Kitchen & Bathroom Designers Near Saint Paul

The goal for this 1939 Tudor-style story-and-a-half home was to create a kitchen that offered the conveniences, storage, and performance of a modern workspace while preserving the warmth, craftsmanship, and vintage charm that made the home special. The client, an avid home cook, wanted the room to feel as though it had always belonged to the house, with thoughtful upgrades that respected the original architecture rather than competing with it. Just as important, she needed a more efficient layout with enough storage for small appliances, so everyday cooking would no longer require carrying items up from the lower level. Several existing conditions shaped the design approach. The kitchen retained original, amber-stained birch woodwork that the client wished to keep, and the compact footprint was interrupted by six doorways and two windows, none of which were to be moved, altered, or replaced. A previous flooring update had left the door casings undercut too short, creating visible gaps where the casing met the floor. The existing vintage 40-inch range also lacked proper ventilation, yet the client wished to accommodate a refrigerator, dishwasher, cooktop, double ovens, built-in microwave, and effective venting above the cooktop into the new kitchen layout. To honor the original millwork, beaded inset-style cherry cabinetry was selected in a soft, hand-rubbed finish that will deepen over time and develop a natural patina. Charcoal-gray soapstone countertops complement the cabinetry while reinforcing the historic character of the home with an organic, timeworn texture. The former breakfast nook was transformed into a butler’s pantry, adding valuable base cabinet storage and expanded work surfaces for frequently used small appliances. Also in the butler’s pantry, a single upper cabinet was paired with open shelves to give an open, airy feeling while adding character and practical storage. A classic single-bowl apron-front workstation sink contributes both period-appropriate character and practical prep and cleanup function. Because the home’s openings were such a defining feature, the design worked within the existing architecture instead of altering it. Custom plinth blocks were created for each doorway to extend the original casing gracefully down to the new natural red oak flooring, resolving the earlier construction issue while adding a detail that feels authentic to the age of the house. Despite the number of door and window openings, the new layout provides a significantly more functional, built-in kitchen with an improved work triangle for serious cooking. Appliance placement was carefully planned to deliver the requested performance without overwhelming the small room. Three cooking functions (double ovens & microwave) were consolidated into one location with a GE Café double oven featuring Advantium Technology, while the client’s compact 31-inch refrigerator was reused to preserve space. A sleek 30-inch induction cooktop provides efficient cooking, and a Vent-A-Hood ARS ductless vent hood supplies needed ventilation without requiring a duct run to the exterior. The finish palette balances richness, texture, and historical sensitivity. A deeply textured navy backsplash tile adds depth and dramatic shadow play against the soapstone, while wallpaper in the back entry echoes the tile’s geometric pattern to visually connect the adjoining spaces. Oil-rubbed bronze cabinet hardware and light fixtures enhance the warmth of the cherry cabinetry and complete the antique-inspired feel. Lighting was layered to make the compact kitchen brighter, more useful, and more inviting. Vintage-style semi-flush ceiling fixtures establish the overall tone, while dimmable puck lights highlight select areas and undercabinet task lighting keeps work surfaces well illuminated. The completed kitchen now feels both highly functional and deeply rooted in the home’s history. Rich cherry cabinetry, velvety soapstone, natural red oak flooring, navy tile, bronze accents, and carefully preserved birch trim work together to create a warm, cohesive space that celebrates timeless craftsmanship. By increasing storage, improving workflow, integrating modern appliances, and respecting the Tudor home’s original character, the design achieves the client’s vision: a kitchen that feels personal, practical, historically appropriate, and as though it has always been there.

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When returning clients purchased a 1904 condo in St. Paul’s Cathedral Hill, we were thrilled to help them reimagine the space. The challenge? Preserving the building’s historic charm while transforming a disjointed layout shaped by both original architecture and 1980s renovations into a home that actually supported their entertaining-focused lifestyle. Opening walls, unfurling an entertainer's dream kitchen, adding a powder bath, and updating the primary bath for both safety and aesthetic, transformed this 1904 gem from cramped corridors and choppy rooms into a home that flows with ease. It’s warm, open, and perfectly suited for hosting the people our clients love most.

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This charming kitchen renovation presented the unique challenge of designing a highly functional and visually cohesive space within a footprint of less than 100 square feet in a 1924 home. With only two usable walls for cabinetry - due to multiple doorways, a window, a chimney chase, and existing baseboard heat - efficiency and thoughtful space planning were essential. The client, an avid cook and baker, envisioned an English Cottage-inspired kitchen that could accommodate her love of cookbooks, plants, and culinary tools without sacrificing style or comfort. To achieve the client’s goals, we made several creative design choices. While inset cabinetry is often used in homes of this vintage, we opted for full overlay frameless cabinetry to maximize every inch of interior storage. A 24" column refrigerator/freezer preserved critical floor space, allowing us to include a wall and base pantry pullout for canned goods and dry storage. We selected a workstation sink with a built-in cutting board to expand prep space in a tight layout. Additional custom features include a two-tier cutlery drawer and a drawer-within-a-drawer system for storing pots, pans, lids, and containers. To embrace the client’s love of books and plants, we designed an L-shaped cabinet around the chimney chase with glass doors, creating a charming and functional display for cookbooks, canisters, and greenery. The original wood floors were beyond repair, and the client’s initial hope for concrete was too heavy for the home’s structure. Instead, we installed a brick-look porcelain tile in a herringbone pattern - a perfect nod to the English Cottage aesthetic. The result is a cozy, character-filled kitchen that blends timeless design with smart, space-saving solutions. Every detail was carefully considered to honor the home’s history while creating a kitchen tailored to the client’s lifestyle and personal style.

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Color Palette: A classic black-and-white scheme defines the design, with bold black accents contrasting against crisp white walls and fixtures. Flooring: Iconic black-and-white hexagonal tiles bring vintage flair to the floor, adding texture and visual interest. Shower: A walk-in glass shower with matte black hardware and white subway tile walls, complete with dark grout for a retro yet contemporary edge. Vanity: A streamlined white vanity with a black quartz countertop and sleek handles, paired with a round

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Elegant and Warm Kitchen Remodel This beautifully remodeled kitchen combines timeless elegance with functional design, featuring a warm and inviting aesthetic. Cabinetry: Crisp, cream-colored cabinets with classic paneling create a bright and open atmosphere, paired with sleek brushed brass hardware for a sophisticated touch. Backsplash: A subtle, textured backsplash in soft beige and cream tones adds depth and warmth, tying the design together seamlessly. Countertops: Polished quartz countertops with a clean, white finish offer a durable and stylish workspace, balancing the warm tones of the room. Fixtures: A modern gold-tone faucet over the stainless steel sink adds a touch of luxury and complements the cabinet hardware. Appliances: Stainless steel appliances, including a built-in microwave, dishwasher, and range, provide a sleek, contemporary edge to the space. Flooring: Warm, natural wood flooring enhances the earthy tones, adding texture and comfort underfoot. Lighting: Recessed lighting and under-cabinet lighting create a cozy ambiance while ensuring ample illumination for cooking and entertaining. This kitchen remodel is a perfect example of blending neutral tones, high-quality materials, and thoughtful design to create a space that is both stylish and highly functional.

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