Breathing New Life into a 1937 Historic Home: A Thoughtful Update by Rockbridge Homes and Barns
- Kim Hickman
- Jan 23
- 3 min read
There’s something special about a home built in 1937. The proportions feel intentional. The details have personality. And even after decades of living, growing, and changing, a historic home still carries a sense of story you can’t replicate.
Recently, we had the opportunity to complete a carefully planned update to a 1937 historic home; one that honored its character while improving function, comfort, and everyday livability. The work was completed by Rockbridge Homes and Barns, and the result is a home that feels refreshed, polished, and ready for the next chapter.
The Heart of the Home: Kitchen Update
The kitchen was the main focus of this renovation, with improvements designed to make the space more efficient while keeping a classic, timeless feel.
Key Kitchen Improvements
A number of targeted upgrades made a big impact:
New sink and faucet to improve both performance and style
New oven/microwave combination for a modern, streamlined cooking setup
Cabinet door adjustments to improve alignment and function
Door pull installation adding a personal finishing touch
New range hood, updating ventilation while enhancing the overall look
New countertops, instantly elevating the kitchen’s brightness and durability
Painted cabinets for a clean, renewed look
Painted kitchen walls and trim, tying everything together and highlighting the home’s original lines
A Wet Bar Addition
To add both convenience and a little extra “wow,” we also installed a wet bar - a perfect feature for entertaining. The wet bar is complete with fresh countertops, a sleek sink + faucet, and a cozy spot to stock the good stuff. 🍸🍷 The dark cabinetry + glowing display makes it feel like a mini speakeasy tucked right at home.
Ready for happy hour at any hour! 😄👏
Upstairs Office Refresh: Wallpaper Removal
Upstairs, the office got its own update, starting with a clean slate:
Removal of wallpaper, opening up the space visually and making it feel brighter and more current
It’s amazing what a difference that one step makes, especially in older homes where wallpaper patterns can date a room quickly.
Preserving the Exterior Details
Historic homes come with beautiful details—and sometimes, a little necessary maintenance. This project included repairs that protect the home and keep it looking its best:
Repairs to window frames
Siding repairs
Rear deck repairs
These improvements are the kind you feel as much as you see—tightening up the home’s exterior integrity while maintaining its original charm.
A Small Touch with Big Curb Appeal: Window Box Installation
One of the simplest updates can be the most charming. We installed a window box for flowers, adding instant curb appeal and that classic, welcoming touch that fits a 1937 home perfectly. It’s a detail that looks like it’s always belonged there!
Exterior Painting: A Fresh, Protected Finish
To complete the transformation, the exterior received a fresh coat of paint, an upgrade that’s both aesthetic and protective:
Exterior siding painting
Front door painting (a great way to elevate the entry instantly)
Rear deck painting, giving outdoor living spaces a clean, cohesive finish
The Result: Updated, Elevated, and Still True to 1937
The best renovations don’t erase a historic home’s personality. They highlight it. This 1937 update did exactly that: improving key systems and surfaces, adding modern conveniences like the oven/microwave combo and wet bar, and refreshing the look with thoughtful paint and exterior improvements.
Whether you’re cooking, entertaining, working upstairs, or pulling into the driveway, this home now feels brighter, smoother, and more comfortable - still honoring what made it special in the first place.
Work completed by Rockbridge Homes and Barns.
Comments