A modern kitchen with white cabinets, brass handles, a stainless steel stove, a large white range hood, marble backsplash, and dark wood accents. A bowl of green apples and utensils sit on the countertop.

A Fresh Take on Tradition: Inside This Historic Saint Paul Remodel

Before and After, Cabinet Shop, Featured, Kitchen Renovation, Sustainability

July 19, 2025

At Jkath, we believe great design begins by honoring the past while reimagining the future. This Saint Paul residence, nestled in a beloved early 1900s neighborhood, offered rich architectural bones and an undeniable charm. Our clients were ready to enhance functionality and flow without compromising the home’s historic character. The result? A thoughtful main floor renovation that merges craftsmanship, modern comfort, and timeless style.

A modern kitchen with white and dark wood cabinets, a marble countertop island, stainless steel appliances, and large glass doors letting in natural light. A vase with autumn branches decorates the island.

Our design approach started by relocating the kitchen to a new footprint within the home, creating a better connection to the adjacent living spaces. We leaned into a high-functioning layout with wolf/sub zero appliances and natural materials that feel right at home in a century-old house. Painted cabinetry in Sherwin Williams Taupe of the Morning complements the surrounding millwork, while rich stained oak cabinetry and arched details pay homage to the original interior trim.

Countertops and Backsplash: Bianco Superiore Quartzite (honed).

Cabinet Hardware: Claybourne Aged Brass Pull

Pendant Lights: Four Light Lantern

Kitchen Faucet: Brizo Rook Faucet in Luxe Gold

A modern kitchen with dark wood floors, a large island with four white upholstered barstools, marble backsplash, and pendant lights. Plants in vases add a touch of greenery on the island and counter.

A bright kitchen with dark wood cabinets, white countertops, a marble backsplash, and a large vase with autumn leaves on the island. A soft chair and a large window letting in natural light complete the scene.

A dry bar and custom banquette were added to maximize entertaining potential. The arched built-ins at the bar are a nod to traditional craftsmanship, yet the space feels fresh with glass-front doors, soft brass hardware, and a bright backsplash. The banquette creates a cozy moment for casual meals and morning coffee, surrounded by custom pillows and a curated mix of textures.

A bright, modern kitchen corner with white cabinetry, glass-front upper cabinets, a built-in wine fridge, wood stool, houseplant, and table lamp, framed by a wooden arch and featuring natural light from large windows.

A home bar area with white cabinets, glass shelves holding glassware, a small counter with decor, and a mini fridge stocked with drinks. A wooden stool sits in front on a hardwood floor.

A kitchen counter with a woven table lamp, two empty wine glasses, a stack of cloth napkins, and a plate of pastries. Above are glass-front cabinets with glassware inside. The backsplash is made of light-colored tiles.

Backsplash Tile: 2 x 6 Glossy Zellige

Pendant Light: Elliot Extra Large Pendant

A cozy breakfast nook with a wooden bench, beige cushions, a plaid pillow, a round table with a floral tablecloth, a white vase with green hydrangeas, and a framed painting on the wall under a pendant light.

The former kitchen was converted into a welcoming mudroom with clever closed storage and a bench seat to keep everyday clutter tucked away. We also relocated the powder bath, designing it with a signature Jkath walnut vanity, soft floral wallpaper from Sandberg Wallpaper, and traditional beadboard, adding personality while respecting the home’s roots.

A cozy mudroom corner featuring a wooden bench with cushions, a potted plant, a golden watering can, tall light blue cabinets, and a pair of brown boots on a patterned rug near a sunlit window.

A bright mudroom with built-in light blue cabinets, a wooden bench with cushions, a potted plant, tan boots on the floor, and a window letting in natural light.

Custom Cabinetry: Stained plain sawn oak paired with Benjamin Moore Mount Saint Anne painted cabinetry.

Floor Tile: Jeffrey Court Arabesque Field Tile

A bathroom with floral wallpaper, a wooden vanity with a white countertop, a black faucet, and a rectangular mirror. Two wall sconces flank the mirror. Fresh flowers and toiletries sit on the counter.

A marble bathroom sink with a black faucet, brown glass soap dispenser, bar of soap, and dried pink flowers in a glass vase. The wall has floral wallpaper and a black wall sconce next to a wooden-framed mirror.

From reworking the floor plan to preserving original wood tones and introducing heirloom-quality details, this renovation delivers both form and function. It’s a project that exemplifies our guided philosophy: reinvention through thoughtful design, enduring materials, and a deep respect for what came before.

Sharing a few before images here, two left images are the new kitchen. Far right is the old kitchen, now the mudroom.

A spacious room with wood-paneled walls, built-in shelves and cabinets, red carpet, and a beamed ceiling showcases Midwest Design Magazine flair. Large glass doors overlook a green backyard, framed by cream curtains.

A spacious room featured in Midwest Design Magazine, with red carpet, wood ceiling beams, and striped wallpaper. An arched doorway with decorative columns leads to another room, while Home Visionaries inspire the raised wood-paneled area and chandelier.

Ready to honor the charm of your historic home while bringing it into the now?
Whether it’s relocating a kitchen for better flow, introducing heirloom quality materials, or reworking a main floor to meet the needs of today’s living; we create spaces that feel both rooted and refreshed. Our team guides you through every detail, preserving what matters most and reimagining the rest. Let’s build something lasting, together.

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