Transforming a House into a Home
Posted by: Old Port Specialty Tile Co. in Bath, Inspiration, TIle
Erin Ovalle’s Journey of Renovation with Old Port Specialty Tile
For Erin Ovalle, embarking on her journey of home renovation meant carefully curating materials that not only reflected her style but also enhanced the functionality and aesthetic of each room. In 2019, upon purchasing her new home, Erin wasted no time in identifying areas for improvement. Amidst her busy schedule working in television, she envisioned multiple updates for her new abode. She knew that selecting the right materials would be crucial in achieving her desired look and feel. Recognizing the need for professional guidance to kickstart and sustain her projects, she sought assistance.
Her journey led her to Katie Capozza at Old Port Specialty Tile. Initially, the two connected through a feature on the Old Port Specialty Tile Showroom for Erin’s television segment, Places and Spaces Maine. Their bond deepened after meeting, as they shared similar life transitions – new marriages, home ownership, and plans for expanding their families. Their professional relationship blossomed from this shared understanding, a rare connection that fueled their collaboration.
As Katie delved into understanding Erin’s style, she discovered a fusion of tradition with a hint of nautical charm, infused with feminine touches and playful twists. Erin’s penchant for infusing traditional elements with modern flair, whether through unconventional layouts or splashes of color, guided their collaborative design process. The cohesive theme of blue tones resonated throughout Erin’s home, subtly nodding to her maritime influences. Even the family room, affectionately dubbed the ‘Upper Deck’ for its commanding view of the home’s center and the picturesque green hills beyond, reflected Erin’s passion for imaginative design.
In 2020, Erin and Katie embarked on the renovation of the fireplace hearth. Erin described what she was looking for, and Katie knew exactly what she wanted. They selected a subtle pattern in a cement tile within Erin’s palette, to evoke a sense of warmth and sophistication.
The same year saw Erin tackling the kitchen backsplash, a project that required thoughtful consideration of both style and practicality. Despite the limitations posed by the existing cabinetry, Erin and Katie found a creative solution in a Dolomite marble mosaic. Its creamy white background and warm veins not only complemented the kitchen’s traditional aesthetic but also added a touch of luxury to the space.
Attention turned next to the laundry room, where Erin’s choice of materials played a pivotal role in creating a cohesive and inviting space. She selected a playful wallpaper with subtle blue accents, setting the stage for a complementary floor tile. Opting for a blue hexagon tile with varying shades, Erin and Katie ensured that the floor not only caught the eye but also harmonized with the room’s color palette.
By 2022, Erin was ready to transform both the primary and secondary bathrooms used by the family. At this point in Erin’s career, she was hosting the television show “The Maine Life” and once again partnered with Old Port Specialty Tile for the feature Special Spaces. Katie and OPST collaborated with their trusted tile installers at RF Tile, led by owners Josh Romano and Mark Furrow, who readily assisted in devising a plan for these projects. In the secondary bathroom, Erin and Katie adhered to the home’s nautical theme while injecting a touch of whimsy and masculinity with a bold color palette. As for the primary bathroom, Erin orchestrated the demolition to bid farewell to the outdated all-pink aesthetic, envisioning its transformation into a serene retreat. Every material choice, from luxurious marble mosaics to sleek ceramic tiles, was meticulously made to align with Erin’s vision of a spa-like oasis. The team worked diligently to create a cohesive and tranquil space where she could unwind after a long day.
With meticulous planning and unwavering creativity, Erin’s home transformation journey serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and vision. Each project, no matter the scale, reflects her unique style and unwavering commitment to crafting a home that truly embodies her spirit.
To learn more about Erin’s project, and see the process unfold, check out our YouTube Channel and watch the Special Spaces playlist. Then reach out and let our Team get your project started.