When renovating an older space there are always times you come across old pieces and you’re left with the question… Do they stay or do they go?

Some of these pieces are always GO! History does repeat itself… but in decor it’s not always the case.

Some things in the decor and design area that do repeat themselves or, in fact, never leave are claw foot tubs and exposed brick.

When embarking on our renovation journey we knew we would have to face decisions on features of the unit that were older and no longer found in modern properties. Some easy to scrap, others not.

There was a TON of expertly crafted crown molding. Someone spent a lot of money on the stuff. And even today this is a beloved feature in homes.

For our clean line and modern dream of the space we decided, regardless of how we could work around it, we weren’t going to.

The tough questions were the wainscoting and the chalky yellow exposed brick.

Normally when you picture both of the above you are in an old church house or farm house. We were not. The brick and wainscotting was there but not portrayed in their best light. So we just wanted to clear the slate. However, once that slate was clear we had ideas of MAYBE this could work and we could leave a little of the history behind.

When working in a modern space it can be difficult to work old world and traditional pieces in. Particularly brick within the mid century era.

I wanted it in. Dan wanted it out.

We’re not talking about the brick being on an exterior wall or anything like that. Some of it was smack dab in the middle of the front foyer.

Determination and Rachael Polakovic are synonomous. So the brick stayed. An expertly crafted front reception desk was built around it and now that we are complete, everyone that was nay on the brick has commented on how well it worked out.

Next came the wainscotting. Not a lot of it, but still in a very visible space. This was something we were both in agreement on. Just little facelift and voila! A lovely accent feature in the halls leading to the private offices and board room.

Have you seen our new office? We’re open! Come by and see how the old and new blend well together! We’re at 440 Wellington St in downtown London.