Honoring the Past, Designing for Today: The Lynnhurst Remodel
Homes built in the 1920s in Minneapolis hold an undeniable charm—rich with architectural character and a sense of history. However, their original layouts often clash with the needs of a modern families.
For this comprehensive remodel, our challenge was to bridge the gap between historic charm and contemporary function. The goal was simple: to modernize the kitchen, add essential utility spaces, and integrate the two areas seamlessly, all while meticulously preserving the home’s unique character.
Here’s a look at how we successfully blended vintage fidelity with modern living:
The New Kitchen: Modern Functionality, Timeless Detail
The kitchen is the heart of the home, and our design approach centered on two key principles: updated performance and respecting traditional craftsmanship.
1. Traditional Form, Modern Surface
To honor the home's 1920s roots, we chose traditional inset cabinetry, which features doors and drawers that sit flush within the cabinet frame, giving a refined, furniture-like look. We then paired this classic construction with sleek slab door fronts. This combination provides a subtle, yet effective modern touch that avoids feeling dated while maintaining a sense of quality craftsmanship.
This view highlights the meticulous attention to detail that blends eras seamlessly. The traditional charm is evident in the classic inset cabinetry and the replicated period door latch detail (visible on the cabinet below the sink). Juxtaposing this are modern touches like the vertical white subway tile backsplash and the sleek stainless steel faucet. This thoughtful combination ensures the new kitchen functions flawlessly for modern life while preserving the soul of the 1920s Lynnhurst home.
2. Replicating Historic Hardware
The integrity of the small details is what truly defines a historic remodel. We replicated the original period door latches on the cabinetry, serving as a thoughtful nod to the home's history. This small, intentional detail ensures the renovated space feels integrated with the rest of the house, rather than a jarring, modern addition.
The replicated period door latch detail was meticulously chosen and strategically placed on cabinets that are not accessed on a daily basis. This thoughtful solution allowed us to integrate historic charm—a true nod to the 1920s Lynnhurst home, without sacrificing modern functionality. The result is a beautiful blend of antique-style hardware and sleek, easy-to-use slab doors throughout the primary working areas of the kitchen.
3. The Architectural Transition
The original segregated floor plan didn't suit modern family living. However, simply removing a wall can often strip a historic home of its structural character. Instead of completely eliminating the wall between the kitchen and dining room, we integrated the spaces with intention by designing a cased opening. This architectural choice provides an open, connected flow, perfect for entertaining and family interaction, while formally defining the two distinct rooms and maintaining the home’s original sense of scale and structure.
Open concept doesn't have to mean stripping the home of its character. When done thoughtfully and with historic consideration, integration can look like it’s been there forever.
In this Lynnhurst remodel, we preserved the architectural integrity of the 1920s home by designing a cased opening between the kitchen and dining room. This architectural choice provides the open flow needed for modern family living while intentionally defining the spaces, honoring the home’s original structure and charm.
4. The Modern Edge of Design
To incorporate undeniable modern luxury and clean lines, we introduced waterfall countertops. This contemporary feature allows the countertop material to flow vertically down the side of the island, creating a streamlined, sculptural look and a durable surface.
A modern, unexpected detail like the waterfall countertop can have a huge impact, immediately elevating the aesthetic of a traditional space. In this 1920s Lynnhurst home, the sleek black waterfall countertop provides a stunning, clean architectural element that anchors the kitchen peninsula.
Functionality for the Minnesota Family
One of the biggest requirements for our clients, like many in Minneapolis with active families and cold winters, was a dedicated space for managing daily clutter.
We repurposed the previously unused breakfast nook and converted it into a highly functional mudroom. This new area features:
Dedicated Storage: A built-in bench and cabinets provide a designated drop zone for shoes and bags.
Organization: This abundance of storage ensures a clutter-free environment, promoting a smooth flow throughout the home—a true necessity for Minnesotan homes and busy families with kids.
Fun and functional blue cabinets were added to the mudroom, transforming the previously unused breakfast nook into arguably the most used room in the house. This custom-designed space is a crucial modern upgrade for any Minnesotan home, featuring floor-to-ceiling built-in storage, a durable white oak bench, and a pop of unexpected color to manage the daily demands of a busy family.
This Lynnhurst remodel is a shining example of how combining mindful preservation of historic character with strategic modern updates results in a truly bespoke home that is both beautiful and perfectly suited for contemporary life.
Click here to view more images of the Lynnhurst, Minneapolis Remodel in our portfolio.
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