Located in the heart of Wauwatosa, this 1940s Cape Cod had charm in spades—but the layout was working against them. A rarely-used formal dining room. A dark, tucked-away kitchen. A main floor flow that made daily life feel more chaotic than connected.
We started not with square footage, but with the family’s real-life needs. Walls came down, and the first floor was reconfigured into one large, multifunction space for cooking, gathering, art projects, homework, and big weekend breakfasts.
The design of this custom kitchen remodel was rooted in purpose. Every cabinet was thoughtfully designed—from spice drawers to boot storage—and every material selected to balance beauty and function. We honored the home’s original character with arched transitions, natural finishes, and a soft, transitional palette that bridges the past and present.
Our inspiration began at the front door, with the graceful curve of the original arched entry—a small detail that quietly set the tone for everything that followed. That same curve now echoes through the space: the arched surround framing the range, the gentle sweep of the built-in banquette, and the subtle arc of the mudroom bench. These repeating details bring warmth and ease—less about trends, more about honoring the home’s 1940s roots with a fresh, livable perspective.
And one of our favorite touches? A custom pocket door with brass mesh panels leading to the pantry. It catches the light—and your eye—unexpected, refined, and perfectly practical.
This renovation was designed not just to look beautiful, but to work beautifully. Now there’s a kitchen where Grandma always has a seat at the island, a mudroom where backpacks and boots have a calm place to land, and a space that truly works for the joy and chaos of everyday life. It’s a home that invites you in, slows you down, and somehow makes even the morning rush feel just a little more effortless—and a little more beautiful.
