In a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio, a couple has revealed a beautifully reimagined bathroom in their 1906 Folk Victorian home, sharing the transformation with the r/centuryhomes community. Purchased in early 2020, the 119-year-old house has become a passion project, with each renovation paying tribute to its historic roots. The second-floor hall bathroom—once a patchwork of previous remodels—was stripped to the studs and rebuilt to reflect both the era’s character and today’s practical needs.
Stripping Down, Building Back
The original bathroom had seen several updates over the decades, including a 1940s cast iron tub and a leaking corner shower. The couple removed these outdated features, exposing the home’s original framework. The husband, a skilled plumber, redesigned the layout for better flow, while his wife handled the tile work, drywall, and painting. Together, they crafted a space that echoes the Folk Victorian style—simple yet refined—with thoughtful updates that honor the home’s past.
Paint That Speaks to the Era
A key detail that caught attention was the paint choice: a warm, inviting hue called “Wild Truffle.” When a fellow user asked about it, the owner happily shared, prompting admiration for the cozy, era-appropriate color. Likely paired with subway tiles and vintage-inspired fixtures, the palette helps the bathroom feel both fresh and timeless.
A Partnership in Restoration
This project is one of many for the couple, who have been steadily restoring their home since 2020. Their partnership—his plumbing expertise, her eye for finishes—shines in every corner of the new bathroom. Gone is the 1940s tub, replaced by more fitting fixtures that serve both the function and form expected of a home built in 1906. The result is a bathroom that not only works better but feels right for the house’s age and style.
Bringing the Past Into the Present
The renovation is a model for how to approach historic homes: with patience, skill, and deep respect for original craftsmanship. The new bathroom has become more than just a functional upgrade—it’s a love letter to the home’s history. As the couple continues their restoration journey, one room at a time, they’re preserving not just a house, but a legacy.
