If you’re a regular reader of our blog, you know that we love the idea of using old buildings—at least when it makes sense. Our position is that there are more than enough 1960s ranches, 1920s bungalows, or 1970s split-levels that can use the eye of a good architect, designer, or remodeler. So we were totally geeked when a good friend of ours sent us this project by Gomes + Staub Architects, an Austin, Texas-based firm that shares some of our beliefs.

Francisco Gomes says the firm has an increasing interest in working with existing buildings and using salvaged materials in its residential projects. “It’s not that we don’t appreciate the expensive fitments when the budget allows, but when you have to make choices the jewelry is less essential,” he says.

The Beaver Dam project is a gut renovation of a house built in 1957. Here’s what Gomes has to say about the project:

“We cobbled together inexpensive fixtures with character because we felt that reconfiguring and connecting the living spaces of the house on the ground floor was the first priority and demanded the majority of the budget. The entire house, with three bedrooms upstairs, was also compromised by a stair with under 6 feet of headroom at mid-height landing. The living spaces and circulation of the house were opened up, and space in the ground floor ceiling was created to get the HVAC ductwork out from below the slab. That is why the kitchen counters are laminate, the ceiling sconces are simple fabric shades on ceramic lampholders, and the downstairs bath has a vessel sink made from a salad bowl.”

We like this house because it looks good, but we love it because it the architects used salvaged material and quirky products such as a Target salad bowl for a sink and affordable light fixtures and shades from IKEA. See the stunning results below.

All photos courtesy of Gomes + Staub Architects.