Couple's Historic Home Renovation Blends Style with Practicality
A couple's dream home renovation has finally come to fruition in New Albany's Mansion Row Historic District. Chase Corbett and Scott Cooksey purchased the 1908 American Foursquare home three years ago, but it wasn't until 2021 that they were able to take possession after being outbid initially.
The couple spent the next three years modernizing the space while preserving its historic character. They used cost-effective solutions like color-matched paint and self-installed IKEA cabinets to achieve their goal. Corbett's mom even helped remove five layers of wallpaper from both walls and ceilings, keeping as much of the plaster as possible.
The result is a beautifully restored home that seamlessly blends Victorian-era charm with modern style. The couple was able to find an affordable alternative to high-end paint brand Farrow & Ball by working with a Sherwin-Williams color specialist. They chose Svelte Sage for the living room walls, which complements the other hues used throughout the home.
The kitchen is a standout feature of the renovation, boasting green walls, matte-black backsplash crafted from hexagonal tiles, butcher-block countertops, and fresh white cabinetry with black hardware, all from IKEA. The couple installed the cabinets themselves, making adjustments to get them to fit perfectly in the older space.
The home will be featured on this year's New Albany Historic Home Tour, giving visitors a chance to see the fruits of Corbett and Cooksey's labor up close. The tour takes place on September 12, with tickets available online for $20 in advance.