A Thoughtful Kitchen Transformation

When a charming historic home meets a modern renovation, the results can be stunning — but only with the right team to navigate the challenges that come with updating a space while preserving its character. Classic Remodeling, a company with over 35 years of experience in residential design and renovation, recently tackled a kitchen transformation that required ingenuity, problem-solving, and a deep respect for the home’s past.

“What’s nice about our company is that we control the whole process from design to production,” said Gianna Sweet, design consultant at Classic Remodeling. “We keep everything under our wing, which allows us to manage the client’s budget while also making adjustments as challenges arise.” And this renovation had its fair share of surprises.

The homeowners, a couple looking to modernize their outdated kitchen, wanted a more open and spacious area where they could comfortably cook and entertain friends and family. The original layout included a separate seating area that didn’t provide enough space for guests. “We took the island out farther and extended cabinetry into that space, making the kitchen grander and improving the flow,” said Sweet. However, that decision came with an unexpected hurdle —a structural issue hidden behind the walls.

“The first homeowner had combined two spaces — a breezeway and the kitchen — but never properly supported the structure,” explained Brian Watson, project craftsman. “We discovered that a load-bearing wall had been removed, leaving the porch and heavy slate roof above without proper support. Once we uncovered that, we had to stop everything and address it immediately.” A new beam was installed to correct the issue, ensuring the home’s stability for years to come.

The renovation also brought to light the home’s original brick chimney, which had been covered with paneling and plaster over the years. “We knew it was there, but we didn’t know what condition it was in until we exposed it,” revealed Sweet. “Luckily, it added great character to the space.” Watson and his team had to carefully repair the chimney, repoint it and seal it to make it a stunning statement piece.

The ceiling presented another major challenge. The home featured a wonderful tin ceiling that the homeowners wanted to preserve. “We couldn’t disturb the tin crown molding, and the new beam meant we couldn’t match the exact ceiling height,” explained Brian. “So, we worked around it, creating a slightly lower ceiling in one section while still maximizing height where possible.” One of the biggest obstacles was installing new lighting without disrupting the delicate tinwork. “Our owner came up with the idea of using cable rails to hang the lighting instead of mounting them directly into the ceiling,” said Sweet. “It added a modern touch, and the homeowners loved it from the start.”

Windows also played a crucial role in the renovation. While two original wooden windows remained, one needed to be replaced. “We custom-matched the molding details to maintain the historical integrity of the space,” Gianna explained. “We also repurposed as much of the original trim work as possible, ensuring the new elements blended seamlessly with the old.”

Beyond the structural and aesthetic updates, the renovation dramatically improved the homeowners' daily lives. “The kitchen was cramped and dark,” spoke Sweet. “Both owners love to cook, but there wasn’t enough room for them to do it together comfortably. Storage was lacking, and their small makeshift seating area couldn’t accommodate guests. Now, they have a spacious island, improved lighting and high-end appliances that make cooking and entertaining a joy.”

Classic Remodeling’s ability to problem-solve while preserving the home’s history resulted in a kitchen that is both beautiful and functional. “It was a challenge, but in the end, everything came together beautifully,” said Watson. Now, this kitchen is ready to serve the homeowners for generations to come.

To learn more about Classic Remodeling, visit ClassicRemodeling.com, or call 843.763.3297.