Reveal: Coastal Colonial Home Renovation in Shorewood
Nestled just off Lake Drive in Shorewood, this historic Colonial home offered the perfect foundation for a thoughtful renovation. Our clients loved the home’s original character but wanted spaces that felt brighter, more functional, and better suited to everyday family life.
The goal was never to erase the home’s history. Instead, we focused on preserving the architectural details that make Shorewood’s older homes so special, while introducing fresh layers of color, pattern, texture, and custom furnishings that reflected the family’s personality.
The result is a welcoming home that balances timeless design with the realities of modern living.
A Welcoming Entry With Lasting First Impressions
The entry sets the tone for the entire home.
Sot blue walls, Schumacher wallpaper, Anne Sacks tiles, and updated lighting work together to create a space that feels collected and inviting from the moment guests walk through the door. Original millworker and rich wood flooring provide a sense of history, while carefully selected furnishings introduce warmth and personality.
Rather than competing with the home’s architecture, every design decision was made to highlight it.
A Family Room Designed for Everyday Living
The family room serves as the heart of the home, so creating a space that felt both elevated and livable was essential.
Custom built-ins provide practical storage while adding architectural interest. Layered furnishings, tailored window treatments, and thoughtfully selected lighting create a comfortable gathering place for movie nights, conversations and everyday family routines.
The dark, moody paint color adds depth and sophistication, while still feeling warm and approachable.
A Nursery Designed to Grow with the Family
One of our favorite spaces in the home is the nursery.
Rather than designed a room that felt overly themed or temporary, we focused on creating a timeless foundation that could evolve as the family’s daughter grows. Patterned wallpaper from Chasing Paper, custom window treatments, a hand-knotted rug, and collected furnishings bring softness and charm while ensuring the room remains functional for years to come.
The result feels playful without sacrificing longevity.
Celebrating Family History Through Collected Details
Throughout the star hall and upper landing, we looked for opportunities to tell the family’s story.
A layered gallery wall, custom stair runner, curated artwork, and meaningful furnishings transform what could have been simple transition spaces into some of the most memorable areas of the home. These details create visual interest while helping the house feel deeply personal.
Preserving the Character of a Historic Shorewood Home
Many of Shorewood’s most beloved homes are defined by their craftmanship, architectural details, and sense of history. Throughout this project, we carefully balanced preservation with modernization. Original features were celebrated rather than replaced, while updated furnishings, finishes, and lighting helped the home feel fresh and relevant for today’s lifestyle.
The result is a home that feels both rooted in tradition and ready for the next chapter.
Before and After: A Thoughtful Transformation
While the overall layout of the home remained in tact, strategic design decisions dramatically changed how each space feels and functions. By layering custom details, quality materials, and timeless furnishings throughout, we created an environment that feels welcoming, functional, and uniquely personal. Scroll through the before photos below to see the full transformation.
Working with a Shorewood Interior Designer
Historic homes deserve a thoughtful approach. At Kristin Burke Interiors, we specialize in creating layered, livable spaces that honor a home’s original character while supporting the way families live today. From full-service interior design and furnishings to renovations, we help homeowners create homes that feel both timeless and personal. Based on Milwaukee’s North Shore, we proudly serve clients in Shorewood, Whitefish Bay, Fox Point, Mequon and surrounding communities.
