A Look at Historic Home Styles
Remodeling a historic home is an exciting yet challenging journey, especially when balancing modern needs with its original charm. Throughout the Twin Cities, century-old homes each carry their own unique story, from the intricate designs of Victorian architecture to the inviting coziness of bungalows. In this post, we’ll take a look at remodeling century-old homes and explore the distinct styles that make these historic properties so special.
1892 Victorian in Crocus Hill
Ornate, asymmetrical, decorative
Vintage Meets Traditional
Victorian homes like this one in Crocus Hill are known for their intricate detailing and grand, asymmetrical designs. With steep rooflines, elaborate woodwork, and decorative trims, the exterior is striking, though it can sometimes feel overly ornate by today’s standards. When building this en-suite bathroom, the top priority was creating a transitional design that complements the Victorian style without erasing its traditional details. The result is sleek and modern, but upon closer look, you’ll find vintage touches thoughtfully preserved throughout. View the rest of this project ☞
1909 Craftsman in St. Anthony Park
Handcrafted, natural, sturdy
Quiet Getaway
This 2-1/2 story Craftsman originally featured a very dark first floor with smaller rooms. The clients wanted a bright, sunny space connected with nature, so we remodeled the porch to give them the extra space they needed. Craftsman details on both the interior and exterior were carefully preserved. Inside, natural wood finishes and handcrafted built-ins reflect the home’s rustic charm, creating a connection between interior simplicity and exterior durability. View the rest of this project ☞
1926 Spanish-Revival in Merriam Park
Arched, stucco, red-tiled
Historic Beauty
This Spanish-Revival home brings Mediterranean flair with its exterior stucco walls and red-tiled roof. Inside, a remodeled kitchen features a classic black-and-white design, creating a beautiful, light-filled space. The traditional interior complements the home’s architectural style, maintaining harmony with its historic character. View the rest of this project ☞
1926 Bungalow in Macalester-Groveland
Cozy, simple, functional
Woodcrafted Charm
Bungalows are beloved for their cozy and efficient design, but their smaller rooms and layouts can present challenges. We worked on this 1926 Bungalow in Macalester-Groveland twice—first to remodel the kitchen with a modern craftsman design, improving the flow and functionality. Later, we returned to add a proper upstairs bedroom suite and office, providing much-needed additional square footage. View the rest of this project ☞
1930 Colonial in Highland Park
Symmetrical, formal, classic
Heart of the Home
Colonial homes are known for their symmetrical and formal designs, both inside and out. Typically, the centered entryway and balanced exterior are mirrored by well-proportioned, formal interior spaces. However, modern families need space to cook, entertain, and for kids to move around. To enhance the flow, we opened up the kitchen to connect with adjacent rooms. The design preserves the home’s timeless character by using classic materials, ensuring the interior maintains its dignified look while still being functional for today’s lifestyle. View the rest of this project ☞
