The Dickinson House - 4008 Avenue H
4008 Avenue H is a beautiful example of what homeowners can
accomplish with limited funds but with patience, energy, and an
artistic eye. When Chris Brown and Lindsay Nakashima bought this
1920s bungalow three years ago, they weren’t pleased with many of its
details but lacked the money to make major changes. Instead, Lindsay
undertook the work herself, investing in materials as their budget
allowed. She repainted, added built-in shelves and cabinets, redid
lighting, and changed hardware, working with architect Tim Cuppett to
implement some simple changes that transformed the space of the house
and the yard. In the process, she gave the interior a soft, open,
Oriental feeling, beautifully complemented by the hand-crafted
furniture in the living room. The two buildings behind the house, in
poor shape when they moved in, were transformed into an art space and
an office-guest house.
The grounds were transformed as well. Concrete was ripped up and replaced with pebbles. Lindsay installed bamboo, designed to create privacy, and other low-water landscaping. The back yard oak tree, a beautiful example of Hyde Park’s mature tree canopy, was pruned and saved from disease. The full effect of Lindsay’s efforts will develop slowly over years, as her plantings reach maturity.