This English revival Wauwatosa home originally featured a kitchen added in the 1990s that felt closed off and separate from the warmth and architectural richness of the rest of the home. The renovation focused on creating a kitchen that felt brighter, more open, and more functional for entertaining while still replicating the charm of the original home.
To help the kitchen feel warm, the layout was redesigned to improve flow between the kitchen and dining room while maintaining architectural definition between spaces. Improved sightlines and a more efficient floor plan created a kitchen that feels open without feeling out of place in an older Milwaukee home.
Cabinetry and lighting played a major role in transforming the space. Dark wood cabinetry was selected to bring warmth, depth, and a timeless quality to the kitchen while providing significantly more storage and functionality than the previous layout. Layered lighting including decorative fixtures, task lighting, and improved natural light helped brighten the kitchen and make the space feel larger and more welcoming throughout the day.
To create a kitchen that feels more homey and collected, the material palette focused on layered and curated selections that vary in texture, tone, scale, and finish. Natural marble, handmade zellige tile, unlacquered brass hardware, textured walls, and warm wood cabinetry work together to create visual depth and a sense of character that feels inviting rather than overly polished or sterile.
As part of the renovation, the adjacent powder room was also updated to better align with the new first floor aesthetic, and the existing first-floor doors, including the front door, were refinished to match the new stain finish for a more cohesive and intentional feel throughout the home. Renovating the kitchen and bathroom at the same time is often one of the most cost-effective approaches for homeowners because plumbing, electrical, and construction work are already underway. By combining projects, homeowners can reduce repeated labor costs, streamline construction timelines, and create a more unified design throughout the home.
