The Golden Oak Glow-Up: A First Floor Renovation Story, Germantown, Wisconsin

If you’ve ever lived in or walked through a home built in the late ’90s or early 2000s, you know the look: golden oak trim, builder-grade finishes, and floor plans that don’t quite match how we live today. We lovingly refer to these types of homes being from the Golden Oak Era. This Germantown home was a textbook example. While it had solid bones and plenty of potential, it was ready for a fresh chapter, and that’s where we came in.

Our renovation focused on transforming the entire first floor, tailoring each space to reflect the homeowner’s style and daily life. In the kitchen, custom cabinetry made all the difference, along with a pop of the homeowner’s favorite color, which brought both warmth and a sense of individuality. New flooring and updated millwork throughout the main level gave the space a fresh, cohesive feel. Goodbye, honey oak!

One of the standout moments of the project? The powder room. With bold floral wallpaper, a rich navy vanity, and polished brass accents. We also reimagined the fireplace to better anchor the main living area. The result is a home that feels current, comfortable, and completely personalized – proof that even the most dated spaces can be reawakened with thoughtful design.

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