Eat in custom banquette, leather bench, glass chandelier.

Midwest Design Magazine; Home Visionaries

Builder FAQ, Cabinet Shop, Featured, Kitchen Renovation, Lifestyle, Whole House Renovation

July 18, 2025

Keep an eye out for the upcoming issue of Midwest Design Magazine, featuring Home Visionaries and the project we featured. With thoughtful responses to their questions, we decided to ‘copy and paste’ into a blog post, with a detailed behind the scenes look at our Ewing Avenue project.

1934 home addition, all new kitchen with two tone cabinetry, wall ovens and cooktop. Quartzite countertops and marble backsplash.

Q: How did you first meet the clients?

Our clients discovered us through Instagram and conducted an extensive search, vetting over 15 firms, to find the right partner. As empty-nesters ready to leave suburban life behind, they returned to the city in search of their forever home near the lakes, embracing a lifestyle that felt just right. They landed on a charming older home with solid bones and endless potential. It was the perfect canvas for a personalized renovation, and a natural fit for our passion for restoring historic homes. Together, we leaned into a traditional cottage design aesthetic and collaborated closely through months of pre-construction planning marked by weekly (and often daily) conversations to fine-tune the scope, budget, and overall vision.

Q: When you first sat down with your clients to discuss plans for the home, what were the must-have items and non-negotiables?

To create the functionality they desired, a thoughtful addition was essential—expanding the main floor to include a larger kitchen, along with a new primary suite complete with a walk-in closet and dedicated bathroom. As part of their transition from suburban living, the goal was to downsize without compromise retaining key amenities and ensuring there was still plenty of space for their kids to return home and gather.

A cozy kitchen on Ewing Avenue with green cabinets, wooden countertops, utensils in a metal pot, an open cookbook, two candles, and a small potted plant on the counter, viewed through a paned glass door.

Q: What was their inspiration? How did you bring that vision to life?

Rooted in traditional charm and inspired by timeless cottage style, this kitchen renovation beautifully balances old-world character with fresh, intentional design. From the outset, the goal was to create a space that felt collected, soulful, and deeply personal, anchored in authenticity and elevated through craftsmanship.

Warm white perimeter cabinetry is paired with a bold, painted island and matching pantry in a rich, moody green offering a striking yet welcoming contrast. Natural materials, including stone countertops, marble tile, and a butcher block prep space in the pantry, lend texture and depth while honoring the home’s historic roots. Custom detailing throughout from cabinetry ventilation to brass rail shelving and bespoke cabinet hardware, adds a layer of sophistication without feeling fussy.

The built-in banquette, adorned with cozy pillows and vintage-inspired lighting, reflects a thoughtful approach to casual dining and everyday moments. Every element was selected with intention, resulting in a space that feels both storied and new, a modern heirloom kitchen designed to be lived in and loved for generations.

Modern Ewing Avenue bathroom with dark blue cabinets, gold hardware, marble countertop, checkerboard marble floor, tall central cabinet, large arched mirror, white sconces, and small potted plants for decoration.

Green saturated subway shower tile, black and white mosaic floor tile.

Q: What are some of the most special elements/features?

This home is a layered reflection of timeless design, rooted in charm and authenticity. It embraces a traditional cottage sensibility while incorporating bold, intentional choices that bring it firmly into the present. Every space feels considered, warm and welcoming, yet refined.

Natural materials and classic details anchor the home: quartzite, marble, butcher block, are paired with crafted cabinetry, curated lighting, and expressive wallpaper. The palette is rich but balanced, deep greens, moody tones, and soft neutrals that shift gracefully from room to room.

Every corner was designed to reflect the homeowners’ lifestyle with comfort and purpose.

Custom office cabinetry, Sherwin Williams Mulberry Silk.

Q: What was the most rewarding aspect of this project?

Taking on a major overhaul of an old city home complete with a complex addition and layers of historic nuance was no small feat. But that’s exactly what made it so rewarding. Navigating the quirks of original architecture while introducing modern amenities required equal parts creativity and care. Blending old and new in a way that feels seamless is always our goal, and in this case, the result is a home that’s ready for the next 100 years of living. Leaving our imprint on a piece of the city’s fabric, while honoring its story, is something we’ll never take for granted.

Q: What is your guiding philosophy when it comes to homebuilding and design?

At Jkath, we believe thoughtful design and craftsmanship are the foundations of a home that stands the test of time. Our approach centers on these guiding principles:

1. Partnered Process
We work collaboratively from concept to completion, managing everything from permitting and engineering to construction and custom cabinetry, ensuring every detail is aligned with your vision.

2. Respect for Historic Context
We’re passionate about preserving and celebrating the character of older homes across Minneapolis and St. Paul. We embrace their quirks while modernizing interiors to support today’s lifestyles.

3. Cozy, Crafted Interiors
Every element is thoughtfully curated; materials, millwork, finishes, lighting—to create interiors that feel welcoming, personal, and distinctively Jkath.

4. Holistic, Turnkey Approach
We handle the full renovation journey; design planning, bespoke details, and construction, offering clients a seamless, expert-driven experience.

In short: we honor the story of each home while shaping spaces that feel timeless, authentic, and custom-built for modern living.

Jkath Arden Vanity in Biscotti finish, butterfly wallpaper, subway wall tile.

Q: How does your company’s approach set you apart from other homebuilders in the region?

Our deep commitment to both the story and the structure of a home. While many builders focus on efficiency or scale, we lead with craftsmanship, character, and a reverence for what makes older homes special. We don’t just renovate we thoughtfully reimagine, preserving the architectural soul while creating spaces that feel fresh, functional, and built to last.

Our fully integrated, design-forward approach means clients work with one cohesive team from initial vision to final reveal. With in-house custom cabinetry, curated finishes, and a collaborative process grounded in transparency, we deliver not just beautiful results, but an experience that feels personal and elevated.

In a community full of talented builders, we stand apart through our blend of timeless design, expert execution, and a passion for leaving every home better than we found it, ready for the next generation to love and live in.