We recently had the pleasure of partnering with Aubrey, the incredible talent behind Old House on the Rox, a captivating Instagram account documenting the restoration of her early 1900s home in Northwest Philadelphia. Her story is a testament to the power of DIY, passion, and a love for blending old and new. Let's delve into the renovation journey and uncover the secrets behind this stunning transformation.
Aubrey and her partner purchased an early 1900s home in Northwest Philadelphia in 2021, a property desperately needing restoration. They decided to document their journey on Instagram as @oldhouseontherox, creating a community of fellow old-home enthusiasts. Balancing full-time jobs with extensive DIY renovations, they've embraced the challenge, finding immense satisfaction in bringing their historic home back to life. "We started our IG account to document our process and connect with other old-home-owners," they shared. This online community has become an integral part of their journey.
While initially daunting, their six-bedroom, three-story home was a serendipitous find. Despite initially seeking a smaller, less demanding project, they fell in love with the potential of this historic property. Instead of a full-scale remodel, they've opted for a room-by-room approach, allowing them to live in and enjoy the space while working on it. One of their most significant projects was transforming a collapsed carriage house and a cement "yard" into a European-inspired courtyard and lush grass yard. This transformation, completed last summer, has become their favorite outdoor space.
Their design philosophy revolves around blending old and new, incorporating French and European-inspired elements with a modern twist. This love for mixing styles led them to Nostalgic Warehouse, where they found the perfect Egg & Dart Entry Set for their restored antique back door. "Adding brass antique-looking hardware was the perfect addition!" Aubrey explained. The back door restoration proved more challenging than anticipated, requiring a complete rebuild of the threshold, door jamb, and frame within a crooked brick opening. Ultimately, this three-week project reinforced their belief in investing in quality hardware.
Aubrey describes their style as a "French modern twist," combining the home's historic details with contemporary furniture and lighting. The home's detailed trim and woodwork provide a historic backdrop while contemporary furniture and lighting add a modern touch. They often find unique pieces at second-hand markets and incorporate earth tones and textures to reflect their love for nature.
Aubrey offers valuable advice for those considering large remodeling projects: "Everything takes longer and costs more than you think it will." She also stresses the importance of balancing work and personal time, encouraging others to "take your time, don’t be afraid to ask for help/advice, and HAVE FUN." For affordable transformations, she recommends changing wall colors, adding trim, molding, or wallpaper, and paying attention to lighting.
Currently, they're working on the entryway, adding wainscoting, bold wallpaper, and new lighting. They're also addressing the old knob and tube electric, adding wall sconces and stair lighting. "It's going to be a huge transformation!" they shared. Aubrey expressed gratitude for the brands she has collaborated with and the followers who have supported her journey. "We’re thankful for everyone following along with our journey @oldhouseontherox!" she said.
Aubrey's story is a testament to the power of DIY, passion, and a love for historic homes. Her dedication to restoring her property is inspiring, proving that creativity and perseverance can transform even the most daunting projects into beautiful realities. Follow along as they continue transforming their historic property into a stunning reflection of their unique style!
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