Home design styles, such as the Craftsman aesthetic, never go out of style. Many find homes from the early 1900s appealing — especially in southern Wisconsin — where the Arts and Crafts movement produced beautiful Craftsman homes with distinctive, tasteful details.
Preserving the charm of an older home can be tricky when a homeowner wants to update its design or functionality. However, with advances in building materials and remodeling techniques, it’s now possible to enhance both the aesthetics and functionality of a home without compromising its character.
Rachael Parker, senior interior designer at Dream House Dream Kitchens, enjoys creating spaces in which contemporary conveniences meld with Craftsman sensibilities.
“Keeping the original architecture in a home while updating it with modern amenities is very rewarding. Many clients with older homes come to us wanting to make everyday areas more functional while preserving the character of their home,” Parker explains.
Parker begins by assessing the different areas of the home and talking to the homeowners about what they’d like to improve. She typically finds that kitchens and bathrooms often need updating, followed by bedrooms and storage areas.
“I ask people what they like in terms of colors and decor, how they use different rooms and how they lead their daily lives. Little details, like a special shelf for a favorite collection, or a garden view while rinsing dishes, make a big difference,” she says.
Homes built before 1940 often have smaller kitchens and today’s larger appliances can make the “working triangle” of refrigeration, preparation and cooking zones awkward. Seamless additions, or even a new kitchen layout, can improve the flow and add purposeful storage.
Parker sometimes designs around the original window placements and advises window inserts over replacements, keeping the original window trim.
Once a design plan is agreed upon, cabinetry, hardware and finishes are chosen to match or complement the home’s original attributes to blend in beautifully. Craftsman homes often feature natural wood flooring and trims, brick and stone, and warm, earthy palettes. Built-ins are also common in Craftsman homes, so storage cabinets and shelving can be created to fit in seamlessly.
Even the exterior of a Craftsman home can be styled to express the design sensibility, with broad wood trim elements and a simple color palette. With thoughtful choices, a home with historic character can be updated for today’s lifestyle while maintaining a timeless look.
Dream House Dream Kitchens | 608.204.7575 | 5117 Verona Rd., Madison | dream-kitchens.com
