American Foursquare Remodel Catonsville MD

Restoring a Catonsville Classic: Blending Historic Charm with Modern Comfort

At Romano Carpentry, we believe your home should tell a story – a story that honors its past while embracing the comforts of today. We recently had the privilege of transforming a beautiful 1920s American Foursquare in Catonsville, MD, into a truly remarkable living space. This project was a perfect example of how thoughtful design and expert craftsmanship can preserve the character of a historic home while integrating modern conveniences, energy efficiency, and a touch of contemporary style.

A Thoughtful Approach to Historic Renovation

Our goal for this Catonsville Foursquare was to create a home that felt both original and new. This meant meticulous planning and an unwavering commitment to detail. We added a functional mudroom, completely reimagined the kitchen and bathrooms, and installed period-appropriate trim that seamlessly blended with the home's original aesthetic. Even with the integration of modern windows and insulation, we ensured every element contributed to the home's timeless appeal.

The Power of Period-Appropriate Details: To perfectly match the existing woodwork, we carefully selected and installed yellow pine trim, designed to replicate the original profiles. This dedication to authentic details is what truly sets a historic renovation apart. It’s about more than just replacing; it’s about restoring and enhancing the original vision of the home.

The Heart of the Home: A Modern Yet Classic Kitchen

The kitchen in this Catonsville Foursquare underwent a dramatic transformation. We expanded the space to create a more open and functional layout, then outfitted it with beautiful maple shaker cabinets. The light, airy tone of the maple provided a lovely contrast to the rich, darker stain we applied to the new yellow pine trim, creating a sophisticated and inviting atmosphere. To maximize both cabinet space and natural light, we strategically relocated and resized a window, proving that even small adjustments can make a big impact.

Indulgence and Style in the Primary Bathroom

Creating a luxurious and functional primary bathroom was another key aspect of this renovation. We relocated the bathroom entirely to provide ample space for both a freestanding bathtub – perfect for a relaxing soak – and a spacious walk-in shower. For the shower, we chose elongated subway tile. While subway tiles are a timeless classic that perfectly suit historic homes, the elongated shape offers a subtle yet distinctly modern twist on the traditional 3"x6" tile. This choice allowed us to maintain the home's classic aesthetic while incorporating a fresh, contemporary feel.

Beyond the Visible: Energy Efficiency and Comfort

True home comfort goes beyond beautiful finishes. We invested in significant upgrades to improve the home's energy efficiency and overall performance.

Superior Air Sealing and Insulation: Before installing new siding, we took critical steps to reduce air leakage. We installed a Pro Clima Mento 1000 WRB (Weather Resistive Barrier) with meticulously taped seams, creating a robust air barrier. We then furred out the existing walls, providing a perfectly flat surface for drywall and creating approximately 6 inches of space for blow-in fiberglass insulation. This comprehensive approach significantly improves the home's thermal performance, leading to lower energy bills and a more comfortable interior environment year-round.

Modern Mechanicals for Modern Living: All the home's supply and drain lines were replaced, and the electrical wiring was completely updated to meet modern standards. We installed a new high-efficiency dual-fuel HVAC system and a heat pump water heater – cutting-edge technologies that dramatically reduce energy consumption and provide superior comfort.

Preserving History, Building for the Future

What truly makes this Catonsville Foursquare special is how seamlessly we blended new elements with the home's original charm. The period trim details, the stately original staircase, and the beautiful original floors were all carefully preserved, maintaining the authentic feel of the home. By celebrating and enhancing these existing details, and by thoughtfully adding new ones, you can infuse your home with unparalleled character and distinction.

Baltimore City and Baltimore County are rich with incredible historic properties, each with its own unique story to tell. At Romano Carpentry, we are passionate about preserving these architectural treasures while adapting them for modern living. We are your trusted partner in bringing your historic remodeling dreams to life.

Ready to discuss your home's transformation? Contact Romano Carpentry today to explore how we can help you blend historic charm with modern comfort in your own unique space!

Location: Catonsville, MD