Nestled in the heart of the East Side of Providence, a wonderful couple approached us with an inspiring challenge for their beloved family home. After spending several years living out of state in various rentals due to temporary work assignments, they were eager to return to the comfort and familiarity of Rhode Island. With their children now grown and off to college, our clients reflected on the many homes they had lived in and realized that while their East Side residence offered ample space, it lacked some of the luxuries they had come to appreciate during their time away.
Their primary focus was a complete primary suite remodel, featuring a luxurious primary bathroom and a spacious walk-in closet—essentials that had become part of their daily comfort. Additionally, several areas on the second floor required maintenance, having endured years of minimal use and attention while the family was living elsewhere. As a trusted Rhode Island remodeler specializing in design-build projects, we were excited to help this family rediscover the joy of their home through thoughtful, elegant remodeling solutions.
Built in 1887, this historic home embodied classic charm but posed unique challenges that impacted both functionality and comfort. Despite having four bedrooms, the house featured only one full bathroom, which created daily inconvenience, especially when hosting guests or accommodating family visits.
The primary bedroom included an awkwardly long, narrow closet—a non-original addition that compromised the room’s layout and hid a beautiful, historic window located at the top of the stairs. This not only affected the aesthetics but also limited the natural light that could have brightened the upper hallway.
The hallways and third-floor stairs, with their rough and bumpy horsehair plaster walls, coupled with inadequate lighting, felt uninviting. Instead of a warm, welcoming transition between rooms, these areas cast a dim, outdated ambiance that detracted from the home’s charm.
At the end of the hallway, the washer and dryer were crammed into an alcove that couldn’t accommodate them properly. Their oversized depth caused them to jut out awkwardly, creating an eyesore and disrupting the flow of the space.
Our mission was clear: to transform these frustrations into opportunities, blending elegant design with practical solutions to reimagine their home as a sanctuary that supports their lifestyle and reflects the warmth and sophistication of the East Side of Providence.
During the design phase, the Red House Design Build team explored multiple plans to address our clients’ needs. After careful consideration, our clients fell in love with a thoughtful, elegant solution: a luxurious four-piece primary bathroom seamlessly integrated with a spacious walk-in closet hidden between two beautifully designed vanities and a small, but efficient laundry closet.
On the left side of the plan, red lines indicate the proposed areas for demolition, carefully selected to optimize space without compromising the home’s historic charm. On the right, the proposed floor plan reveals an expansive, functional new bathroom conveniently located off the primary bedroom. This layout not only maximizes comfort and efficiency but also honors the architectural integrity of this cherished 1887 home.
This design embodies the perfect blend of modern amenities and timeless elegance, providing our clients with the luxurious primary suite they’ve always dreamed of while preserving the unique character of their historic Rhode Island home.
“The bottom line is adding a primary bath which has been a central idea forever.”
This transformed primary bath is a breath of fresh air. The natural light was well-preserved and is accentuated with the bright shades throughout the space. The traditional wall sconces are a perfect addition to add warmth to the space. The effect of the layered lighting give the homeowners multiple options for lighting to create the perfect ambiance while getting ready for the day or soaking in a luxurious bath.
Our design team presented our clients with curated finish and material selections. They selected a stunning palette for their dream primary bathroom with polished nickel finishes, white subway tile, and marble. The built in tub features a paneled apron to match the decorative molding on the walls.
What could top off a morning in this stunning primary bathroom? How about a walk-in closet that is as functional as it is stylish? We had to honor our clients’ wish for a beautifully organized space that complements the bathroom’s elegance. This closet became the perfect addition, making the most of the extra space in this bedroom transformation.
Here, custom millwork crafted by the Red House Team adds depth and character, elevating the overall design. The meticulous attention to detail is showcased in the expertly framed French doors, which not only enhance the closet’s aesthetic appeal but also create a seamless transition between spaces. This thoughtfully designed walk-in closet is the epitome of functional luxury, providing ample storage while maintaining the sophisticated charm of the home.
With a new closet, the existing primary closet over the top of the stairs could be taken out to reveal a stunning window. We all wondered the same thing: how could anyone ever cover this up!? We wasted no time coming up with a plan to make this window the star of the show as you come up the stairs.
Now, the couple has a wonderful little reading nook above their stairs where they can build their collection of books and appreciate the history surrounding their daily lives. The stairs were also revitalized, and the Red House Team beautifully recreated the detailed balustrades to match the original millwork, blending historical charm with modern craftsmanship. This space now serves as both a functional and aesthetic highlight of their home, honoring its past while enhancing its future.
Are you interested in adding a bathroom or renovating a primary suite in your home? Contact the design and build experts at Red House to schedule a discovery call today.
And check out our historic renovations page for more information about renovating a historic home.