Karen Newman Fridy Interior Design
email: [email protected] ph 336-978-6065
Featured Project - Whole Home Renovation, Private Residence
Originally built in 1929, designed by renowned architect Lorenzo Winslow, this stunning Tudor revival home underwent a complete renovation from 2016 to 2019 designed by Karen Newman Fridy. Included in the project are two additions, new kitchens and baths, creating finished entertaining space in the basement and attic, an addition of an elevator in the main house, new finishes throughout, the addition of an outdoor kitchen, dining, and living room, and a complete transformation of the grounds. The home features numerous exquisite details with venetian plaster, hand painted murals, stenciling, luxury faux finishes, tilework, and more.
General contractor for the renovation was Wilson-Covington Construction Company, led by master craftsman Dicky Deal and a crew of exceptional tradespeople. Artists on the project were Kathy Brusnighan of Greensboro, Gwen and David Ware of Bohemian Spirit Faux Art Greensboro, and sculptor Duncan Lewis of Winston-Salem, NC. Photography by Miranda Faye Photography. All rights reserved.
This home was chosen as the VIP home for the 2024 Garden Club Council's "Let Us Entertain You!" garden tour fundraiser, featuring 10 homes in the Winston-Salem Buena Vista and Ardmore neighborhoods. It was also featured in an advertising video for Furnitureland South: https://tinyurl.com/KFridy-FLS
The grand foyer spans from the front to the back of the home. Walls feature hand applied and finished Venetian plaster with hand painted sepia toned landscape scenes at each entry point. An elevator was added, replacing the space where a coat closet originally stood. Throughout the home there are original plaster cornices, each room having its own motif theme. The grand staircase was refinished, adding a custom carpet runner and built in seating and storage pedestals on the mid-landing. The upper landing area was reconfigured to accommodate the elevator, adding in a second powder room for convenience.
The main level of the home has gracious spaces for entertaining, with a gourmet kitchen, breakfast and dining rooms, a family room with surround sound, a stunning formal living room with original plaster ceiling medallions, a cozy sitting room, and the newly added solarium with a wet bar, seating area and casual dining for eight. A home office boasts original paneling and built in shelving which was restored.
The second floor of the home features five bedrooms; three are en-suite and two share a Jack and Jill bathroom. All bathrooms were completely renovated, with the Primary bathroom suite reconfigured to create a private entrance, double sink vanity, a dressing vanity, separate toilet and bidet room, and a luxury wet room for showering or soaking in the extra large jetted tub. Each bedroom has something special, whether hand stenciled ceiling details or hand painted mini murals. Custom bedding was created for each room.
The walk up attic space was reimagined to create a play space for the children, featuring a seating area for watching movies and TV, a table and chairs for working puzzles, doing artwork and homework, and two dormer wings, each with its own hand painted mural, sure to spark the imagination and encourage creative playtime.
The basement, once an unfinished, dark, and uninviting space, was renovated to include a wine cellar, kitchenette, laundry room, home theater, game room, and a full bathroom. The space under the stairs was converted from a plain closet to a built in seating area with shelving, storage for puzzles and games, and a reading light. The original brick walls were retained to give texture and a glimpse of history; beams framing the new openings were reclaimed from a former factory building downtown. No longer dark and creepy, this is now one of the spaces most enjoyed by friends and family.
Guest House
Originally, above the three car garage was a two bedroom, one bath dwelling for live-in staff. At one point the space was renovated to become a one bedroom, one bath guest house with a small full kitchen. With the addition of the outdoor living space, in this renovation the guest house was expanded to allow a larger living room area, an expanded open concept kitchen, and larger bedroom and bathroom. The existing 8' high ceiling was removed to expose the beams of the vaulted ceiling. Hand finished tongue and groove boards were added. The owners' Florida roots influenced the oceanic theme of this space; the changes to it created the feel of being inside a wooden ship. Whimsical elements include a loft area accessed by a wall ladder and hatch, and a hand crafted octopus sink in the bathroom. Above the bed is a special stained glass window the owners brought from Florida, highlighted by hidden LED lights that illuminate it at night.
Basement
Attic
Second Floor
Main Level
The Grand Foyer
Outdoor Entertaining
The grounds and gardens were reworked, keeping mature trees and adding a front circle drive, rear motor court, walkways, the formal garden, and informal garden areas. The expanded guest house, outdoor kitchen, dining, and living areas were designed to blend seamlessly with the existing structure. An offset area of the garage was converted to a powder room, accessed from the outside, as a convenience for the family and guests. During renovation, the old boiler unit which heated the home was removed, along with the brass pipes that carried steam to the radiators. All of the scrap metal was transformed by sculptor Duncan Lewis to create a one-of-a-kind outdoor dining table, incorporating pieces of boiler plates, brass pipes, and even some pipe valves. He also created a whimsical life-sized alligator, again bringing the owners' Florida roots to the garden. Plants were carefully selected for their beauty, texture, and native benefits. As avid birders, the owners have created a bird sanctuary with numerous feeding stations and nesting houses situated across the property.
