A Cleveland Park Home Reimagined in Three Acts

It all began when the homeowner got tired of an ancient front door that was difficult to open, close, lock or unlock reliably—and a third-floor bedroom with a crumbling plaster ceiling in desperate need of repair. She called on Gilday Renovations.

In conversation with the homeowner, our architect brought out her artistic ambitions. And that resulted in elegant solutions to these rather banal problems. The work began at the front entrance, extended to the rear yard, and eventually reached the attic.

Act I: A Front Porch Revival

This phase began with a faulty front door that was beyond repair. The lockset was in such poor condition, the owner feared she would not be able to open it with her key and be locked out even with a key! It had to be replaced. A solid mahogany front door with sidelights now lends distinctive charm to the front porch. Crafted as a “kindred spirit” rather than a replica of the original, the door respects historic guidelines while offering warmth and functionality.

In addition, the homeowner wanted the front porch to be more inviting, like an outdoor living room with privacy from the neighbors on either side. The solution came in the form of custom-designed lattice privacy screens. The architect introduced large circular cutouts. Precisely cut and seamlessly joined, they playfully interrupt the regularity of the cris-cross latticework. Throughout the day, sunlight filters through the latticework and casts shifting patterns that animate the stone porch.

Act II: A Backyard Privacy Screen Doubles as Art Installation

From the front, steeped in architectural tradition, the design story moves to the backyard deck, where freedom from historical guidelines allowed for a more contemporary statement. Here, a striking custom-fabricated metal installation serves as a privacy screen and a work of art. Precision laser-cut aluminum, rust-toned to mimic weathered Corten steel, the panels present a bold composition of arcs, circles, and slats. 

The concept reflects the homeowner’s appreciation for art and design. Inspired by circular motifs seen in Japanese and Chinese gardens—such as the moon gate—the screen draws a subtle connection between tradition and modernity.

This decorative metal theme continues in the garden below where Corten steel cylinders of varying heights replaced wooden borders. The Corten material replicates the fluid irregularity and organic character of the original design.

Act III: A “Plaster Disaster” in the Attic Becomes a “Zen Room”

The final act took place inside the home, in a once-neglected attic bedroom. A crumbling plaster ceiling, awkward roof angles, uneven ceiling height, and the intrusion of bulky HVAC ducts made the room uninviting.

The transformation was radical: the attic was reborn as a serene sanctuary they dubbed the “Zen Room”

Anchoring the design is a sweeping curved headboard/accent wall crafted from multiple layers of laminate material. Panels separated by precise reveals conceal a hidden door to storage. Integrated into the headboard are recessed reading lights and a niche that showcases commissioned Japanese artwork reflecting the Four Seasons—an homage to the homeowner’s love of Asian art and her kimono collection.

A Unified Vision

Each phase of this Cleveland Park renovation stands on its own. Yet together they tell one story—one of a home reimagined with respect for tradition, love of artistry, and confidence in innovation.

Learn more about reimagining your home by downloading our eBook titled "The Essential Elements of Renovating an Older Home," or reach out to Gilday Renovations today to discuss your renovation goals.