Flagler Project: Classic Charm with a Fresh Twist
Background:
Our clients were a young, newly married couple living in Northern Virginia who purchased their first home just outside of Washington, DC. Moving from an Alexandria apartment into a classic 1990s Colonial, they were thrilled with the traditional architecture and layout but felt the colors and finishes were dated. Their style leans traditional and classic, but they also wanted something fresher, more elevated, and tailored to them.
Our scope for this project included:
A full powder room remodel
Adding crown moulding and trim across the first floor
Refinishing the hardwood floors and painting throughout the home
A cozy, thoughtful refresh of the primary bedroom
In the end, we create their dream beginner home by adding charming millwork, a palette of blues, and classic details.
Powder Room Remodel
Just off the foyer, the original powder room was all things ‘90s, including textured maroon walls, a forest-green wallpaper border, beige floor tiles, and even a too-small toilet. The space felt dark and cramped, not at all welcoming for guests.
Our clients loved the idea of elevating this small but important room with new trimwork and a light, fresh palette. We installed board and batten, painted it a soft blue, and paired it with a leafy, Boråstapeter wallpaper from Schumacher. A marble mosaic tile floor, updated sink, faucet, mirror, and sconces completed the transformation.
Now, the powder room feels bigger, brighter, and more aligned with our clients’ traditional-yet-preppy aesthetic, without leaning overly feminine.
Crown Moulding and Trim Updates
Even though this home has a Colonial layout, it lacked the character-defining trim details that add interest to a space. By layering in moulding, we gave the main level a sense of depth and polish.
Living & Dining Rooms: We added crown moulding, as well as a formal cased opening between the two spaces. The dining room also received a chair rail and picture frame moulding.
Entryway & Stairs: We continued the chair rail and picture frame moulding into the foyer and up the stairwell, giving the home a grander sense of arrival.
Powder Room: The new board and batten (painted light blue) ties seamlessly into the wallpaper.
A highlight of this part of the project was collaborating with Carlos from VC Remodeling. His attention to detail and thoughtfulness made all the difference, especially with the tricky angles on the stairwell!
Refinishing the Hardwood Floors
The original floors were yellow-orange in tone and felt too dated for the more classic-traditional look our clients wanted. We tested six stain colors and, once again, landed on our tried-and-true favorite: Provincial by Minwax.
It’s the perfect balance of warmth and depth—rich enough to feel timeless and grounding, without being too dark. Refinishing the floors tied the entire first level together and completed the transformation from “1990’s builder basic” to classic, elevated, and personal.
Final Thoughts
With layered updates: millworker, thoughtful paint choices, refinished floors, and a refreshed powder room, this Virginia Colonial now reflects our clients’ personalities and feels like a true forever home.
Sometimes it’s not about moving walls or making massive changes, but about adding those architectural details and finishes that make a house feel finished and personal.
Visual Comfort chandelier in foyer
Want to Work Together?
Which update is your favorite: the wallpapered powder room, the new trimwork, or the color-drenched bedroom? I’d love to hear in the comments below.
And if you’re ready to transform your own home into a space that feels more polished, personal, and timeless, we can connect here to book a consultation.
