south park residence—phase one
When longtime clients acquired a historic property in Shaker Heights, they turned to Dawn and the BLDC team to reimagine the estate for modern living while honoring its architectural legacy. What followed became BLDC’s most expansive renovation to date, touching every surface and structure across the property with care and intention.
designer
dawn cook
rooms
kitchen, dining room, foyer, primary bed, primary baths, powder rooms, living room, mudroom, club room, laundry room, wellness room, sunroom, outdoor spaces
location
shaker heights, ohio
style
transitional traditional
The main foyer was envisioned as a moment of arrival. An ornate, dated staircase was replaced with a clean and elegant bannister, striking a balance between modernity and tradition. New ironwork and millwork sit comfortably alongside the home’s original columns, while a custom sculptural light anchors the space. Suspended glass orbs illuminate the foyer at varying heights, and above, champagne-hued wallpaper softly diffuses light across the ceiling, lending warmth and dimension.
To support the rhythms of daily family life, the dining room and kitchen required a thoughtful reconfiguration. The former dining room was divided into two distinct yet connected spaces: a casual breakfast room with a round table and banquette seating, and a more intimate dining room for entertaining. A new archway defines the transition, reinventing how the family gathers and moves through the home.
In the kitchen, a new layout defines the space. Crisp painted cabinetry lightens the space, while inset glass shelving and cabinet doors enhance transparency and visual flow. A dramatic full-height porcelain backsplash with plum-toned black veining provides depth, while the island is clad in softly veined white marble for contrast. Perimeter countertops feature a waterfall edge detailed with carved molding, reinforcing the home’s classical roots. An organic sculptural light introduces a transitional note. To accommodate the clients’ preference for expansive refrigeration without overwhelming the room, custom brass handles with wraparound inlay were designed, transforming a functional necessity into an artful focal point.
The family room, complete with stained white oak built-ins and custom coffered ceiling details, houses a custom sectional big enough for the whole family (including the family dog) to lounge comfortably.
The formal powder room embraces high contrast and craftsmanship. A floating scalloped vanity is topped with hand-carved marble spanning countertop, backsplash, and vessel sink, while graphic wallpaper and geometric mosaic flooring add a modern edge. Porcelain hardware nods to the home’s historic origins. Nearby, a more casual powder room continues the black-and-white palette, pairing statement wallpaper with a custom marble countertop and exceptional molding detail.
What was once a simple passageway now unfolds as a destination in itself. A sequence of graceful archways, serene tree-lined wallpaper, and star-like ceiling fixtures evokes a European sensibility, transforming a utilitarian corridor into an everyday moment of delight.
In the sunroom, historic details were carefully preserved, including the green and white marble checkerboard floors and scalloped vents. Enhancements came through layered lighting and tailored window treatments, while original alcoves glow with new illumination. A curved Italian settee invites lounging and conversation.
Adjacent to the living spaces, a former “man cave” was reimagined as a sophisticated bar with a private club atmosphere. Rich wallpaper, turquoise marble, and custom brass radiator covers create depth and polish. State-of-the-art appliances and technology are seamlessly integrated, while a curved bar and countertop form an elegant sculptural statement. A brass foot rail along the bar front completes the composition.
Upstairs, the laundry room was rebuilt and redefined as a dual-purpose space for both utility and wellness. On one side, elevated appliances sit above deep storage drawers. A window bench offers a comfortable perch for the family pup, underscoring the room’s balance of function and ease. In the nearby wellness room, an infrared sauna and chaise lounge provide a place to reset.
The primary suite is divided into distinct his-and-hers bathrooms and closets. Hers is conceived as a jewelry box: layered with gilded cabinetry, custom hardware, brass accents, and porcelain-paneled shower walls. The palette extends into the walk-in closet, where crystal knobs and a stone-topped island reinforce refined elegance. Soft blush and plum tones weave throughout, creating warmth and intimacy. In contrast, his bathroom is anchored by a bold blue quartzite countertop and metal-front cabinetry. The closet has a club-like atmosphere: dark and moody. The primary bedroom features a new fireplace, gracious sitting area, and finely detailed molding and archways.
BLDC completed a redesign for the property carriage house and pool house, with more details to come in 2026.
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