Kitchen, Pantry, Laundry & Bathroom Renovation in a Historic Lake Superior Home:: Renovating older homes always comes with a balance: honoring the original character while making the space function for modern living. In this late-1800s home overlooking Lake Superior, our clients were ready to transform a series of underutilized and outdated rooms into a layout that truly worked for how they live.
BEFORE: Kitchen, Pantry, Laundry & Bathroom Renovation in a Historic Lake Superior Home
The original kitchen and surrounding rooms felt disconnected and inefficient. Storage was limited, appliances lacked proper placement, and the overall layout didn’t take advantage of the home’s potential.
Like many historic homes, the rooms had evolved over time without a cohesive plan.
THE PLAN: Reworking the Floor Plan for Function
Our design strategy focused on improving flow, maximizing storage, and creating a kitchen that felt both practical and inviting. Key changes included:
- Reorganizing the layout of the kitchen and adjacent spaces
- Redirecting exterior entrances to improve circulation
- Carving out additional wall space for cabinetry and appliances
- Designing a dedicated pantry for better storage
- Creating enough space for a single-seat island—a small but impactful feature in the footprint
- Converting a small bedroom and bathroom into a first-floor laundry room and full bath
These changes allowed us to dramatically increase functionality while staying respectful to the home’s original structure.
DESIGN INSPIRATION: Historic Character Meets Lake Superior
Aesthetic direction for the renovation was inspired by two things:
the original character of the late-1800s home and the natural colors of Lake Superior, visible from the kitchen sink window.
We leaned into a palette that reflects the surrounding landscape—deep blues, layered neutrals, and natural materials that echo the tones of the lake, shoreline stone, and northern sky.
At the same time, design details were chosen to feel appropriate for a historic home. Cabinetry, hardware, and finishes reference traditional elements while still feeling fresh and functional for modern living.
The goal was a space that felt like it had always belonged in the home—just thoughtfully reimagined.
PROJECT REVEAL: VICTORIAN SANDS
By blending traditional charm with contemporary function, this home now feels tailored to the client’s lifestyle—beautiful, functional, and built to last by Curio Custom.
