Converting a former church into a residential space presents some unique design challenges and opportunities. The soaring ceilings, large windows, and open floor plan that make these buildings so ideal for congregating require creativity and care to transform into a functional and comfortable home. Our room of the day reveals how one homeowner successfully converted the great room of a former church into a stunning living space that retains the grandeur of the original building while feeling intimate and inviting.
Introduction
Churches often make for dramatic and unique residential conversions. Their tall ceilings and abundant natural light, paired with architectural details like arched windows and exposed beams, allow homeowners to create a one-of-a-kind living space. However, the cavernous feel of these former houses of worship can also present difficulties when adapting them for day-to-day family living. This conversion of a great room in a former church in the Midwest shows how thoughtful design choices can help strike the perfect balance between highlighting the original architectural beauty and creating a warm, welcoming home.
Overall Layout and Design
The homeowner made the great room the main living space in the home. Its footprint encompasses nearly the entire first floor of the converted church. To define different functional areas within the expansive room, the homeowner delineated a sitting area around the fireplace, a dining space, and a lounging section with a conversation pit. Variations in floor materials and ceiling heights reinforce the separation of each zone.
Despite the scale of the space, the room feels intimate and inviting thanks to smart furnishing choices. The homeowner brought in numerous smaller-scale seating areas with furniture groupings that invite conversation. Plush area rugs define each seating zone and add warmth underfoot. A neutral color palette of creams and subtle blues and greens allows the architecture itself to shine. Pops of color in pillows and artwork provide just enough vibrancy.
Highlighting Architectural Features
The great room incorporates many of the original church’s most impressive architectural elements. Exposed beam ceilings stretch over 30 feet high, flooded with natural light from enormous arched windows along one wall. The homeowner retained the church’s original wood floors, refinishing them to complement the neutral color scheme.
A new granite fireplace provides a focal point for the living area. Its sleek, contemporary style and muted color palette allow the home’s original features to take center stage. The dining area sits just below one of the home’s soaring A-frame roof sections. Here, the homeowner chose a large wooden dining table and antique-inspired chandelier to enhance the architecture through contrast.
By allowing the original features to shine and selecting finishes and furnishings that complement the spaces without competing, the homeowner created a cohesive design that celebrates the structure’s unique appeal. This approach helps retain the grandeur of the architecture while creating a livable and inviting family home.
Integrating Modern Conveniences
While honoring the original architecture, the homeowners also incorporated modern amenities to maximize function and comfort. The kitchen island houses a sink, dishwasher, and seating for casual meals. Integrated appliances like the refrigerator and oven tuck discretely behind cabinetry for a streamlined look.
Large sliding doors replaced dilapidated stained glass windows, flooding the great room with natural light while improving insulation. Central air conditioning provides comfort, while an audio system with built-in speakers enables whole-home music. Wall sconces and recessed lighting supplement the abundant natural light.
By seamlessly integrating these conveniences, the homeowners honored the integrity of the original architecture while creating a space that can accommodate a modern lifestyle. The great room now offers the best of both eras.
Unique Accents and Artwork
Thoughtfully chosen accents and artwork help personalize the home and give it character. The dining area features a statement iron and crystal chandelier that provides an elegant focal point. In the conversation area, colorful abstract artwork adds a pop of brightness to the neutral walls.
The homeowners also incorporated religious accents that pay homage to the home’s history, like a cross-shaped window pane between the great room and an adjoining space. These unique touches celebrate the structure’s origins as a place of worship. They add depth, interest and personality throughout the interior design.
Furniture Selections
The furniture selections enhance the great room’s beauty while optimizing comfort and functionality. For the living area, the homeowners chose multiple smaller-scale seating arrangements that delineate space while encouraging conversation. Deep, cushy upholstery provides comfort without overwhelming the room’s generous proportions.
In the dining space, a substantial wooden dining table seated on an antique rug can comfortably accommodate dinner parties and holiday gatherings. For additional seating and lounging throughout the home, the owners incorporated benches and ottomans that can easily move to different areas as needed. These flexible, multifunctional furniture choices maximize use of space.
By selecting furniture ideal for both everyday life and entertaining, the owners optimized comfort and functionality. The thoughtful choices complement the architecture for a cohesive, inviting look.
Lighting Design
The lighting design provides ambiance and practical illumination throughout the great room. New chandeliers and sconces with exposed Edison bulbs cast a warm, ambient glow during evenings and gatherings. Recessed lighting provides unobtrusive but ample illumination for tasks like cooking and reading.
Layers of light sources create a flexible space suitable for both lively entertaining and intimate family evenings. Dimmers allow easy adjustments to lighting intensity and mood. The homeowner took care to select fixture styles that suit the home’s architecture. The results are lighting choices that provide necessary modern functionality while retaining the room’s character.
Floor Plan
The great room’s open floor plan allows natural differentiation of space while encouraging flow between areas. The living area opens directly off the entryway, welcoming visitors into the home. Just beyond, the dining area and breakfast nook provide a seamless gathering space for meals and entertaining.
Full-height built-in bookcases help define the lounge area yet allow lines of sight across the entire great room. An open staircase leads to private spaces upstairs. By thoughtfully delineating zones while maintaining an open feel, the floor plan balances intimate spaces for family life with flexible areas for entertaining.
Achieving an Intimate Feel in a Large Space
Despite its generous proportions, the great room exudes coziness and warmth. Careful space planning divides the cavernous room into smaller-feeling zones. Plush rugs and soft furnishings create intimate spaces within the soaring interior. Varying ceiling heights and floor materials provide visual interest.
Artful lighting design casts a welcoming glow throughout the space during evening hours. Elements like the crackling fireplace and built-in window seating nooks provide further warmth and comfort. Meaningful artwork and accessories give the space personality. Thanks to these thoughtful design choices, the great room feels as comfortable and inviting as it is grand.
The Finished Space
The final result is a great room that celebrates the converted church’s original splendor while offering an inviting, modern living space. Soaring ceilings, expansive windows, and architectural accents retain the structure’s abundant charm. Strategic lighting, cozy furnishings, and a multifunctional open floor plan transform the home into a comfortable, family-friendly abode.
This room illustrates how a church conversion can successfully integrate modern function into a historic form. The homeowner respected and showcased impressive original details while introducing custom elements tailored to contemporary living. Their vision culminated in a one-of-a-kind home overflowing with character, ideal for everyday life and entertaining.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some common challenges when converting a church into a home?
Some typical challenges include:
- The large, open floor plan lacking walls or rooms
- Drafty conditions and high heating/cooling costs
- Potential moisture damage or musty smells
- Restrictions on modifying historical architecture
- Integrating modern kitchens and baths into old structures
- Finding ways to make cavernous spaces feel intimate
What are some solutions for making a converted church feel like home?
Some solutions include:
- Incorporating architectural accents like exposed beams and restored windows
- Adding warm touches like plush rugs, soft fabrics, and cozy furniture
- Defining separate spaces or rooms through flooring changes, ceiling variations, or furniture arrangements
- Using smart lighting design such as layers of ambient, task, and accent lighting
- Introducing unique accents and artwork for character and personalization
How can you adapt a church kitchen for residential use?
Some tips include:
- Using small appliances like Instant Pots and air fryers instead of a full range
- Adding an island or peninsula for extra prep space and casual dining
- Opting for cabinet fronts that complement the architecture but add storage
- Selecting sink and faucet styles that provide function without looking utilitarian
- Disguising appliances like refrigerators and dishwashers with custom panels
What are advantages of converting a church into a home?
Some perks include:
- Unique architecture full of character like soaring ceilings and oversized windows
- Quality construction and materials made to last, like stone, brick, and heavy timbers
- Spacious floor plans with opportunities to create open, multifunctional rooms
- Central location in heart of town with proximity to community amenities
- Ability to retain historic charm while incorporating modern conveniences
What finishes work well in converted church homes?
Some good choices include:
- Refinished original wood floors to retain character
- Neutral wall colors to allow architecture to stand out
- Textured rugs and fabrics to add coziness underfoot and on furnishings
- Pops of color in art, pillows, and accessories for vibrancy
- Reproduction lighting fixtures or modern styles with vintage flair
Conclusion
Converting the great room of this former church required creativity and care to transform an immense space into a comfortable home. Respect for original architectural details paired with smart adaptions catered to modern living. The result is a home abundant in unique charm yet tailored to everyday needs. This church-turned-residence celebrates the building’s rich history while creating new memories for years to come. Its thoughtful design solutions could inspire anyone undertaking their own church conversion to create a functional home full of character. With mindful design choices guided by respect and vision, a glorious church can become a welcoming forever home.
