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Before and Afters

This Is How You Add An Addition To A Historic Home The Right Way (Warning: Beautiful Photos Ahead)

I recently had the opportunity to style a beautiful home located in the Macalester-Groveland neighborhood of St. Paul, Minnesota and it was one of those projects that I just knew I wanted to be a part of and experience for myself. It felt like a great opportunity to ‘play’ in such a beautiful, character-filled home and write about it here. I couldn’t think of a better place or audience to share this gem with. I knew you all would appreciate how this family updated and modernized their home for their family as well as their decision to add a two-story addition onto a 1924 beauty without compromising the exterior aesthetics. I won’t keep you in anticipation any longer, let’s dive right in!

Upon entering this home you are instantly greeted by this gorgeous, original staircase. The homeowners previously resided in a new high-rise condo located across the river in Minneapolis so moving into this home was quite a change as you can imagine. After researching and selecting to work with the design, build, and remodeling team at JKath, the homeowners tell me it all just clicked! That statement got me thinking about how important it is to really know your team and feel all the feels because you’re going to go through some real (and sometimes tough) feels during the process. It’s so valuable to trust the process and allow yourself and everyone involved some grace because things happen no matter how many years of experience or how carefully a project is planned. As long as you have the right team, you can roll with the punches and proceed accordingly. That’s what happened with this 1924 home but we’ll get into that later. First, are you ready for a little before of this entryway?

Not bad right? But I do love how they updated it and gave it new life with just a few cosmetic changes. It’s evidence that paint really does go a long way! 

Now, before I take you into the kitchen can we just take another moment and check out this powder bath?

Wallpaper | Tile

It’s tiny but so full of personality! One nugget of design advice I have is to splurge on your powder bath, since they’re typically a smaller space you don’t need as many materials, thus keeping costs down, and because there isn’t any shower or bath to create steam and moisture you can get more creative and bring in personality through wallpaper and art, as these homeowners did. 

Moving into the kitchen, the homeowners always knew they wanted to update it because the previous layout was really tricky and small, and it didn’t fit the family’s aesthetic and function. So they went back and forth on how to transform their kitchen within the original footprint which proved to be equally challenging. That’s when things changed and the scope of the project evolved into a new plan. Fully trusting in Jkath, the homeowners decided to add onto their historic all-brick home. The decision was not taken lightly as it was very important to them that it looked like the addition was always part of the original house. In order to do so, they installed brick on the entire outside of the new addition to blend with the home’s existing brick as well as continued the clay tile roof in order to preserve the home’s historic exterior. Inside, this new addition allowed them the space for a larger kitchen and mudroom and converted their previously small second-floor bedroom into a primary suite with a dedicated bathroom, walk-in closet, and vaulted ceiling. 

Ready to see their newly remodeled kitchen?

Wall & Cabinet Color  | Countertop | Wall Sconces | Backsplash | Faucet | Flooring

The homeowners really wanted an all-white kitchen and again trusting in the design team, they ultimately chose a softer perimeter color with this contrasting rich, alder wood island with beautiful kerf panel detail. When I walked in, I instantly fell in love with the softer white they chose along with the gorgeous wood on the island and the custom framed and plastered vent-hood.

I love the added detail of the alder wood cabinet interiors and how they contrast with the creamy cabinetry color along with the doors that slide back and out of the way in the pantry area. It is proof details really do matter, especially when you’re making such a large decision and investment.

Sink | Shelf Brackets | Cabinet Pulls | Cabinet Knobs 

When I first walked in, I felt like I was being embraced by a warm hug (maybe even literally because the in-floor heating system warmed my feet as I walked across these gorgeous limestone pavers).  Fun fact: these pavers are outdoor pavers, which JKath expertly researched for indoor use while reinforcing the floor for the weight of the stone.

Island Utility Rail |  Ceiling Fixture

I love and respect how they mixed the unlacquered brass with the polished nickel hardware on the perimeter cabinets and light fixtures. And if this kitchen couldn’t get any better, I love that they chose to restore and reuse the existing cabinetry hardware. They were able to repurpose it on the island and the custom-built hutch in their dining room.

Light Fixture | Wall Color | Dining Chairs

In the dining room, the homeowners went back and forth a bit between deciding to add a drink fridge or a coffee bar but ultimately they chose to create a special piece of custom furniture instead. I’m so happy they did and more importantly, they are SO happy they did. It truly warms up the space and looks so special as it echoes the island and cabinetry interiors.

Like I said before, with the new addition here they were able to gain a full-sized mud room! In the before you’ll see this door previously led outside and there was a small closet next to the kitchen area:

Wall Trim and Cabinet Color  | Faucet | Pull | Knobs | Countertop

Tada! Their new mudroom is now the perfect place to store coats and shoes and all the gear and things. I especially love the Larder cabinet air vents. It is such a special detail and one that pays homage to the home’s time period. It’s also a trend that EHD called out in their kitchen trends post this year:)

Wall Pegs

The bench is custom-built by JKath in Alder with a custom finish that echoes the wood tones in the kitchen.  

I equally love that they decided to tuck a beverage fridge in here versus the previous idea of installing one in the dining room area. 

Wallpaper | Chairs

The moody green walls and cabinetry paired with the gorgeous wallpaper give this hardworking space so much life! Oh, and never underestimate the utility of a simple and functional peg rail. I DIY’d one (well, my brother-in-law DIY’d one) in my bathroom and I love it. So naturally I think this is a great design choice and proof that utilitarian spaces such as this needn’t go without a good dose of personality.

Heading upstairs, the addition of the primary suite felt so seamless, I felt like it was truly hard to differentiate which parts of their home were original and what was new and ultimately that was the goal for JKath which they executed perfectly.

Previously the homeowner’s primary bedroom was small but with the addition, they were able to gain more space in their bedroom as well as vault the ceiling which visually makes the room feel larger as well as fit in a full walk-in closet and primary bath. (Side note: With this remodel, the homeowners also had budgeted into the project plan to remove the radiators and install central heating and cooling which also created more space).

Ceiling and Trim Color | Wall Color | Ceiling Fixture | Wall Sconce

The choice to use a soft but contrasting trim and ceiling color really helps to create instant coziness, making it feel less “new build”. Just a simple but impactful detail.

Faucets | Knobs | Wall Sconces | Mirrors | Towel Ring | Countertop

Can we just talk about the details of their custom bathroom vanity? My jaw dropped at the scalloped detail and the beveled profile. JKath’s custom in-house cabinetry team showed up and showed out! The homeowners say it makes their primary bath feel so special and luxurious. I mean…

Again, they mixed metals and finishes and I’m here for it! Also, notice that beautifully curved backsplash. Swoon!

Shower Tile | Floor Tile | Wall Color  | Trim Color

This tile color choice was perfect given that it calls to the stone color of the trim. It’s cohesive but still visually interesting since there’s a lot of color variation in the tiles.

At the end of the day, I asked the homeowners what their home means to them: “Our home is the ultimate safe space for our family. It’s a place for us to be together or enjoy a moment of time alone, it’s a place to play and rest. It’s a place where we love to invite friends and family to enjoy meals and where they hopefully feel welcome and comfortable!”

I think they achieved all of that and more and have the perfect home for their family for many, many years to come.

*Design, Cabinetry, and Remodel by: JKath
**Styled by: Lea Johnson at Creekwoodhill
***Photography by: Spacecrafting

Fin
52 Comments
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Christa
2 years ago

Beautiful home, and such a smart remodel. I wish we could see the floor plan or some drawings, it’s hard to understand how the addition was included. Gosh though, this is really pretty. Congrats!

Lea
2 years ago
Reply to  Christa

I’ll try to remember to include those next time, that would be helpful. Thank you!

Colleen
2 years ago

Very lovely details; I love the wallpaper choices especially. Can we see the outside before and afters? Thank you for sharing!

Lea
2 years ago
Reply to  Colleen

Maybe once it’s warmer out here in MN and the landscape is done I’ll circle back and post and update. That could be fun! The day we shot this, it was one of the coldest days ever! Ha!

Erin Dae
2 years ago

When I saw the lead photo this morning I immediately thought “That has to be a Lea room!” While I know you were not involved with the remodel directly, your styling is a perfect match for the details of the renovation. I can see why you were excited to work with them! Thanks for sharing this beautiful project with us.

Lea
2 years ago
Reply to  Erin Dae

Erin, thank you very, very much. Your words mean a lot to me.

Mack
2 years ago

Love the painting in the mudroom! The mudroom & entry are my fav…love the dark colors!

Kj
2 years ago
Reply to  Mack

Painting:

Kate
2 years ago

This home is gorgeous and Lea’s styling is always on point. JKath’s cabinetry looks beautiful. Unfortunately, I had a horrible interaction with JKath when reaching out to them regarding our kitchen; incredibly unprofessional response from the owner.

Donna
2 years ago

I just love the stone colors throughout – and that bedroom rug is gorgeous!

2 years ago

What a knockout! Just a masterclass in color and its application. I love the way the mudroom cabinetry blends in with the wall color to wrap you in soft earthiness, with the wallpaper offering just the right amount of reprieve. I also love to see darker wood tones reappearing, and the mix of hardware finishes. This project will be ageless.

Alice
2 years ago

I think this is the first house tour where I’ve been 100% on board with everything. What a gorgeous house. The only thing I wonder about is the lack of window treatments in the dining room area, especially since it looks like the neighbors have a window that looks right into the room.

Norah
2 years ago
Reply to  Alice

Yes, this exactly – 100% on board with everything!

Erin
2 years ago

I just can’t stop thinking that this is beautiful and will be beautiful forever. Utterly timeless. Gorgeous.

Monique Wright Interior Design
2 years ago

Oh my gosh Lea, what a gorgeous home! Every. Detail. And your styling is perfect! It really helps the design shine in such a big way. Nice work! ?? Also, hello friend! ☺️

Lea
2 years ago

Thank you Monique! Love seeing you here! Maybe we’ll bump into one another one of these days, it’s been too long!

Ally
2 years ago

Such a lovely, lovely remodel! Do you happen to have a source on the entryway rug? It’s stunning!

Lea
2 years ago
Reply to  Ally

It is vintage but it was sourced by Shop Henslin.

Jen A
2 years ago

This is really lovely! I understand they probably wanted it for the AC, and they gain space without radiators, but it’s too bad they had to lose radiant heat. SOOOOOO much nicer than dry, noisy forced air. I had radiant heat growing up, and in 2 apartments and one home before I got married, and it is the best. I really miss it!

Very nice addition, definitely feels timeless and perfect for this home. I especially love that they made the pantry a little bit darker than the kitchen, and included a sink for cutting flowers, making a bar, party overflow, etc. The pantry styling had me instantly placing myself there bringing in stems from my garden to put in a vase. Just dreamy!

Kimberly
2 years ago
Reply to  Jen A

This is interesting to hear. Where I live (Utah) virtually none of the houses or buildings have radiators, so I’ve always been curious about them. My nose and sinuses get so dried out from forced air heating during the winter, and my husband spends the winter coughing because the dry air exacerbates his asthma. I wonder what it would be like to live with radiators instead.

StephanieZ
2 years ago
Reply to  Kimberly

Sounds like you need to get a humidifier for winter.

Karen
2 years ago

Timeless choices in the remodel. The custom cabinet in the dining nook works great unifying the space. The updates might appear as safe choices but I think it allows the home to gain soul as the years go one, without feeling dated… like the orange colored wood in the befores!

Vee Sam
2 years ago

What a lovely home! Thank you for working so hard to keep the historical elements in place while still updating it for your needs today. Please can you provide a source for the blinds/shades used in the primary suite and the bathroom? Thank you!

2 years ago

Beautifully done! I love everything about it. I also really appreciate the mix of high end/mid price fixtures etc (my budget just can’t touch the expensive price point). While I love Emily’s designs, I’m not inspired by the overuse of Rejuvenation fixtures. By showcasing other designers, we get an opportunity to see what other people are using, and at different price points. So thank you!

Terra
2 years ago

Goodness gracious I love the entry and powder room but WOOF that kitchen is not working for me. Maybe those heated floors would help me feel the warmth I find lacking in all the cold white! Dare I say I prefer it before, functionality aside. ? Nonetheless, reading Lea’s posts is always a treat, and the styling is lovely!

Shannon
2 years ago
Reply to  Terra

I liked the kitchen, but did not like all of the gray. Felt very cold to me, especially in a place known for being cold and grayish a big part of the year.

Amy
2 years ago

GORGEOUS house! Loved all the little details that Lea points out. Those little things really DO make such a difference!

Joy
2 years ago

Beautiful home and the styling is gorgeous. Can you please share where that adorable mushroom basket came from? Thanks!

Kj
2 years ago
Reply to  Joy

Basket:

Lea
2 years ago
Reply to  Kj

KJ I love how you always help out with sources! You’re the best!

Kj
2 years ago
Reply to  Lea

Thanks, Lea. Thank you for sharing your home and projects with us.

Nora
2 years ago

Exterior photos? Can’t tell how the addition works with the original.

Lea
2 years ago
Reply to  Nora

I think it would be fun to do a follow up post with the exterior once it’s warm here in MN and the landscape is in. It is always tough to shoot in the middle of winter here (like we did here) because it’s so white and grey outside.

Margaret
2 years ago

Beautiful! I would love to know the source of the counter stools.

Kj
2 years ago
Reply to  Margaret

Possibly:

Stephanie
2 years ago

Absolutely beautiful! I would love to see exterior photos as well.

Lea
2 years ago
Reply to  Stephanie

Maybe I’ll see if we can do a follow up post once it’s warmer here in MN and the landscape is in. The day we shot it was freezing out like -20 degrees! Ha!

Patti
2 years ago

Pretty home but lacked a little something. Personality? Quirk? Maybe cause it takes time to personalize. I love the tiny lamp on the pile of books on the kitchen counter. You can barely see it but looks like a fabric shade. Could you please share the source? Perfectly sized lamp for a kitchen!

MBJ
2 years ago
Reply to  Patti

Patti, i *think* it’s this one from Anthro:
And they might have used one of these shades? Not sure:
Signed, someone who clearly spends too much time ogling the Anthro home section

Paula
2 years ago

Lots of comments about it being timeless, but to me it looks very very trendy. In 10 years people will be saying “That’s so 2020.” It’s…nice? Sadly, nothing really grabbed me.

Allison
2 years ago

I waited to comment today, to really put a finger on why this remodel didn’t grab me the way most things on the blog do. Think I have it: unlike Velinda H’s recent remodel from the end of March featured on the blog, where although there is quite a bit of white, there is still a ton of texture and warmth and contrast, this design is very sterile and cold. The white walls and dark hardware and cabinetry are missing the risks and wow factor that I’ve come to love about a lot of the posts by guest contributors like VH design, or Orlando, for example. It’s a lovely house done with quality, but it’s just not doing it for me.

? Rusty
2 years ago
Reply to  Allison

It seems to lack some personality…no perdonal items on display, like a show home for sale.

? Rusty
2 years ago

I really enjoyed the many natursl materials and all the different uses of wood.
The flooringis absolutely gorgeous.

Jessica
2 years ago

I don’t usually comment but this is abosultely stunning! Love the kitchen and the level of detail in the tiling and joinery in the bathroom!

Jen
2 years ago

I love the mudroom, I would rather see those colors in the kitchen but I prefer darker/warmer rooms.
Question, what is that piece of marble under the sink in the kitchen? I can’t figure out why it is there!

Cici Haus
2 years ago
Reply to  Jen

It’s called a drip ledge! It’s to protect the cabinets from, well, drips!

Cici Haus
2 years ago

Beautiful! Any idea what the paint color in the mudroom might be?

Kj
2 years ago
Reply to  Cici Haus

It’s linked under one of the mudroom pics.

Carmen
2 years ago

I love the contrasting darker trim in the upstairs bedrooms and bathroom! I’ve always struggled with how to transition from lighter to darker trim between rooms or floors. Any tips to make this transition feel natural?

Tara Lynch
2 years ago

This is a breathtaking, jaw-dropping, gorgeous remodel and the styling is 100% perfect. It’s timeless and classic and gracious. Great job!.

Caro
2 years ago

Lovely! Not overdesigned or nor overstyled. This design will stand the test of time. I especially loved the limestone floors, the green color and overall design of the mudroom and I also loved the bathroom upstairs.

Mandy
2 years ago

What color did they use in the entry? It’s gorgeous.

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