Bohemian Bargain: Design-Savvy Bungalow in Fairmount is a Full-Color Dream

This Bohemian 1,600-square-foot, shingled cottage checks all of the boxes one could ask for in a Fairmount bungalow. Charm? Check. Friendly front porch? Check. Interior with period details? Check. And all of this for nearly 10 percent below the $202-per-square-foot average for Fairmount.

At first glance, the front looks a bit rustic — rough even. But the landscaping is an on-purpose, xeriscape plan using native plants with low water needs. How very Fairmount.

The interior is a delight, as colorful as Frida Kahlo’s Coyoacán casita. The color scheme is whimsical and unconventional. I’m not really an enthusiast for the accent wall, but the idiocentric interplay of lime sherbet walls with a turquoise fireplace wall, backdrop for the rose chimney-piece, and citron ceilings is simply irresistible. The color scheme may be irreverent but happily all of the original built-ins have been respectfully retained, as have the warm hardwood floors.

The original floor plan has also been preserved with a pleasing enfilade from the living room to the kitchen. The temptation to open all of this up has been resisted preserving a sweet little dining area with built-in china cabinets and doors that can be shut after a dinner party.

The kitchen is small at 12 by 10, but well planned. It has a full-size gas range and bright red industrial hood, full-size fridge, and industrial steel countertops.

Compared to other rooms the master bedroom is a restrained pastel oasis. Notice the original 1921, four-panel, doors. The master bath is a bold Chinese red and has been remodeled to create a large slate-lined shower stall. The second bath preserves the original clawfoot tub.

The cottage has three bedrooms in all, but one of them is currently being used as a relaxed, charming sitting or TV room. The other is purposed as an office, which looks suspiciously like a design studio, which may explain the many clever choices scattered throughout the house. Don’t miss the pop art ceiling fan.

The backyard is rather large for Fairmount with lots of potential. The only drawback is the lack of covered parking-not unusual for Fairmount. You can check it out at the open house this Sunday, Feb. 9, from 1 to 3 p.m.

Brian Holland of Indwell is offering 2116 5th Avenue for $299,500.