The Scope of the Project: Exterior Rehab

The home at 253 Broadway had stood for nearly 200 years, so we needed to take extra care to preserve its character while modernizing its exterior. This wasn’t just a cosmetic update—it was about stripping back layers of old paint, repairing the woodwork, and completely priming and painting the house to bring its original beauty back to life. The bulk of the work involved scraping down the existing exterior, removing old layers of paint, and repairing some carpentry where it was needed.

The goal was simple: to make the house feel new again while honoring its historic roots. A job like this requires a great deal of patience, craftsmanship, and attention to detail, but the results are always worth it.

Collaborating on Custom Colors

One of the most exciting parts of the renovation process was working with our design partner, Adler’s Design Center & Hardware, to choose the perfect paint color for the exterior. Working with Cristine and Harry, we went through a selection of about 10 to 15 swatches, trying to find something that would not only complement the house but also reflect the historic charm of the area.

After a bit of back and forth, Cristine had a brilliant idea: what if we mixed two colors together to create something entirely unique? We decided to experiment, combining colors in a way that created a tone we couldn’t find anywhere else. It’s not a color that exists on a standard paint chart—it’s a custom blend that’s perfect for this house.

Choosing a custom color was a big investment of time and energy, but it’s worth it to get it just right. The beauty of working with someone like Cristine is that she’s willing to take the time to experiment, tweak, and perfect the color until it’s exactly what the house needs. We were able to create a truly unique finish that feels like a natural fit for this historic home.

A Paint That Will Evolve Over Time

One of the things we discussed while choosing the paint color was how it would age over time. All paints fade eventually, but we actually saw this as an opportunity to enhance the character of the house. As the paint fades, it will take on a natural patina, almost like the aging process you see on antique furniture. The fading will give the house a more lived-in, organic look that feels true to its history.

In fact, we even talked about how the paint would evolve in the years to come, as the tones begin to shift. It’s exciting to think about how the house will continue to change and mature as the years go by. At some point, we’ll likely need to repaint, but until then, I’m excited to watch this custom color grow with the house. It will become a part of the home’s story.

Partnering with a Local Legacy

One of the things I love about working in this community is the chance to collaborate with local businesses that have deep roots in the area. For the paint on this project, we turned to Adler’s, a local paint company that has been around for over 100 years. When you’re working on a historic home, it just feels right to partner with a business that has stood the test of time.

Adler’s knowledge of paint and color selection is invaluable, and it’s incredible to be able to support a local company that has contributed to the community for so many years. Working with businesses that have such a strong legacy adds an extra layer of meaning to the renovation process. It’s a celebration of both the history of the home and the history of the neighborhood.