Remodeled Reminiscence

By Katie Faulkner  |  Photography by Morgan Nowland

After finding this traditional home a few years ago, Courtney and Todd Bullard decided to take on an exciting remodel project. They overhauled nearly every room in this spacious dwelling and created the perfect place to fit their vibrant family of six. “It just had great bones and looked to be a perfect family home,” Todd explains. “And we needed the space! We’re literally like the Brady Bunch, just short a couple of kids,” Courtney jokes. Courtney fell in love with the house because different aspects reminded her of her grandmother’s home. During the remodel, she found ways to incorporate both inherited pieces and inherited style from her grandmother.

Entering the home, the grand foyer makes a bold first impression with a curved staircase and chandelier. This was one of the spaces that Courtney first fell in love with. “I could just see so many photos of special occasions on these stairs,” she shares.

Tucked against the stairwell, a seating vignette features sentimental heirlooms. The chair, the small pedestal table beside it, and the framed sketches on the wall all belonged to her grandmother, making them very special to her. “I was very close to my grandmother, and decorating was kind of our thing. She, my mom, and I always loved to decorate together. We would go to each other’s houses and help arrange things all the time. We just enjoyed spending time together like that. So I have several of her things throughout the house and they always remind me of her,” Courtney shares.

To the right of the foyer is what the Bullards refer to as the parlor. Courtney explains, “When we first moved in and started remodeling everything, I really had no idea what I was going to do with this room, but it’s turned out to be one of my favorite spaces.” Since remodeling it into a light-toned sitting area with no television or other distractions, Courtney says the space naturally evolved into a room that drew out conversations. “Todd and I like to spend some time in here when we get home, catching up on our day,” she says. Often, it also serves as the setting for more serious conversations with each child. “It just creates a chance to pull a kid aside and have a heart-to-heart and check in with them,” Todd adds.

To the left of the foyer is Courtney’s office, where she works from home. The beautiful, weathered trestle table which now serves as her desk was actually built by her grandfather.

Open to the parlor is the formal dining room. This room maintains a clean but inviting aesthetic through the use of warm colors and mixed furniture. In the glass-front cabinet to the right, Courtney has displayed her grandmother’s collection of tea cups. The Queen Anne-style dining room table was one of the first pieces of furniture that her parents ever owned. With touches of nostalgia throughout, the space is elevated to elegance by the custom wainscoting, tray ceiling, and pendant chandelier. Blue and white found in the tulip paintings, rug, and floral arrangements are another nod to Courtney’s grandmother. “Her whole house was done in blue and white with pops of soft yellow. It was very cheerful and very elegant,” she recalls.

From the dining room, the home opens up to the back part of the house. Down a corridor of semi-open rooms, first is the kitchen. Set back with both an island and a sit-at countertop, this U-shaped kitchen features state-of-the-art appliances with dark green granite countertops and backsplash. The stone-toned off-white cabinets create a crisp appearance while still being warm. Double ovens and an extra-large cooktop provide ample cooking space, which is essential for this large family.

“My grandmother’s house used to have a big bay window with a table just like this, and I remember sitting there eating meals and talking.”

–Courtney Bullard

The nearby dining nook was another feature that caused Courtney to love this home, “My grandmother’s house used to have a big bay window with a table just like this, and I remember sitting there eating meals and talking.” The large window washes the welcoming sitting area in sunlight while providing views of the Bullards’ new porch.

Stepping down into the sunken living room provides an instant feeling of intimacy and togetherness. “This is definitely where we spend the most time,” Todd says. Natural-feeling upholstery in soft colors creates an organic and relaxed atmosphere. The recovered wingback accent chair was also Courtney’s grandmother’s and has become one of Courtney’s favorite pieces. “I’m really loving this right now,” she says, touching the back of the chair. This room serves as seating for family movie nights, complete with a candy and popcorn bar, or game nights. When the newly added patio doors swing open during nice weather, the space doubles in size and creates the Bullards’ favorite place to have dinner.

“Todd and the boys definitely spend the most time on the porch since we added it,” Courtney says. “I love to grill out, and the boys and I will go split wood for the fireplace. It’s a great place to relax and get away from everything,” Todd affirms. This newest addition features a beautiful white-washed brick fireplace, complete with arched storage alcoves, a rustic timber mantle, and a large television. The stunning focal point is surrounded by plush outdoor furniture, a swing bed, and a dining table. The entire space is screened in and equipped with mounted outdoor heaters, making it an enjoyable space nearly year-round!

Upstairs, French doors open to a stunning and peaceful master suite. A shiplap-wrapped fireplace and sumptuous master bed dressed in soft white quilts and light blue accents create a cozy and uplifting retreat.

An adjacent en suite features traditional mahogany-toned cabinetry, granite countertops, and floor-to-ceiling tile. A roomy, glass-encased shower boasts dual shower heads and a custom seat, next to the large, jetted soaking tub.

Also upstairs are the children’s bedrooms, each with a private bathroom, and a hobby room.

Todd and Courtney Bullard (center) with their
children, Austin, Tyler, Campbell, and Charlotte

From the front door to the new back porch, this home is complete with treasured family memorabilia, updated features, and plenty of places for the family of six to enjoy each other’s company while creating new memories of their own. CS