Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1522887
From Traditional to Glamorous, a University Park House Gets a Glow-Up by Designer Jean Liu By Rebecca Sherman. Photography Lisa Petrole. Interior design Jean Liu Design. Renovation Bean Co. Homes. A traditional red brick house built in 1999 wasn't what Jean Liu's clients were looking for when they started house-hunting. "They wanted something much more contemporary and lighter and brighter," Liu remembers. "But they were initially drawn to the house because of the the kid-friendly street, and they loved the atmosphere in University Park where you could just let them run up and down the block." Great neighborhoods make for priceless childhood memories, and houses can always be renovated, so the couple took the plunge, embarking on a leisurely redo in 2016 that took several years to complete. "I always tell clients that if they are willing to take their time, they'll really start to learn about their own habits and how they function in the house," Liu says. "They'll see how they really use rooms instead of how they think they might. Doing work in phases gives everyone more clarity and decisiveness on what to do." Bean Co. Homes was enlisted to oversee renovations that included exterior architectural changes and adding a pool and covered patio. Inside, much of the work focused on redoing the bathrooms and converting the attic space into a game room for the kids. Liu redesigned the staircase banister with decorative wrought-iron balusters inspired by a railing she'd seen in France. The front door was replaced with an arched glass-and-steel one Liu designed, In the family room, a pair of vintage mohair armchairs by Milo Baughman, Holly Hunt coffee table, Eames lounge chair and ottoman from DWR, Warren Platner side table, vintage C. Jeré wall sculpture from 1stdibs. 39