The Craver Compound

The Cravers purchased the home just over four years ago and have worked hard to bring back its original charm. The previous owner had laid carpet, whitewashed the walls, and created a large master bedroom by combining two smaller rooms. Luckily, Chris was able to obtain the original plans for the house, and started the process of putting all the pieces back together.

Tiffany’s previous employment atDesign Within Reachand her currentline of workaided in the quest to fill the home with unique treasures. Charlie might be the only kid his age that knows the value of a vintage transformer, while Chelsea is sure to have the only 1950s tin kitchen set on the block. Touring the Craver Compound you will find there is something for everyone, and a fantastic story to accompany each find. Thanks for sharing your wonderful home, Craver family!

Apartment Therapy Survey:

Our Style:We both love mid century modern design. Tiff has a great eye and a love for all things vintage. I like to design and build new features into the existing architecture. I wish I was more Mod Men style. A modern day “June and Ward” — Charlie stars as the “Beaver”.

Inspiration:Other mid century modern homes in the neighborhood and homes from the case study program. A trip to Palm Springs, California and Siesta Key, Florida, where there is an appreciation for mid century architecture and a large number of preserved homes.

Favorite Element:For me, the restored mahogany woodwork. For Tiff, the kitchen.

Biggest Challenge:Remodeling your own home with children. Restoring a gem that has been badly remodeled by a previous home owner.

What Friends Say:The front of the house is fairly unassuming, so I think they are surprised by the openness, the glass, the wood ceiling and the view. Have you seen that show, Mad Men? Can I have one of those beers? We also joke and call our house the Craver “Compound”.

Biggest Embarrassment:Our tan on taupe bathrooms are right off the sale rack at Home Depot. Then there’s our weed filled back yard. Can we apply for that “Yard Wars” show?

Proudest DIY:The kitchen was the biggest and most challenging, but also the most rewarding.

Biggest Indulgence:游泳池,我们几乎完全redone.

Best Advice:Have a plan before you start. And once you start, do your best to finish it. I have about twenty things going on around the house and they are all at about 75% complete. Retrofit your house with things that will complement the house’s style. If you have a 90’s tract home, I have your bathroom… come and get it.

To quote Vera Neumann “Hire the best architect you can afford, even if you can’t really afford him at all, and you’ll save money on everything.” She also had an amazing “Compound” designed by Marcel Breuer!

Dream Sources:Estate Sales, Habitat for Humanity stores, Design Within Reach, Mod Livin’, Modernica, and Ikea.

Resources of Note:

PAINT & COLORS

• Main walls: Benjamin Moore “Gray Owl” OC-52
•查理的房间:墙;玛莎·斯图尔特“罗马3月ble” 165 Ceiling; Martha Stewart “Handkerchief” 8051. Closet doors: Sherwin Williams “Roycroft Pewter” 2848
• Wood stains by Minwax, “Special Walnut” and “Dark Walnut”

ENTRY

• Bullet planter –Mod Livin’
• Eames plywood chair – Herman Miller • Ostrich print – Eye Candy
• Paint by number set-homeowner

LIVING ROOM

• Theatre sofa –DWR
• Angela Adams rug –DWR
• Lounge chair that we had reupholstered – neighborhood yard sale score $10 (plus $$ for re-upholstery job!)
• Eames rocker –Decadewith new base fromModernica
• Floor lamp – Ballpark flea market
• Child’s vintage kitchen by Wolverine – estate sale
• Child’s vintage chair by Cosco Household – estate sale

DINING ROOM

• Eames dining chairs –DWR
• Zero dining table –DWR
• Nelson bubble pendant –DWR
• Vintage desk and chair – estate sale
• Wall cabinet (cd storage) –Ikea
• Geneva sound system –DWR
• Nelson wall clock –DWR
• Postcard display wall – Tiff’s collection (amassed since age 3) cable and hardware from hardware store.

KITCHEN

• Beech wood and glossy white cabinets and wood countertop –Ikea
• Vers iPod dock –Urban Outfitters
• Metal planter –CB2
• Barstools –Ikea
• Plate and fondue pot – Catherine Holm
• Pan Am plane on wood base – friend

BEDROOM

• Charlie’s furniture by True Modern –Mod Livin’
• Wall shelves –Ikea
• Chelsea’s furniture –Ikea
• Artwork – cut up Andy Warhol calendar, frames from Ikea
• Case Study platform bed –DWR
• Lamps –Ikea

OTHER

• Fish mobile by Flenstad –DWR
• Basement credenza by Herman Miller –Decade
• Child’s playhouse by Plan Toys – department store
• Child’s vintage chairs in orange and tan by Shamrock-Neatway – estate sale.

Thanks, Craver family!

(Images:Ashley Poskin)