English Revival

The Frederick W. Schmidt home, a beautiful example of the English Revival style, is an Olympia Heritage Site and listed on the local, state, and national registries of historically significant places. Designed by renowned regional architect Joseph Wohleb and completed in 1938, thankfully much of the home is original. However, a large portion of the main level living area was renovated in the 1970s, leaving both style and spacial challenges. A very narrow galley kitchen, a side entry/laundry which had become a primary entry, and adjoining spaces all needed total re-envisioning. And the original style of the home, conceived thoughtfully and beautifully by Mrs. Elsa Heisner Schmidt, was all but lost. Thankfully, bringing back character and charm to an old home—honoring the architect/designer and retelling the home’s origin story—is something we absolutely live for.

First, Sparrow set to work to improve function and flow, including doubling the width of the kitchen by reclaiming an adjacent hallway; relocating the laundry from the now-primary entry to a back corner accessible from the kitchen; significantly improving storage with more cabinetry and an entry closet; and adding a powder room closer to the door to the backyard for family and guests. Additionally, with a family member who often visited requiring ADA-friendly accommodations, we converted one of the 3/4 bathrooms off of a guest bedroom, to as close to ADA-friendly bathroom as one can get in approximately 50 SF, with new layout, more light, more accessible sink and toilet, and an ADA-friendly shower.

But not only was this remodel about function, we knew we wanted to make it all part of the original design story. We sourced materials, colors, patterns and profiles with both antique and UK influence, to support the WWII era English Revival style—specifically the English country homes with beautiful gardens, off of which Mrs. Schmidt was reported to have modeled her home. From stained wood cabinetry with a classic door style and details; to the plaster-like drywall application, classic tile, and stone; from the custom antique pew-inspired cherry banquette; classic floral wallpaper sourced from the UK; and British chrome plumbing, antique style sinks, lighting profiles, and hardware, we wanted to give our clients (also enthusiastic gardeners!) their very own English country house in the 21st Century. And we wanted their guests to experience no interruption between the classic 1930s English exterior and the interior of the home—wondering whether, or just assuming, it was all original.