6 Steps to a Home That Breathes: The Swedish Death Cleaning Guide
There’s a certain kind of magic inside old homes—the Cumberland Revival project has it in spades. This 1936 English Revival in Whitefish Bay has all the charm you dream about: leaded-glass windows, marble ledge windows, and that patina of history you just can’t fake.
But like so many homes from this era, its rooms felt… boxed in. The kitchen, especially, was cut off from the dining room and short on storage, which made it tricky for our food-loving clients (who spend weekends making pasta from scratch) to really live in the space.
We’re in the midst of reimagining their kitchen, dining room, and upstairs primary suite, opening things up to create a brighter, more connected flow—while carefully preserving every bit of the home’s old-soul character.
And right at the heart of it all? A custom kitchen island with a story of its own.
The idea for the island didn’t start in a showroom or a sketchbook. It started with a photo Morgan, one of our designers, stumbled across while sourcing inspiration: a vintage English bank cashier’s table from the 1890s, once used at the Trustee Savings Bank in Lancashire. It had these graceful turned legs, a beautifully worn wood top, and just the right mix of sturdiness and elegance.
It felt perfect for this home: something rooted in history yet functional and hardworking, just like the family who lives here.
Our clients were all in on the idea of a furniture-style island instead of a traditional built-in—especially with the tight layout (thanks, old kitchens!). A freestanding piece would make the kitchen feel more open and give them flexibility as they cooked, entertained, and moved through the space.
Although Morgan and our clients fell in love with the antique island, it ended up being just a touch too wide for the kitchen’s footprint. So, we pivoted.
Rather than compromise on function or style, we did what we do best at Refined & Co.: brought the vision to life ourselves, crafting every detail through our in-house cabinetry company, William & Lowell.
Every detail of the new island was custom designed and handcrafted in-house to capture the spirit of that antique piece—from the turned legs to the edge profile of the wood top. It has all the warmth and charm of an heirloom, perfectly scaled to fit the kitchen and the way this family loves to cook.
And just wait until you see the finish on this beauty—it’s stunning.
Delivery day is always a mix of excitement and anticipation—and this one was no exception. Seeing the island arrive felt like the moment all the sketches, measurements, and in-house craftsmanship finally came to life. Every turned leg, every edge detail, every custom cut was finally here, ready to take center stage in the kitchen.
One of our favorite details? The cerused blue-black finish on the island. It gives the piece depth and character while perfectly tying in with the historic finishes throughout the home. The subtle texture catches the light just right, nodding to the home’s vintage charm while keeping the kitchen feeling fresh and modern—a true reflection of how we blend old and new at Refined & Co.
Because these homeowners are passionate cooks, functionality was non-negotiable. Their previous kitchen lacked functional space, so we designed this island to work as hard as it looks—providing plenty of room for rolling out pasta dough, plating dinner, or gathering with guests, all while keeping the flow open and effortless.
The kitchen connects opens to the original dining room, creating a connected, light-filled space where cooking and entertaining happen seamlessly. It’s exactly what they imagined: a kitchen that welcomes everyone in, instead of shutting them out.
We love this island not just because it’s beautiful, but because it represents everything we believe in at Refined & Co.—thoughtful design, craftsmanship, and spaces that reflect the people who call them home.
It’s more than a kitchen island.
It’s a bridge between old and new.
Between history and daily life.
Between where this home has been—and where it’s going next.
