When homeowners in University City, Clayton, or Central West End consider renovating their historic properties, one question always comes up: how do you complete a major kitchen remodel or structural renovation while preserving the architectural details that make these St. Louis homes special?
McDermott Remodeling recently completed a comprehensive kitchen and structural renovation in University City that demonstrates exactly how this balance works when it comes to historic home renovation. This 1907 home required a complete kitchen relocation, significant structural upgrades, and careful preservation of irreplaceable original features—the kind of project that defines quality home remodeling in St. Louis’s most desirable neighborhoods.
The Value of In-House Design for Historic Home Renovations
One of the most critical decisions homeowners face when planning a kitchen remodel, bathroom renovation, or basement finishing project in a historic St. Louis home is finding a remodeling contractor with design and old home expertise. At McDermott Remodeling, our in-house designer works directly with clients from the initial concept through completion, ensuring every decision honors the home’s architectural heritage while meeting modern lifestyle needs for a success historic home renovation.
For this University City project, our designer, Brittany, was instrumental in developing solutions that seamlessly blended new construction with original 1907 craftsmanship. This integrated design-build approach is especially valuable for homeowners in Clayton, Ladue, Webster Groves, and Central West End who want their renovations to feel authentic rather than obviously updated.
Kitchen Relocation and Structural Remodeling: Design-Led Solutions for Historic St. Louis Homes
This University City kitchen remodel began with an ambitious goal: relocate the kitchen to a better location within the home’s footprint and add a much needed powder room to serve the main floor. They had older family members who couldn’t go up the stairs easily anymore and this greatly impacted their ability to host family events. Our designer worked closely with the homeowners to understand not just their functional needs, but their vision for maintaining the home’s historic character throughout the renovation.
The project required closing an existing doorway, installing new structural support for the second floor, and relocating boiler lines that were part of the original radiant heating system. We created a carefully designed bump-out to house these systems along with a support post extending to the basement—essential structural work that our designer and engineer ensured would be invisible in the finished space.
Working with period-appropriate details, our designer specified custom moldings and trim that match the home’s original 1907 craftsmanship, even incorporating salvaged original trim from the removed wall. The result is a coffered ceiling and wall treatment where new construction completely disappears into the historic fabric of the home. This level of design expertise is exactly what discerning homeowners in Central West End, Kirkwood, and Richmond Heights seek when planning kitchen renovations, bathroom remodels, or basement finishing projects in their historic properties.
Design-Centered Approach to Preserving Irreplaceable Features
One of the most significant design challenges in this University City historic home renovation was preserving an original pocket door with antique hardware that simply isn’t manufactured anymore. This door features a substantial spring and rail mechanism—the kind of engineering craftsmanship that defines quality historic construction in St. Louis’s early 20th-century homes.
Our designer made this preservation a cornerstone of the entire renovation plan. The placement of structural posts, the layout of the new kitchen, and the integration of modern systems were all designed around keeping this irreplaceable feature functional and beautiful. For homeowners in Clayton or Webster Groves considering kitchen remodels or bathroom renovations, this illustrates why working with a remodeling contractor who offers in-house design services makes such a difference—your designer can develop creative solutions that honor what you love about your home while giving you the updated spaces you need.
Custom Design Solutions for Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling in Historic Homes
Historic home renovations in St. Louis often include features like radiators that present unique design challenges during kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects. In this University City renovation, our designer transformed a necessary radiator into an attractive design feature by creating custom cabinetry around it with period-appropriate decorative screens.
This thoughtful design approach—allowing radiant heat to function properly while creating beautiful built-in storage—is the kind of solution our team develops regularly for remodeling projects throughout Clayton, Ladue, and Central West End. It’s problem-solving that goes beyond basic construction to create spaces that are both functional and architecturally cohesive.
Homeowners planning significant kitchen renovations, bathroom remodels, or basement finishing projects in a historic home renovation consistently tell us that having design expertise in-house makes the entire process smoother. This especially helps in giving them guidance on both products, as well as scope. Rather than coordinating between separate designers and contractors, you work with one team where design intent translates directly into skilled execution.
Expert Kitchen, Bathroom, and Basement Remodeling with In-House Design Services
Whether you’re planning a kitchen renovation in Clayton, a bathroom remodel in Webster Groves, or basement finishing in University City, working with a remodeling contractor who provides comprehensive design services ensures your vision comes to life authentically.
McDermott Remodeling specializes in design-build services for:
- Kitchen remodeling and relocation with period-appropriate design for historic St. Louis homes
- Bathroom renovations that our designer plans to preserve architectural character
- Basement remodeling and finishing with custom design for additional living space
- – Structural renovations designed to integrate seamlessly with original construction
- Historic home restoration throughout University City, Clayton, Central West End, and the greater St. Louis area
Our in-house designer works directly with homeowners to develop plans that respect architectural history while incorporating modern functionality, materials, and finishes. This integrated approach ensures your University City, Clayton, or Central West End home renovation achieves the sophisticated balance between preservation and contemporary living that defines successful historic home remodeling.
St. Louis Home Remodeling: Where Design Meets Craftsmanship
Renovating historic homes in University City, Clayton, Ladue, Webster Groves, Kirkwood, Richmond Heights, and Central West End requires more than skilled contractors—it demands thoughtful design that understands period architecture. When you work with McDermott Remodeling, you benefit from our designer’s expertise in blending old with new, selecting appropriate materials and finishes, and creating spaces that feel original to your home’s era while meeting today’s expectations.
Our design-build process means fewer disconnects between vision and execution, smoother project timelines, and results that truly honor your home’s character. If you’re considering a kitchen remodel, bathroom renovation, or basement finishing project for a historic home renovation in St. Louis, our team brings both the design expertise and construction skill to help you achieve exceptional results.
Contact McDermott Remodeling today to schedule a design consultation for your kitchen, bathroom, or basement remodeling project in University City, Clayton, Central West End, or throughout the St. Louis area.
FAQs
What makes a historic home renovation different from a regular remodel?
A historic home renovation focuses on preserving original architectural details while updating the home for modern living. The goal is to improve function without losing the home’s character.
Can major layout changes be made in a historic home?
Yes, layout changes like relocating a kitchen or opening up rooms are possible with proper planning. These updates are designed to respect the home’s original structure and style.
Why is custom design important in historic home renovations?
Custom design helps new features blend seamlessly with existing historic elements. This ensures modern updates feel natural and cohesive.
Are original features preserved during a historic home renovation?
Original features such as pocket doors, trim, and built-ins are preserved whenever possible. These details are often restored and incorporated into the updated design.
How do contractors balance modern updates with historic charm?
Modern systems and materials are integrated in ways that complement the home’s original architecture. This allows the home to function efficiently while retaining its historic appeal.
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*McDermott Remodeling serves homeowners throughout St. Louis including University City, Clayton, Central West End, Ladue, Webster Groves, Kirkwood, Richmond Heights, and surrounding communities with expert design-build services for kitchen remodeling, bathroom renovation, and basement finishing in historic homes.*