Today’s homebuyers are increasingly drawn to properties with history—houses that tell stories through their architecture, craftsmanship, and character. But turning these older spaces into functional, modern homes requires a careful balance of preservation and innovation. The following projects demonstrate how thoughtful design can bring the best of both worlds together. After all, honoring a home’s heritage doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort, livability, or style.
Authentic Touches
When a couple stumbled upon a 1913 Summit Hill house during their search for a retirement home, its exquisite millwork stole their hearts—but the dated 1980s kitchen fell short. Through a thoughtful renovation, Mitlyng Design crafted a period-style kitchen that honored the home’s history while adding modern functionality. The carefully designed addition also made room for a new mudroom, laundry room, and powder room, ensuring the couple could live comfortably within the updated space. Traditional millwork, reclaimed elements, and artful touches blend old and new, proving even the small details can leave remarkable impacts.
Remarkably Restored
Perched on a bluff overlooking Medicine Lake, this 1935 Spanish Tudor boasts a myriad of historic features—from the white oak beams and arched doorways to the timeless terra cotta tile. A renovation by Studio Day and Heritage Construction honored these details, seamlessly blending old and new. The project restored the original kitchen layout, transformed a former sewing room and closet into a stunning primary suite, and preserved a lakeside sunroom and Deco-era bathroom—resulting in a home that feels timeless, functional, and beautifully rooted in its past.
Honoring Heritage
Thanks to a collaboration between Edgerton & Co. and Studio Day, a kitchen and mudroom renovation brought fresh life—and lasting value!—to a charming 1890 home in St. Paul’s Summit Hill neighborhood. After stripping the space back to its bones, the team updated everything from insulation and windows to plumbing and electrical. With custom cabinetry made in-house, the project preserves the home’s historic integrity and emphasizes the value of quality craftsmanship.
Balancing Act
This 1925 home underwent a thoughtful remodel by Jkath Design Build + Reinvent that balanced historic preservation with modern upgrades. Maintaining the home’s authenticity involved sourcing period-appropriate materials that not only matched the original design but also functioned well for the space. Original elements like the bathroom tile and dining room built-ins were preserved, while new wall coverings, furnishings, and functional design features were introduced to complement the existing architecture and elevate the home for contemporary living.
