Project Reveal: Retro Kitchen Remodel in Historic Seward Neighborhood

January 28, 2024

Welcome back to the Retro Kitchen! We’re thrilled to take you on a journey through an incredible kitchen remodel transformation. The Retro Kitchen is project we completed in 2023 located in the historic Seward neighborhood of Minneapolis. Nestled among Victorian-era homes and craftsman-style residences, the Seward neighborhood provided the perfect backdrop for our clients renovation endeavors!

1904 Kitchen Remodel – Cool Kitchen For an Even Cooler Couple

Our team had the incredible opportunity to breathe new life into a home dating back to 1904. Our primary objective was to blend the charm of its past with a touch of personality. Whether you’re seeking inspiration for your own home project or simply appreciate the beauty of historical transformations, our Retro Kitchen blog has you covered!

Heidi & Nik’s Retro Vision: Balancing the Past and Present in Kitchen Design

Heidi & Nik’s Retro Vision beautifully navigated the balance between preserving the home’s history and infusing their personal touch into the kitchen design. By opting for a striking teal fridge and stove from Unique Appliances Ltd, they made a bold statement that became the center point of their kitchen.

Retro Kitchen Color Palette

The selection of a color palette plays a crucial role in shaping the aesthetic & ambiance of your space. The color teal became the driving force behind the entire kitchen remodel. Color palettes in kitchen remodels extend beyond mere visual appeal, they influence the mood and atmosphere of the space. In Heidi & Nik’s case, the use of teal contributed to a lively and personalized kitchen experience.

Kitchen remodel color palette

A well-planned color palette contributes to harmony and cohesion in the kitchen. Ensure that the colors of your cabinets, countertops, backsplashes, and appliances all go well together. This creates a polished and unified look.

Preserving Character: Chimney Stack and Refinished Hardwood Floors

Exposed chimney stack in kitchen remodel.

As we delved into the design process, one historical element stood out – the chimney stack. We decided to expose the brick on the chimney to bring warmth and character to the space. The surprising discovery during demolition was that the stack was in impeccable condition, making it an ideal feature to showcase.

Quartz countertops
Exposed brick

Choosing to refinish the original hardwood floors brought in loads of character and charm. It was also a way to pay homage to the history of the 100+ year old home, giving it a classic and polished look that it truly deserved.

Kitchen decor and styling. Bedrosians tile

Challenges + Solutions: Maximizing Space and Light

Like any old kitchen, it presented a lot of challenges. Some of these problems were: desperate need for more storage, limited counter-space, and a lack of natural light. To tackle the storage issue, we strategically reduced the size of the appliances, allowing for the addition of much-needed cabinet + counter space.

Kraus brass sink and faucet.

Brightening Spaces: Window Transformation’s Dual Impact on Light and Storage


We improved the lighting and storage by changing the window size. Making it wider and shorter brought in more natural light. We also added a long cabinet below the new window, making it a significant change that improved both the looks and functionality of the space.

Tips for Those Considering a Kitchen Remodel:

Based on our experience with this project, we offer a few pieces of advice for homeowners considering a kitchen remodel. First and foremost, embrace a collaborative approach with your contractor – their input can be invaluable in shaping the outcome. Don’t shy away from blending different styles; the juxtaposition of eras can create a truly unique and personalized space.

Undertaking a kitchen remodel is a journey filled with lessons.

1. The importance of strategic decision-making

2. The impact of thoughtful collaborations

3. The significance of preserving historical elements were key takeaways from this project.

Every challenge presented an opportunity for creative solutions. This reinforces the idea that a well-executed remodel is a delicate dance between the past and the present.

Kitchen remodel client with puppy

If you’re ready to transform your kitchen in the Twin Cities, don’t hesitate to reach out to us! We’re passionate about making your space shine and would love to be part of your remodeling journey. Contact us today to discuss your project and turn your kitchen dreams into reality!

Dog enjoying his new kitchen

SHOP THE SELECTIONS

Appliances Backsplash TileKraus Undermount Sink

Kraus Sink FaucetCabinet KnobsCabinet Pulls

Checkered Magnetic HooksMatte Magnets

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Whether you’re planning a partial remodel or a full home redesign, the Moonstone team is here to bring your vision to life and walk alongside you throughout the process. Our blog shares our process, our projects and a bit of the behind the scenes! Thanks for visiting!

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