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Summit Avenue in St. Paul is one of the longest avenues of Victorian homes in the country. Follow Summit Ave on Facebook for more pictures like this one. 

Reviving Historic Homes

When our vans pull into historic neighborhoods, it’s hard not to get goosebumps. Being surrounded by majestic Victorian homes that have been standing tall for more than 100 years is an incredible feeling.  Our job is to improve the home for the modern-day homeowner while preserving the original character of the home. Over the years, we’ve learned renovating Victorian homes can take on a few different meanings.

Adding Curb Appeal in Saint Anthony Park

Porch Remodel with Victorian Character

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Craftsmanship & Attention to Detail

This porch remodel was done in collaboration with architect Paul Knutson. Together, we restored this home’s front porch with classic Victorian-style details. The decorative woodwork was sourced from Vintage Wood Works. One of the many eye-catching details is the charming spandrels (the top row of detail).  Below it, an inviting wooden double-screen door.

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Before, the home blended into its background. 

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Before, a not-so-exciting window.

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After, a charming box bay.

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Balusters are much more than support for your handrails. They add beauty in a very elegant and traditional manner.

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Built to Last

Restoring extraordinary old homes like this one distinguishes our neighborhoods. We hope passersby may ooh and aah at this porch for many more years to come!

Renovating an Attic in Summit Hill

Replicating Existing Victorian Home Details

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Unfinished Attic Space

This 1904 Victorian home in Summit Hill may look similar to many other old homes. The attic space was unfinished and primarily used for storing Christmas decorations and old awards and metals. As the kids grew older, this family turned to the attic to give them more livable space.

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Documenting Existing Home Details

Before starting work, it was important that the new attic space felt original to the home.  To achieve that, we headed downstairs to document and measure existing trim, wainscoting, doorways, knobs, handles, and more.

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Fit for the Modern-Day Family

In the end, a finished attic space is equipped with a living room with space for the kids to run plus a kitchenette. On the other end, a spare bedroom and ensuite bathroom.

Bathroom Remodel in the Crocus Hill

Blending Modern with Vintage Details

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Vintage Meets Transitional

In some instances, the homeowner has a stronger preference for a modern style. In this 1892 Victorian home, the challenge was to remodel and design the new owner’s bathroom using modern elements without wiping out all of the traditional details.

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A Hint of Vintage

Look closely and you’ll spot the vintage clawfoot tub and wide-set Delta Cassidy faucet with cross handles. A classic subway tile is used in the shower, and the porcelain tile floor has a modern interpretation. Overall, a sleek and clean design ready for the homeowner to enjoy. 

Read more about this project →