It was with a fair amount of trepidation that I approached the first images of the recently listed Adams house in Vinita, Oklahoma, on Zillow. We first saw the house back in 2023 when it re-appeared on the market after failing to sell when listed in 2010. Surprisingly, I did not feel nauseous when viewing the transformation.
I was greatly relieved to find that changes were both minimal and largely cosmetic. This is one of those very rare times when I actually think that the renovated version of an historic piece of architecture is an improvement over what it had been. The cosmetic changes have made the interior much brighter—-a welcome change from the gloominess which once detracted from the otherwise magnificent spaces. The non-cosmetic changes have, for the most part, been respectful of the original design and intent and serve to make the house more livable. Let’s take a look!
The only significant change to the exterior appears to be the addition of a squat cupola which replaces the original skylight but brings more light to the interior.The front door sports a new color. Flanking entry lights have appeared since 2023 and their traditional styling is out of sync with the rest of the house. A single recessed downlight centered in the ceiling of the recess would have been less obtrusive and provided a more dramatic effect at night.Wow. White paint replaces all that was previously dark blue. Light flooring is a welcome contrast to the previous sea of oppressively blue carpeting.Inside the conversation pit. The reconfigured skylight does not detract from the design and definitely brings in more light.The dining area is also cleaner and brighter. All interior window sash–previously painted blue–has bee painted white.Kitchen millwork and other built-ins have been updated with new stained finishes. White countertops further brighten the space.The removal of the wall separating the dining room from the kitchen was done about as sensitively as possible. The boxed-in area attached to the ceiling is a tad awkward, but less awkward than the original wall cabinet which previously protruded in front of the adjacent window. Mercifully it is clad in wood.The new VCT flooring is fun in a period way and a great relief from the previous depressing 70’s-era linoleum. I wonder if this design was based on the original kitchen flooring?Definitely more livable and breathable.While normally not a fan of white paint, its use on bedroom walls and select built-ins has made the house more comfortable for younger buyers and therefore more marketable.Another bedroom…The bathrooms were, erm, “updated”.And the other one.The utility room awaits new utility.
It’s definitely much brighter inside now. Love how they replaced the skylight. Do not love the bathrooms. And as always, I appreciate and learn from your posts.
Thanks, Barb! I was really surprised at how much I liked (most of) the changes. I really hope the house finds a buyer now that it isn’t so depressing inside.
It’s definitely much brighter inside now. Love how they replaced the skylight. Do not love the bathrooms. And as always, I appreciate and learn from your posts.
Thanks, Barb! I was really surprised at how much I liked (most of) the changes. I really hope the house finds a buyer now that it isn’t so depressing inside.
Glad to see a new post from you. 🙂
And I’m glad to see a new comment from you!