What does it take to renovate one of William Lawrence Bottomley’s Mediterranean Revival style homes? You have to stay true to its architectural legacy.
At Monument by Green Front, Green Front Furniture’s Den Cralle and SMS Architects’ Matson Roberts have tackled that challenge head on. Together, they’re leading a historic home renovation on Richmond, VA’s iconic Monument Avenue. The goal? To reimagine this home built in the 1920s for contemporary living.
This series delves into the conceptual stage of the transformation. Den and Matson talk custom kitchen design. They rethink the layout, showing how small changes — like opening an arched entryway — can unlock major improvements in style and function. They add French doors. This choice reconnects the kitchen with the courtyard, a Charles Gillette-designed garden that plays a vital role in the home’s layout. They even envision a rooftop terrace restoration based on Bottomley’s original blueprints.
Along the way? Den and Matson consistently make thoughtful design decisions that improve flow, highlight the historic architecture and reintroduce elements that had been lost to time. Follow along as they discuss using salvaged materials like the original doors. Watch them consider smart new additions like a mudroom and outdoor kitchen. Throughout, they carefully balance what to preserve and what to reimagine.Passionate about preserving historic homes? Seeking design inspiration for your own renovation? Either way, this series offers a rare look into the design journey. It’s a story about how great architecture can evolve — without losing what made it special in the first place.