The Button House

The Challenge

The challenge was to breathe new life into a 1929 home that had remained largely untouched for more than half a century. While rich in character, the house suffered from a lack of functionality. It was dark with compartmentalized spaces, inefficient traffic flow and a layout that no longer supported modern living.

The kitchen was closed off from the rest of the home, and the single bathroom was located on the second floor. With the homeowners living halfway across the country during the renovation, this project required a thoughtful and creative approach to communication and collaboration.

The Vision

The vision for this home centered on honoring its original character while evolving it for the homeowners’ current lifestyle and creating a warm, inviting space. It was imperative to retain the charm and craftsmanship that give the home its unique identity, preserving architectural details and materials that tell its story, while introducing updates that enhance both function and flow. Improvements requested by the clients included enlarging the kitchen, adding a powder bath on the main level, a door to the backyard for dog access and dog gates to keep their four-legged friends out of the way and safe while they cooked.

The Solution

The solution for this remodeled home was to carefully balance openness and authenticity, reshaping the home for updated living while preserving its original charm. Key structural changes—removing the wall between the dining room and kitchen and opening the kitchen to the living room—created a natural flow of light and movement, allowing spaces to feel connected yet distinct.

At the heart of the new kitchen is a custom island designed with cleverly integrated dog gates that blend seamlessly into the cabinetry. A previously underutilized nook in the kitchen was transformed into a compact powder bath, maximizing every square foot without disrupting the overall flow. Existing doors throughout the home were repurposed, preserving material history and adding a sense of continuity. Carpeting was removed to reveal existing wood floors, restoring warmth and character underfoot.

At the rear of the home, an enclosed porch was updated with a new door, landing, and steps, strengthening the connection to the backyard. Infrastructure improvements—including all-new electrical wiring and buried exterior lines—enhance both safety and the home’s overall aesthetic. Finishing touches draw on classic, era-appropriate details, ensuring the home feels timeless and quietly refined.

The Results

The result is a home that feels bright, cohesive, and functional, where historic character meets modern comfort, and every space has been intentionally designed to support the way the homeowners live today. Outdoor living was equally prioritized with a new second-level deck that offers an elevated retreat with a view, while the addition of a back door, along with a small deck and stairs, provides easy access to the backyard and makes daily routines and pet care effortless. Aesthetically, the design and craftsmanship embrace a warm, earthy palette that brings a sense of inviting comfort and an environment that is as beautiful as it is livable.