February 2025 Home of the Month
500 Block of Kirkwood
From the outside, you might not recognize this Old Lake Highlands home if you’ve seen its “before” photos. Originally clad in stone, the exterior has been thoughtfully updated to blend seamlessly with the neighborhood’s character, honoring its mid-century roots while incorporating modern elements.
The stone was removed, and large, seamless window panes now enhance the facade, bringing in more natural light and creating a warm, inviting presence. But the transformation doesn’t stop at the curb. Inside, this home is a masterclass in blending history with contemporary style.
The home’s previous owner, a master carpenter, had already extended the original footprint, creating a larger living room, sunroom, kitchen, and primary bedroom. His craftsmanship was evident throughout, but the layout featured some quirky design choices, like windows in unexpected places (yes, even inside the primary bedroom!). Fortunately, those unconventional elements also offered a unique canvas for thoughtful updates that honored his work while improving functionality.
One of the most striking changes? The vaulted ceilings in the living room. By pitching the ceilings, it enhanced the open feel of the space, allowing sunlight to pour through the newly enlarged windows.
The kitchen was modernized, but one key detail remains: the handcrafted cabinetry built by the original owner. Instead of replacing them, they chose to preserve and refresh these custom-built cabinets.
“One of the things we love about our home is the history and the personal touches they put into making this house their home, which are still present today. From the Rose of Sharon tree and birdhouse on the large tree in the backyard, to the custom cabinetry in the kitchen, laundry and closets. We recognize that the quality, wood strength, and craftsmanship are simply unmatched in today’s mass-produced options.”
In the primary bedroom, the misplaced interior windows, likely a relic from when the back patio was converted into a sunroom, were closed off, and a proper window was added to bring in natural light. The primary bath saw perhaps the most dramatic transformation, trading its “rose garden” aesthetic for a modern retreat. Now, it boasts a spacious walk-in shower, a luxurious soaking tub, and a double vanity. The closet was enlarged, designed with ample shelving and storage to meet today’s needs - something many original 1950s built homes lack.
“The primary suite is a sanctuary,” the homeowner shares. “Having this kind of space, along with a walk-in closet and a gorgeous bath, is something we never expected to find in a mid-century built home.”
This home’s story is one of thoughtful reinvention—where the best parts of the past were preserved, and the future was carefully designed with modern living in mind.