Save 1900 Realty 

The island is enjoying a Renaissance  of sorts.   It's difficult to drive more than a three blog radius and not spy a dumpster in front of a cottage being renovated.  Which is great for our island. A few  months ago the house down the street became the next home here on the island to enjoy a renovation.  We watched with anticipation as the dumpster showed up, as  the home began to be repaired and painted -

A sign eventually showed up  "Save 1900 Realty".  A quick search led me to a Facebook page here, and their eventual website here.   The couple behind all the talk in Galveston are Michael and Ashley Cordray.  While It appears the story is still unfolding, this couple are doing great things here on the island. The house down the street was transformed in quick time, staged, then went under contract within a few days of listing! 

Photo Credit; Save 1900 Realty

And the before.... Amazing transformation!

Photo, Google Maps

The interior does have a bit of a "Fixer Upper" vibe to it, the cottage farm house, style that is a wildly popular trend at the moment.  Even I've been considering swapping out my taffeta dining room drapes for canvas paint tarps!   I think the style works well because it is so livable.  It's a little worn, which is practical for those of us who really live in our homes.  The use of industrial pieces, paired with refreshed antiques dressed in current fabrics, also new furniture pieces provide a collected look to a room.  There's nothing worse in design than having a space that looks as though you went to a furniture store, then purchase the entire room.

Photo credit, Save 1900 Realty

My favorite room in the house is the kitchen.  Well done Michael and Ashley!  Finally! Someone renovated a "flip" kitchen with some style.  Often, including our own home, the renovator installs new cabinetry, with no architectural elements. The end result is a new kitchen in a vintage home. The feeling is, well, confused. This kitchen has a custom range hood, made of repurposed shiplap, creating a focal point along the back wall.  The floating shelves, the wall mount pendent lights, beautiful white tile, antique brick clad bar with a waterfall countertop....my heart just skipped a beat!  

Photo credit, Save 1900 Realty

Photo Credit 1900 Realty

The dark cabinetry punctuated with brass hardware  gives the kitchen a contemporary edge, while the pleated front farm sink nods to the era of the house.  Notice how the original windows were worked into the design plan.  The microwave is built-in below the counter, leaving the counter top clean. It's a lovely balance of vintage, with modern convenience.

Photo Credit 1900 Realty

Photo credit, 1900 Realty

Love the grey stripe upholstery on the antique settee, then repeated stripes in the bedroom rug.

This subway tile clad bathroom is dramatic; custom built vanity featuring a trough sink,  whimsical mirror, vintage style sconces, finished off with trendy concrete floor tiles.

Photo credit, Save 1900 Realty

The couple thought of everything, including an outdoor entertaining area.

I am looking forward to following along while Save 1900 transforms houses.  From their website, and their Facebook page it seems as though there are some great things to come.  My personal congratulations to them, and a heartfelt thanks, for making such a difference on our island. I have to admit, I'm jealous of their chickens....still pleading my case to Mr. GDC, "I only want two chickens". I noticed Easter came and went, no chicks. Maybe Mother's Day?  

Until next time, wishing you all the best -