We’re honored to share that This Old House recently spotlighted one of our most rewarding kitchen renovations, a stunning transformation inside an 1890s Victorian home in one of Milwaukee’s historic neighborhoods. This project blends period-inspired design with the homeowners’ personal style and preferences.

When our clients approached Story Hill Renovations, they had a clear goal: update their outdated kitchen while preserving the historic character of their beloved home. The original layout was cramped and dim, with a low ceiling and disconnected flow.

The renovation began with removing the drop ceiling to expose dramatic, soaring heights, immediately bringing light into the space. Extending the wall cabinets to the ceiling boosted storage by 15 percent, making the most of the kitchen’s expanded vertical space.

Story Hill Renovations designer Karly Mandell explained, “The existing ceiling had been lowered at some point to accommodate plumbing, electrical, and HVAC for an upstairs bath and laundry. We were able to tighten all that up and raise the ceiling back to its original 9 feet.” The change not only brought in a lighter, more open feel, it also created the opportunity for ceiling-height cabinetry that dramatically expanded storage.

We’re grateful to our clients for trusting us with their historic home, and to photographer Michael Alan Kaskel for capturing the renovation so beautifully. Special thanks also to our project managers, designers, and trades partners who brought this vision to life with care and precision.

This project is a testament to our team’s dedication to honoring a home’s roots while making it work for modern life. We invite you to read the full article on This Old House to see the transformation and learn more about the design process: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/kitchens/122615/an-1890s-victorian-kitchen-reaches-new-heights.