A Timeless Take on the 1920s

9/17/2021

Floor to Ceiling Carpet One & Design Studio 360

Story by Alyssa Nishek
Photography by Dan Francis Photography & Before images by Robb Siverson Photography

As of last month, Kristina and Kevin Lau can officially say they have one historic renovation under their belts. The Fargo, North Dakota, natives originally bought their 1925 tudor revival home in 2018, just two weeks after their daughter, Lillianna, was born.

“We’re still unpacking!” Kristina Lau, owner of Yeobo Sweet Shop, joked.

A Fated Find

The Hawthorne neighborhood of North Fargo, with its unique historic homes and age-old lazy cottonwoods had always been the Lau's dream location for their future home. During an open house tour back in 2018, the pair quickly realized it was meant for them.

“I still remember Kristina's grandmother stopping me here in the dining room during the home tour and saying, ‘Kevin, I think this is the one’,” laughed Kevin Lau, who works as a mortgage lender at Gate City Bank. Not only was the home built the same year Kristina’s grandmother was born, but it was also designed by an architect of her same Norwegian heritage. The original owners built the home with big 1920s era parties in mind, a design element that attracted the Laus with their mutual enjoyment for hosting and entertaining.

Kevin Lau, Kristina Lau, Timeless take on 1920, Midwest Nest Magazine

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The kitchen’s original design was not one of functionality, offering no island, limited counter space and a pantry located in the hallway. With Kristina’s love for all things sweet treats and baking, and only one corner of counter space to work with, it was due time for the Laus to get their kitchen renovation underway. The process began early this past spring with the goal to create a classic look that would age as well as the rest of the century-old home had.

kitchen remodel, A Timeless Take on the 1920s, Floor to Ceiling Carpet One, Design Studio 360, Midwest Nest Magazine

In The Details

The entire kitchen remodel was sourced from Bob Jerger at Floor to Ceiling Carpet One, from the scalloped marble backsplash to the custom wood range hood. The renovation’s design work was done by Kayla Cahoon with Design Studio 360.

“When we picked out things we wanted them to feel like they could have been from the 1920s,” Kristina said. With that goal in mind, they opted for white on white kitchen countertops and cabinets, featuring gold finishes throughout to mimic a 1920s glam feel. The art deco style backsplash adds an element of uniqueness, playing off the many original architectural arches throughout the historic home.

The kitchen island features a unique curved overhang supported by an elegant custom wood leg. The island not only plays, once again, off the curved archways throughout the home, but creates a functional space for entertaining.

kitchen details, 1920s kitchen remodel, Midwest Nest Magazine

“To accommodate two outlets in the island, I modified the cabinetry to create a small void at the top without forfeiting storage space,” Cahoon explained. “These two outlets also allow the utilization of small appliances such as this mixer for baking cookies.”

The new kitchen island may be the most beloved space in the Lau household, especially as it seems Lillianna has acquired her mom’s knack for baking.

The Hidden Gem

Seeking to optimize storage space, the Laus knew they wanted to implement a hidden pantry, and interior designer, Kayla Cahoon, delivered just that. The pantry was originally accessed through the hallway. During the remodel, that area of unused space was closed off and the pantry entrance was relocated to the interior of the kitchen. Hidden floor-to-ceiling integrated doors were the finishing touch. “We maintained the seamless look of cabinets across the elevation, making it the ‘hidden’ gem’!” Cahoon said.

hidden pantry, historic home remodel, Midwest Nest

Original Charm

The two original features kept in the remodel can be found in the exposed brick next to the hidden pantry, and the bell summoner connecting to a button under the dining room table and main doorbell. The wall separating the kitchen from the dining room was removed and replaced by a curved archway, opening the space up entirely. Original navy striped wall covering adorns the dining room walls.

The Laus had hoped that under the kitchen’s tile flooring would be the same beautiful hardwood found throughout the rest of the home. Unfortunately this was not the case; nevertheless the pair opted to install new hardwood as closely resembling the rest of home’s original flooring as possible.

A sliding barn door was installed to separate the kitchen from the laundry space. The actual door is original to the home, and was stained to better match the custom floating shelves in the kitchen.

Cleaned Up

On the opposite side of the barn door lies the Laus newly renovated laundry room. The goal for the space, which was originally an attached garage and later a utility room, was to create a blank canvas. With that idea in mind, the Laus chose natural pine wood cabinetry, black faux marble luxury vinyl tile flooring, and a chic dark utility sink.

The Laus could not be more content with the first, of possibly many, renovations to their historic family home. This fun-loving family, with the help of Floor to Ceiling Carpet One, Design Studio 360, and Outpost Construction, found a way to keep the historic charm of the home they originally fell in love with, while also creating an all-around more functional space.