A "Fearless" Transformation: Breathing New Life Into a Historic 1872 House
When considering the purchase of a century-old home, the task can be daunting yet rewarding. The latest HGTV series, Who’s Afraid of a Cheap Old House?, delves into this very journey. In its debut episode, viewers are introduced to an awe-inspiring makeover of an 1870s Italianate building in Upstate New York—a structure with a storied past as a fire station.
The show is helmed by Elizabeth and Ethan Finkelstein, renowned for their popular Instagram account, @CheapOldHouses, where they share affordable listings of historic homes across the United States. The audience for this episode watched as homeowners Bill and Joe embarked on an ambitious restoration with a total budget of $190,000, $100,000 of which was earmarked for the home purchase, and $90,000 dedicated to the remodel.
Embracing Challenges and Unveiling Beauty
From peeling paint and crumbling bricks to dated '70s finishes, the building required substantial love and care. Yet beneath the surface lay hidden treasures: exquisite tin ceilings, tin-tiled walls, 1940s lighting fixtures, and a compact office space formerly used by the mayor. Bill and Joe aimed not only to preserve these historical elements but transform the space into a warm, inviting sanctuary for hosting family and friends.
Designer Jennifer Salvemini, known for her bold design choices, spearheaded the transformation. A unique challenge arose when the effort to expose the original coppery patina of the tin tiles inadvertently stripped it away. Salvemini skillfully adapted by painting the tiles in a complementary pink tone, balancing it with dark blue accents on the woodwork.
An Artful Blend of Old and New
This project was rife with innovative cost-saving measures, including the decision to revive the original wood floors rather than install new ones, saving the couple thousands of dollars. Salvemini expertly layered the décor with vintage furniture finds, such as a $250 antique sofa, harmoniously merging Bill and Joe’s personal antique collection into the design.
The mayor’s cozy office embraced its compactness with dark paint, enhancing an original 1940s school light fixture and a striking textured glass door. Surprising layers of flooring revealed preserved original linoleum, underscoring the dedication to authenticity throughout the renovation.
The Heart of the Home: A Kitchen with Character
The open kitchen and dining area emerged as one of the home’s most captivating spaces, showcasing exposed brick that was cleverly uncovered during the renovation. Complemented by bold black cabinetry, this design choice added a dramatic flair while staying true to the home’s historical essence.
The centerpiece of the dining area—a handmade light fixture inspired by an antique chandelier from the Metropolitan Museum of Art—was the couple’s designated splurge at $7,000. Cutting costs elsewhere allowed room for such investments, underscoring the delicate balance between frugality and high-impact design elements.
Breathing New Life Into Old Walls
Externally, the restoration extended to remedying the building's brick façade, which had suffered damage due to inappropriate paint application in the past. Expert refacing paired with a refreshed, warm orangey paint job connected the exterior to its historic firehouse origin.
Bill and Joe's project exemplifies how, even under the layers of time, a dedicated renovation can uncover and elevate the innate charm of historic properties. As Elizabeth Finkelstein notes during the final reveal, this transformation maintained the soul of the building while preparing it for a vibrant new chapter. Tune into Who’s Afraid of a Cheap Old House? Tuesdays at 7 p.m. ET on HGTV for more inspiring historical home adventures.
