Originally built in 1918, this Georgian-Federalist home in Omaha’s Dundee neighborhood appealed to the client’s desire for a home with historic character and charm. But its five small bedrooms, as well as its tiny master bathroom and closet, did not suit their 21st Century lifestyle. Therefore, the major design challenge was to retain the home’s historic appeal while adapting the existing spaces to provide a larger master bedroom, a more functional master bathroom and a small walk-in closet.

These goals were achieved by eliminating an unused bedroom and carefully rearranging the interior spaces on the home’s upper level. The master bedroom was expanded by moving an interior wall and the remaining space from the previous bedroom was reconfigured into a walk-in closet for the owners. Moving the master closet enabled the combination of the former master bathroom and closet spaces into a larger, more functional bathroom. In addition, French doors were added between the master bedroom and the former “sleeping porch” to provide a home office space attached to the master suite.

To enhance the home’s historic charm, an existing brick chimney that had been hidden behind walls for decades was exposed and the carpet was removed to uncover original hardwood floors. Finishing details include crown molding in the bedroom, subway tile wainscoting in the bathroom and a stand-alone bathtub. The result is a master suite built for a 21^st century lifestyle with century-old charm.