Modernizing a Tudor Home While Keeping Its Character: Inside the Shadwell Remodel in Lake Mary, FL
- Juan Felipe Diaz
- Nov 20
- 4 min read
Some homes carry such undeniable charm that you know they should never be stripped of their soul; only elevated. That’s exactly the story behind Shadwell, one of our newest remodel projects located in Lake Mary, one of Orlando’s most desirable residential communities.
The home has strong Tudor-inspired bones, a timeless personality, and a history with which the homeowners are deeply connected. But like many older homes across Central Florida, the layout simply no longer supports the way families live today. Closed-off rooms, limited flow, minimal natural light, and a segmented main living area created a home that felt more restrictive than welcoming.
And that’s where thoughtful design comes in.
At Markle + Diaz Architects, we specialize in blending historic architectural character with modern interior design, creating spaces that honor the past while supporting contemporary living. Shadwell is the perfect example.
What the Homeowners Love, And What Needs to Change On Their Modern Tudor Remodel in Lake Mary
During the first walk-through, it was clear why the homeowners fell in love with this Tudor home. The warm textures, original woodwork, charming details, and classic silhouette are stunning. They don’t want to lose any of that; in fact, they want it showcased even more intentionally.
But the daily experience of the home told a different story.
The main challenges included:
Small, compartmentalized rooms
Limited sightlines and lack of openness
A kitchen disconnected from the living and dining areas
Insufficient natural light
A layout that restricted family interaction and entertaining
Their goal? A modern floor plan that still feels undeniably Tudor; updated, functional, open, and intentionally designed.
Our Architectural Vision: Modern Function, Timeless Character
Because this is a modern Tudor remodel in Lake Mary, our approach required precision. We’re preserving the qualities that give the home its authenticity, while reworking the spaces to support the way families live today.
Elements We’re Preserving or Elevating:
Warm natural wood accents
Textured surfaces
Tudor-style lines and proportions
Architectural details and historic character
Elements We’re Reimagining:
Opening the kitchen, dining, and living areas for better flow
Adding structural adjustments to support a more connected layout
Improving natural light through strategic window and door design
Introducing modern materials that complement Tudor warmth
Creating spaces designed for daily living + entertaining
This is not a makeover; it’s a thoughtful re-interpretation, balancing the integrity of Tudor design with clean, modern interior architecture.
Where Architecture Meets Interior Design: The Integrated Advantage
This Lake Mary project is a full architecture + interior design remodel, and it benefits from our integrated approach.
From day one, our architectural team and interior design direction work side by side; space planning, materials, lighting, and finishes are aligned from the very beginning.
This is where the value of hiring a modern interior design firm in Orlando that also handles the architectural components becomes evident:
Benefits of integrated design in this project:
A cohesive look from structure to finishes
No mismatched updates that feel “added on”
Faster, more aligned decision-making
Better control over flow, proportions, and material transitions
A final result that feels unified, intentional, and timeless
Our clients don’t want a home that looks good in pieces; they want a whole home that feels beautifully connected. That’s what our integrated method delivers.
Our Process: Thoughtful, Collaborative, Tailored
Every remodel begins with understanding the client’s lifestyle, goals, and daily routines. For Shadwell, that means:
✔ Opening living spaces
✔ Improving the kitchen’s connection to the home
✔ Enhancing natural light
✔ Preserving essential Tudor character
✔ Updating the interior for modern functionality
✔ Adding an architectural addition to expand livable space
We’re currently in the detailed design phase, refining layouts, elevations, interior palettes, and making structural adjustments. These early decisions will influence everything that follows. As the project evolves, we’ll be sharing floor plan studies, interior concepts, and construction updates.
This is a remodel where architecture, interiors, and story come together.
Why Shadwell Represents the Best of What We Do
At Markle + Diaz, historic-inspired remodels are some of our favorite opportunities because they require:
Sensitivity
Technical precision
Cohesive architecture + interior design
A deep understanding of both old and new
This Tudor remodel in Lake Mary, FL, showcases our firm’s strengths:
Blending luxury design with livable function
Preserving story and character
Creating spaces that feel modern without losing identity
Bringing architecture and interior design together as one
Follow the Shadwell Journey
More updates will be released as the design evolves, including detailed renderings, interior materials, and construction progress.
If you love watching classic homes transformed with intention, this is a project you’ll want to follow!
Ready to talk about your own project? Fill out our contact form by clicking on this link.
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