From Drab to Fab in Amberley Village

Address: 3381 E. Galbraith Rd., Amberley Village

List Price: $675,000

A s a self-proclaimed “house flipper who gives a damn,” Nicole Nichols doesn’t just slap on a new coat of paint and call it a day. Take, for instance, her latest triumph—a home built in 1962 that had lost its luster over the years, but which Nichols immediately recognized for its effortlessly cool, Mid-Century Modern potential.

Nine years and countless flips from the establishment of the one-woman-show that is Revival Designs, Nichols has honed her design skills to a fine point. Recent accolades include the Residential Renovation Award from the Cincinnati Preservation Association. In her downtime, she offers design services for Cincinnati-area clients.

Nichols’s repertoire isn’t limited to one style of home. She loves them all—from Tudors to bungalows to Mid-Century Moderns. She does remain “selective” with the properties she chooses, explaining, “I tend to work in a small radius of neighborhoods and I really need to feel passionate about the property to take it on.”

So how did the (formerly) white house on Galbraith catch her attention? With its simple exterior partially obscured by several overgrown bushes, she says, “It was lackluster before, but I knew I could make it modern and cool.”

To do this, she enlarged the upper windows, replaced the columns, added a fun new door, and refreshed the body with dark paint. “I used the tall overhang and negative space to my advantage by installing eye-catching wood-slat siding asymmetrically to push it further into a modern style,” she explains. The cherry on top of her curb appeal sundae was all new landscaping to showcase the home’s transformation.

Photo courtesy Nicole Nichols

Inside, the floor plan was reworked to maximize the 2,200 square feet of living space, transforming it from cramped to open and airy. Relocating the kitchen allowed for the addition of a large island, ample counter space, and a more natural flow. Plus, the earthy green cabinetry perfectly complements the warmth of the new hardwoods.

Nichols added an additional full bathroom (bringing the count up to three), while also expanding the primary bathroom. Each features fabulous tilework, modern vanities, and brass hardware. Throughout the home, small changes lead to a big impact in terms of convenience and daily life. The primary bedroom now boasts a walk-in closet with tons of storage, laundry was relocated to the second floor, and a cleverly designed “pocket office” satisfies the need for workspace without sacrificing an entire room.

Photo courtesy Nicole Nichols

The home’s listing agent Grant Steed says, “The quality of the finishes and workmanship rival any new construction on the market. Revival Designs always finds a way to transform homes from old to new, while honoring the integrity of the original architecture.”

That workmanship includes all new mechanicals, and critical structural updates. Peace of mind with the home’s integrity goes hand-in-hand with the peaceful setting of its wooded, one-acre lot. While the location feels secluded, it’s only minutes from numerous amenities, plus easy highway access. Now that its transformation is complete, the grooviest house on Galbraith is ready for new owners.

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