A historic rowhouse needed a major overhaul for modern efficiency and functionality. Opening up the downstairs, adding a half bath, finishing off the basement and modernizing bathrooms in the upstairs of the home made it fit for a 21st century family while keeping its historic charm.

A historic rowhouse needed a major overhaul for modern efficiency and functionality. Opening up the downstairs, adding a half bath, finishing off the basement and modernizing bathrooms in the upstairs of the home made it fit for a 21st century family while keeping its historic charm.

A historic rowhouse needed a major overhaul for modern efficiency and functionality. Opening up the downstairs, adding a half bath, finishing off the basement and modernizing bathrooms in the upstairs of the home made it fit for a 21st century family while keeping its historic charm.

Historic Barn Mill Valley. Photography: Jeff Zaruba. Main Room.

Award-Winning Exterior Home Remodel 2025 NARI of Greater Phoenix Remodeler of the Year This project showcases a blend of historic preservation and innovative design, rejuvenating a Spanish Colonial home while addressing aesthetic and functional needs. The exterior of this historic beauty, long in need of repair, was in poor condition. Stucco cracks, paint deterioration, holes in the garage walls, and a dilapidated patio cover created daunting challenges. We carefully and respectfully addressed these issues, breathing new life into the home while maintaining its original charm. Modern enhancements were central to the project’s success. We thoughtfully preserved the existing structure and carefully considered the design lines to ensure rhythm and continuity. We masterfully balanced symmetry and asymmetry, particularly in the new back patio design, which extends the living space and adds a visually cohesive element to the rear of the home. The choice of materials and colors highlights the home’s Spanish Colonial character, with a mix of textures and contrasting hues emphasizing key architectural features. Durable porcelain tiles on the patio floor provide function, safety and beauty. The color palette creates clear transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces, enhancing flow and safety. This project beautifully illustrates the rejuvenation of a historic Spanish Colonial home, addressing aesthetic and functional needs. We carefully restored the exterior, addressing stucco cracks, paint deterioration, and structural issues. The design preserves the home’s character while creating a modern, functional space. A new patio addition extends the living area, blending indoor and outdoor spaces. The choice of materials and colors enhances the home’s architectural features, and durable porcelain tiles add both beauty and function. By working closely with the Historic Preservation Office, we realized the homeowner’s vision for a beautiful, inviting home and an outdoor entertaining space.

A historic rowhouse needed a major overhaul for modern efficiency and functionality. Opening up the downstairs, adding a half bath, finishing off the basement and modernizing bathrooms in the upstairs of the home made it fit for a 21st century family while keeping its historic charm.

A historic rowhouse needed a major overhaul for modern efficiency and functionality. Opening up the downstairs, adding a half bath, finishing off the basement and modernizing bathrooms in the upstairs of the home made it fit for a 21st century family while keeping its historic charm.

The owners of this beautiful historic farmhouse had been painstakingly restoring it bit by bit. One of the last items on their list was to create a wrap-around front porch to create a more distinct and obvious entrance to the front of their home. Aside from the functional reasons for the new porch, our client also had very specific ideas for its design. She wanted to recreate her grandmother’s porch so that she could carry on the same wonderful traditions with her own grandchildren someday. Key requirements for this front porch remodel included: - Creating a seamless connection to the main house. - A floorplan with areas for dining, reading, having coffee and playing games. - Respecting and maintaining the historic details of the home and making sure the addition felt authentic. Upon entering, you will notice the authentic real pine porch decking. Real windows were used instead of three season porch windows which also have molding around them to match the existing home’s windows. The left wing of the porch includes a dining area and a game and craft space. Ceiling fans provide light and additional comfort in the summer months. Iron wall sconces supply additional lighting throughout. Exposed rafters with hidden fasteners were used in the ceiling. Handmade shiplap graces the walls. On the left side of the front porch, a reading area enjoys plenty of natural light from the windows. The new porch blends perfectly with the existing home much nicer front facade. There is a clear front entrance to the home, where previously guests weren’t sure where to enter. We successfully created a place for the client to enjoy with her future grandchildren that’s filled with nostalgic nods to the memories she made with her own grandmother. "We have had many people who asked us what changed on the house but did not know what we did. When we told them we put the porch on, all of them made the statement that they did not notice it was a new addition and fit into the house perfectly.” – Homeowner

Our goal for this project was to seamlessly integrate the interior with the historic exterior and iconic nature of this Chicago high-rise while making it functional, contemporary, and beautiful. Natural materials in transitional detailing make the space feel warm and fresh while lending a connection to some of the historically preserved spaces lovingly restored. Steven Hall

Photo: Lucy Call © 2015 Houzz
Inspiration for a contemporary bathroom remodel in Salt Lake City

Our goal for this project was to seamlessly integrate the interior with the historic exterior and iconic nature of this Chicago high-rise while making it functional, contemporary, and beautiful. Natural materials in transitional detailing make the space feel warm and fresh while lending a connection to some of the historically preserved spaces lovingly restored. Steven Hall

A gathering of historic Lazy O Ranch buildings merged into contemporary home living. “This home flows perfectly” stated the owner. 'It really functions well."

George Ranalli Architect pushes the boundaries of design by seamlessly blending modern aesthetics into historic architecture. The vibrant interior facade creates distinct spaces, while the intricate design organizes the apartment into private, communal, and functional service areas.

Greg Page Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless u-shaped medium tone wood floor enclosed kitchen remodel in Minneapolis with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, gray walls and an island

Vallejo Street San Francisco, CA While restoring the historic front façade, the remodel of this Pacific Heights residence modernizes its layout and takes advantage of expansive views of the Bay and Golden Gate Bridge. The project blends the historic character of the original façade with improved functionality and modern, yet warm, materials. Photographer: ©Joe Fletcher

Troy Theis
Inspiration for a craftsman open concept dark wood floor living room remodel in Minneapolis with beige walls, a standard fireplace and a tv stand

This beautiful historic carriage house was used as a library on the left side and an empty, tired, unfinished garage on the right. We designed a beautiful, eclectic, art studio with an old world charm. The clients used reclaimed elements that completed this fun and functional space.

Vallejo Street San Francisco, CA While restoring the historic front façade, the remodel of this Pacific Heights residence modernizes its layout and takes advantage of expansive views of the Bay and Golden Gate Bridge. The project blends the historic character of the original façade with improved functionality and modern, yet warm, materials. Photographer: ©Joe Fletcher

Example of a mid-sized classic master beige tile and stone tile terra-cotta tile drop-in bathtub design in Vancouver with a drop-in sink, raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite countertops, a one-piece toilet and beige walls