In Upstate New York, a Leaky Spiral Staircase and a Snake in the Basement Couldn't Scare Off This Creative Couple

"Built in 1974 by an architect who prioritized form over function, the geometric stucco-and-cedar house lacked a full kitchen. It did, however, have water damage and a carpenter ant infestation. And the asking price was far too steep for its neglected condition. But the creative couple-she's the designer behind fine jewelry brand Mociun and he's a co-founder of mirror and furniture studio Bower -appreciated the quirky curves that give the home a special flow, so they negotiated a lower cost and began repairs."

""It was really nicely designed, so it was tricky trying to change anything," explains Mociun. "We restored the house more than renovated it." She and Hijazi replaced all 22 drafty windows, but kept their size and position the same. They re-roofed and re-sided the exterior, then replastered the walls and refinished the wood floors inside-all while maintaining the original aesthetic."

"The couple also overhauled the kitchen with the help of their friend Drew Seskunas of Saw.Earth, who figured out how to squeeze modern appliances-albeit small ones-into its compact footprint. A 22-inch Liebherr refrigerator and an 18-inch Miele dishwasher are nestled between custom teak cabinets, while an Elica downdraft induction cooktop is integrated into the black Marmoreal terrazzo countertop. Hijazi built a dining table with a white version of the same terrazzo, which is now surrounded by vintage Ikea ch"

Caitlin Mociun and Tammer Hijazi purchased a 1974 geometric stucco-and-cedar house with water damage, carpenter ants, and no full kitchen. They negotiated a lower price and focused on restoration rather than drastic renovation, preserving original window sizes and architectural curves while replacing 22 drafty windows, re-roofing, re-siding, replastering walls, and refinishing wood floors. The basement was gutted and converted into a laundry room, bathroom, and small bedroom after removing a snake from the jetted tub. The compact kitchen now houses small modern appliances integrated into custom teak cabinetry and terrazzo surfaces, and vintage furnishings fill the interior.

Read at Architectural Digest