I recently sold a home to an architect and a photographer. They have killer style and plan on transforming their "new" 1918 Haddon Hill, (Oakland) home into a showpiece. They were drawn to this home for the location - blocks to Lake Merritt, the great layout - the house has an open living room and dining room plus a huge eat-in kitchen that opens up to the backyard, and the natural light. They were not fond of the cheap Home D---t lights, the honey colored mass-produced kitchen cabinets and the scalloped edge trim that was added to the original built-ins - all things that can be fixed. The one thing that I really encouraged them to do is keep the original tiles on the fireplace hearth. Even if they choose to give this home a modern edge the textural tiles can compliment the house. I love mixing old with new and the warmth of these tiles, (see below) will anchor this room. I can't wait to see what they do!
Pictured below is another fireplace from a 1923 Haddon Hill home on Wesley Ave. I hope the new owner keeps this beauty.
