When William and Amy Walker first saw the Summerville house, they admired its fluted columns, the graceful archways, the poured-glass windows, and details such as swirls carved into the face of each step on the side of the staircase.

"That was what sold us -- even though (the house) was a disaster," Mr. Walker said.

They bought the 102-year-old house, and have since given it an extensive makeover.

"The structure was there," Mrs. Walker said, pointing out her favorite part of the formal dining room: the high archway over the inset window seat.

The renovations took about nine months, and the family was unpacking boxes as walls were being painted. They had done light renovations before, cosmetic things in a kitchen, but never tackled a project this big.

"I didn't know what I was getting into," said Mr. Walker, who worked as the contractor for the renovations, which included closing off a staircase to a sleeping porch that was turned into a master bathroom. Downstairs, space was converted into a "keeping room."

The electrical system, plumbing and the central cooling and heating systems also needed updating. The Walkers also had to take down plaster and put up wallboard. Outside, some old vinyl was replaced with wood that matched the original structure's material.

Rooms were given new uses. The original kitchen, which the previous owner had turned into a bedroom, became a playroom for the Walker boys, and a butler's pantry became a full bathroom.

The current kitchen, an addition to the house 15 years ago, was given an update using Mrs. Walker's design and now includes a bar the family sits at for meals.

Storage is a concern in most old houses, but additions such as twin lockers for the boys hide backpacks and other clutter.

For the lighting fixtures, Mrs. Walker tries to stay true to the home's era. "We try to bring it back to the period with crystal chandeliers," she said.

She gets most of her ideas from articles in magazines, and decorates with oil paintings she has seen on eBay.

The work that went into the house is part of the reason Mrs. Walker loves it. "This house is most gratifying," she said.

Reach Sarah Day Owen at (706) 823-3223 or sarah.owen@augustachronicle.com.