victor, New York, the Harrises ended up with a showcase kitchen and adjoining contemporary dining room that complement the historic home.
“The original kitchen was probably a quarter of the size it is now. Nothing was user-friendly,” said Ntorinkansah, who specializes in kitchen and bathroom work. “We eliminated the walk-in pantry and existing built-ins and opened it up into one inviting room.”
They installed a 36-inch professional stovetop range, an island with seating, stainless steel appliances, and a heated tile floor.
“The kitchen is really warm and inviting, but also utilitarian,” Ntorinkansah said. “All the storage and working space is well thought out. Our goal was not only to make it beautiful but also functional.”
To contrast against the fresh white and maple-stained cabinets in the kitchen, Ntorinkansah recommended a black stain called Nightfall for the kitchen island. The warm-hued kitchen flows seamlessly into the dining room filled with the same black cabinets at the wet bar.
“We thought the black would look exciting and bold, accenting the glass cabinetry and open shelves,” Ntorinkansah said.
The Harrises opted for polished nickel hardware, gold light fixtures, and a dazzling white quartz countertop in the kitchen, which Diane Harris said is one of her favorite features.
“The mix of colors and materials is what makes it so stunning,” Ntorinkansah noted.
Diane Harris said they were impressed by Inde Design’s communication style and how the designers offered suggestions on everything from colors to finishes, but didn’t push, letting the Harrises create their own unique vision.
“We had a couple of initial designs drawn up and worked with Nicole to refine them,” Diane Harris said.
Even though they had to do much of the planning long distance, she said it was a smooth process.
Diane Harris also praised Inde’s project managers who oversee the contractors.
“We were fortunate in that the guys working in the house were very conscientious,” she said. “But if any problems did come up, Inde made sure they were taken care of.”
Likewise, Ntorinkansah said it was a joy to work with the couple.
“Diane and Dave are the kind of clients you want to work with over and over,” Ntorinkansah said.
“They allowed us to have some freedom and trusted the process. I know they fell in love with the property and want to make this their forever home. I’m happy we were able to help them achieve that.”