Chicago's iconic brick bungalows deserve kitchens that honor their craftsmanship while meeting today's needs. We specialize in sensitive updates for these 1920s gems - relocating bulky radiators to create work triangles, rebuilding original cabinetry with hidden organizers, and installing period-appropriate subway tile that withstands our freeze-thaw cycles.
Every project begins with documenting original details like built-in hutches or leaded glass cabinets. We then design around your home's unique quirks - maybe converting that awkward back porch into a breakfast nook, or adding a discreet coffee station where the icebox once stood.
Our Chicago-specific touches include vapor barriers behind walls to prevent condensation damage, and quarter-sawn oak thresholds that accommodate decades of foundation settling.
Every project begins with documenting original details like built-in hutches or leaded glass cabinets. We then design around your home's unique quirks - maybe converting that awkward back porch into a breakfast nook, or adding a discreet coffee station where the icebox once stood.
Our Chicago-specific touches include vapor barriers behind walls to prevent condensation damage, and quarter-sawn oak thresholds that accommodate decades of foundation settling.
Our Process
- 01 Step 1: Historic assessment and measurement of existing space
- 02 Step 2: Design presentation with 3D renderings showing preservation elements
- 03 Step 3: Careful demolition protecting original architectural features
- 04 Step 4: Installation with materials matched to your home's era
Benefits
- Maintains historic home value
- Custom storage for awkward spaces
- Materials tested for Chicago climates
- City permit paperwork handled
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you handle knob-and-tube wiring in old kitchens?
We partner with licensed electricians to safely replace outdated wiring while preserving original plaster walls. All work meets Chicago's strict historic district codes.
Can you match my original cabinet doors?
Yes - we take door samples to our Humboldt Park woodshop to recreate profiles using the same old-growth lumber species.
What flooring works best with radiant heat?
For bungalows, we recommend encaustic cement tiles or engineered hardwood - both stable enough for Chicago's temperature swings when paired with our subfloor systems.