Wauwatosa Historical Renovation

This project transformed a dated home through a series of additions and renovations carefully designed to match the original cottage character. The new work blends seamlessly with the existing structure, inside and out, creating spaces that feel intentional and long‑standing rather than added on.
A full exterior overhaul included new siding, custom rafter tails, corbels, brackets, and a rebuilt front porch that replaced the sagging original entry. The back of the home gained a walk‑out porch, a new deck, and a rear addition that ties into the home’s architecture. A new concrete driveway completed the exterior refresh.
Inside, the layout was reworked to improve function and connection. The original small kitchen was converted into an office, and the former dining room addition was tied cleanly into the new space. A large new kitchen now serves as the center of the home, featuring walnut cabinetry, natural walnut countertops, maple flooring, a custom wood backsplash, a separate bar area, wallpaper accents, and an open connection to the living room.
A new mudroom was added, showcasing a section of the original chimney as a built‑in architectural feature. On the second floor, an expanded stairwell leads to a new bedroom and a small kids’ bathroom, allowing the entire family to be together upstairs.
Overall, the home now feels cohesive, warm, and thoughtfully expanded—a complete transformation that maintains its original charm while significantly improving daily function.

FEATURES

• Entire exterior re‑sided with detailed architectural enhancements
• Custom Douglas fir rafter tails, corbels, brackets, and water‑table skirt installed
• Rear addition designed to match the original cottage‑style architecture
• Rebuilt front porch with a brighter, more welcoming entry
• All new windows
• Walk‑out porch and deck added at the rear of the home
• Andersen double sliding patio doors
• New concrete driveway
• Original small kitchen converted into a dedicated office
• Former dining room addition blended seamlessly into the new layout
• Large new kitchen featuring:
  • Walnut cabinetry
  • Natural walnut countertops
  • Maple flooring
  • Custom wood backsplash
  • Wallpaper accents
  • New appliances throughout
• Kitchen now open to the living room (previously disconnected)
• Separate bar area with custom cabinetry and a glass rinser
• New mudroom with portions of the original chimney left exposed
• Second‑floor addition with:
  • Expanded stairwell
  • New bedroom
  • Small kids’ bathroom
• Overall transformation maintains the home’s original cottage character while adding efficient new space

Photo Credit: Kyleen DzPloch Photography