Project Reveal: Bay Ridge Tudor
There’s something special about working within the character of a 1920’s Tudor. The architecture already has a story to tell, so the goal isn’t to erase what’s there, but to thoughtfully transform the home for the way our clients live today. For this Whitefish Bay home, the first floor was ready for a new direction, with the kitchen serving as the primary focus. We wanted to improve the functionality and storage while creating a space that felt entirely at home within the character of the original house.
The existing kitchen had good bones, but the layout and storage weren’t working as efficiently as they could. We reimagined the space to focus on function first, incorporating custom cabinetry to make the most of the kitchen’s smaller footprint.
The cabinetry was paired with natural quartzite countertops, selected for both its beauty and durability. We added a classic ogee profile to the edge, an architectural detail that gives the countertops a more traditional feel and complements the Tudor’s character.
An apron-front sink adds another layer of traditional charm, while the mix of materials keeps the kitchen from feeling overly precious or overly new.
The details are what make the kitchen feel at home in the house. Here, the combination of the dark wood cabinetry, the softly-veined quartzite, apron-front sink and mixed hardware creates a kitchen that feels collected rather than newly installed.
The goal was never to make the kitchen feel brand new for the sake of being new. Instead, we wanted it to feel as though it belonged to the home, to the architecture, to the family who live there.
While the kitchen was the priority, our scope for this project extended throughout the first floor. We used that same approach in each space, introducing updated function and fresh materials while preserving the character and warmth of the original home.
In the smaller spaces like the entry and the powder room, we had an opportunity to lean a little more into pattern and personality. Rich wallpaper, classic tile and vintage-inspired details bring character to rooms that could otherwise easily be overlooked. The result is a first floor that feels more connected, more functional, and ultimately more livable—while still honoring the charm that made this 1920s Tudor special in the first place.
Because the best renovations don’t always feel like renovations. They simply make a home work better, look better, and feel more like itself.
Take a closer look at the before and after of this transformed kitchen, entry and powder room.
