Timeless Home Renovation in Avondale: High St.'s Design Magic

Historic Florida home renovation by High St. brings timeless design and playful personality to life in Avondale, Jacksonville.

Vision & Challenges

When longtime High St. clients Anne and Michael Ballard relocated from Cincinnati to Jacksonville, Florida, they found themselves drawn to the historic charm of Avondale — a neighborhood known for its tree-lined streets, stately homes, and vibrant community. Their turn-of-the-century house had plenty of character, but also plenty of work ahead.

The couple wanted to restore and modernize the home while preserving its original spirit. Working from out of state added an extra layer of complexity, but High St. collaborated closely with architects, carpenters, and builders to ensure every detail stayed true to the home’s story — and to the Ballards’ distinctive style.

“We wanted to honor the home’s character while making it truly livable — bright, functional, and filled with personality.” — High St. Design Team

The Design Approach

Our team started by assessing how each space would function for the Ballards’ lifestyle. We incorporated many of their existing High St. pieces from their Cincinnati home, mapping them into the new floor plan to see what still worked. Then, we introduced complementary furniture and finishes to complete the look — balancing the old and the new.

The result is a seamless blend of traditional architecture and playful design. Classic lighting and tailored upholstery meet bold wallpaper, patterned tile, and vibrant color. Each room feels grounded in history yet full of life — a signature High St. combination of sophistication and fun.

The Transformation

The kitchen and bathrooms underwent the most dramatic transformations — both in layout and personality. Thoughtful design details and material choices elevated these spaces while keeping them functional for everyday living.

Throughout the home, custom High St. furniture played a starring role. From the foyer and living room to the sunroom and dressing room, every frame and fabric was hand-selected to complement the home’s character. Many pieces were reimagined from the Ballards’ previous residence, proving that great design can evolve beautifully over time.

Enjoy the below AFTER photos.

Client Reaction

Anne and Michael couldn’t have been happier with the transformation, praising how seamlessly the home blends functionality, comfort, and personality. Their newly renovated home even gained community recognition — serving as the Twilight Party home to kick off the 51st Annual Tour of Homes in 2025.