Modern Family
Mary and Mike Roddy hadn't planned on moving. In fact, they loved their former 1936 Tudor in Bexley. But as their four children grew and their home became a popular gathering place for friends, they realized they needed more space for everyday living.
The Roddys kept their search close to home: They didn't want to give up Bexley's central location, good schools or tree-lined streets. They were looking for something with character.
The 1950 colonial they chose "didn't have much," especially from the curb, Mary Roddy said. "It looked like a long Saltine box." But she and her husband imagined its potential.
Since moving in nearly two years ago, the Roddys have worked to transform the home both inside and out. They warmed up the plain exterior with taupe paint, accented the windows with shutters and trim, replaced the roof, added a front porch and built a fence.
Even more drastic are the changes they've made inside. The back wing of the house has been renovated from a gallery space (the previous owner was an artist who exhibited her contemporary oil paintings there) into a lofted kitchen and family room.
The new space is chic, comfortable, and, most importantly, family-friendly.
The Roddys now have plenty of room to welcome friends. Weeks after wrapping up the renovation project, they hosted big crowds for football games, holidays and birthdays.
"Why have a space like this," Mary Roddy said, "if you're not going to use it?"