Tag Archives: home and garden tour

Without a doubt, the King house was one of my favorites on the 2012 Del Ray House and Garden Tour. Well, I loved all the houses, but this one stood out in a special way. Something about its unique and sentimental decorating style, historic significance, and artistic charm really made me feel at home.

The Kings purchased the house seven years ago, but the house itself was built in 1904 for the railroad workers at Potomac Yard. Historic documents state a former owner was William Kidwell, a local butcher.

Walking inside, you notice several interesting architectural elements, including 100-year-old double doors and a vintage transom window which came from Barbara King’s grandparents’ home.

Barbara rescued the window from the salvage company that was razing the home.

Looking down the hallway, light guides you along. The white cabinet on the left is the top of a buffet, turned upside down. And it is believed that the pine corner cabinet at the far end was built by Paul Rionuse, a former owner in the 1970s.

The sunroom is incredibly cozy, you’d never know the furniture is just an odd assortment of hand-me downs and antique and thrift store finds.

What an ideal spot to soak in the morning sun while drinking your coffee and reading the newspaper.

Throughout the house you’ll notice a trend with the artwork and accessories. Having a name like King, it has been easy for friends to find special gifts for the home with the family’s namesake.

When the Kings bought the house, they had some renovations in mind for the kitchen. It was small, closed up and not very functional. They were able to tear out an awkward wall blocking unused space, thereby opening up the room. It’s now just the right size for this home.

The island is actually a thrift store find, and fits in without a problem, adding storage and a gathering space for guests.

The copper pot rack over the window is just two pieces of copper piping reinforced with wood rods, bolted inside the cabinets — a creative storage solution for small spaces and an easy DIY project.

Though upgraded with granite and stainless appliances, there is a wonderful vintage feel accentuated by stained glass windows and built-ins using the original cabinets.

Barbara is an artist and the room which holds her studio was once an enclosed porch with wood decking and a hot tub. It now fits in with the rest of the house. The long white cabinet along the side window holds all of her art supplies. It was custom made for the King family at a previous home and though it looks like a built-in, it can actually move. It had to be slightly modified to fit this space.

Upstairs, the guest room has a working antique wood stove. The chimney seems to be very old, but it’s not known if the stove is original to the house.

Right next to the stove, a previous owner added the loft and circular staircase in a 1970s renovation. Currently used as an office hideaway, convenient storage space can be found under the eaves for yet another smart small-space storage solution. No crack or crevice in this house is left unused.

The master bedroom (there are two bedrooms in the house, a third was converted to a closet) is a breath of fresh air with its beachy colors, warm earth tone antiques, and calming ambiance. It’s not a large room, but it’s cool and comfortable, a peaceful retreat at the end of long day.

I’m wondering if that dresser came with the marble top. If not, it’s definitely a great idea to spruce up a simple wood dresser.

Around the corner you’ll find the bathroom with its sapphire blue tile covering walls and ceiling.

The tiles continue onto this huge vanity countertop. Its 1980s style might scare off some, but I find it refreshingly crisp and clean and think it goes well with the various styles in the home, each meticulously maintained and thoughtfully interwoven.

I especially love how they used an oriental style rug on the vanity/dressing room side of the bathroom. The rug covers hardwood floors suggesting that this part of the bathroom was a more recent expansion. The original bathroom by the tub has vintage hexagon white tiles.

Friendly accents are scattered throughout the home including this stained glass window which gently rests over the existing window. It looks built-in, but it’s simply attached with hooks.

A grandfather clock with a decorative wheat design is a handsome yet elegant addition.

And a collection of antique family photos offers a touching tribute.

As we left the home, I realized my favorite room was the front porch, surrounded in all its glory by beautiful plants, trees and comfortable seating. It’s a place you could spend hours, sipping on lemonade, gazing at lush landscaping, and waving to friends and neighbors walking by.

With vintage charm and crafty features around every corner, this stop on the 2012 Del Ray House and Garden Tour was worth every penny of the ticket. I’m so glad the Kings opened their home to us, sharing a piece of local history and yet another reason why Del Ray is a great place to call home.

Special thanks to the Del Ray House and Garden Tour for providing additional information about the history of this home.