A 1930s Georgian in Virginia Gets a Refresh

After a few years of living in their 1938 Georgian in Richmond, Virginia, a young family of five decided it was time for change. They wanted to make the grand home more family friendly with modern amenities, yet maintain respect for its history and architectural structure. Interior designer Janie Molster and architect John Voight were commissioned to mastermind a solution.

Most of the original interior architecture remained intact including the elegant moldings and profiles. Trims that were sympathetic to the originals were used in the new rooms. A new wing was added, which provided a spacious kitchen and family room, a luxurious upstairs master suite with his-and-her bathrooms, and an 800 square foot excavated basement “kids’ zone.”

Paint colors were “made to disappear” in order to highlight the home’s classic bones. “We want you to look past the wall color to the really pretty architecture,” said Molster who designed the interiors to be fresh and timeless, mixing the old with the new. “I want the inside to feel like it talks to the outside,” she told Home & Design. The furnishings that go into such a grand house need to have significance and importance.”  However, with three young children, practicality was key as the family didn’t want rooms they couldn’t live in.  Performance grade and coated fabrics were used to ensure upholstered furnishings withstand wear and tear, creating a home that is just as functional as it is beautiful.

This tour was originally featured in the May/June 2019 issue of Home & Design.  Additional images were included from the portfolios of Janie Molster and John Voight.