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Wauwatosa Living Room and Office Remodel
Project Details

Project Year: 2025

Location: Wauwatosa

Updates Included: Remodel

Rooms: Living Room and Office

Features: 

  • Plastered fireplace façade appears original, complete with antique sconces and a concealed “Frame” TV for a seamless look.
  • Custom-built oak mantel matches the original hardwood floors, creating a cohesive and timeless finish.
  • French doors with antique hardware add character and provide quiet separation between rooms.
  • Library cabinetry and crown molding replicate the home’s original details, ensuring historic continuity throughout the design.
  • Reimagined back hall features a functional boot bench, hooks, and cabinet storage that support everyday routines with ease.

From Historic Charm to Everyday Comfort

The homeowners loved their historic home but needed spaces that supported modern living. The existing layout left them without a true gathering area, a dedicated workspace, or a practical place to stay organized.

What began as a wish to make better use of the main floor evolved into a thoughtful reimagining of how the home could serve their family every day. The new design introduces a warm and welcoming living room centered around a classic fireplace, a refined office and library for reading and focus, and a functional back hall that brings order and ease to daily routines.

Reimagining How a Home Works and Feels

This remodel wasn’t just about beauty; it was about improving how the homeowners use their space.

Previously, the floor plan lacked a defined entry or storage area. The new design introduced a recessed drop zone complete with a bench and coat closet, creating a natural transition as you enter the home.

The addition of a gas fireplace transformed what was once a quiet sitting room into a true family gathering space – warm, comfortable, and practical for every season. French doors now separate the office, offering privacy for work or reading while maintaining a visual connection to the rest of the home.

Cozy living room features a lit fireplace, leather armchair, arched windows, plant, table with flowers, and a dog sitting on wooden floor.

Honoring Craftsmanship and Character

Every detail in this remodel reflects care, precision, and respect for the home’s original design. The newly constructed fireplace was plastered to match the existing walls, blending old and new seamlessly. In the office, custom crown molding replicates the home’s historic trim, while built-in cabinetry provides both symmetry and function.

New oak flooring was added to the office and library to extend naturally from the existing hardwood, ensuring the transition between rooms feels cohesive and intentional. The result is craftsmanship that enhances the home’s story while offering the durability of modern construction.

A Design That Balances History and Innovation

Thoughtful planning allowed this project to preserve the home’s charm while introducing modern functionality. The team uncovered original tile on the fireplace, carefully protecting and integrating it into the new design. Antique sconces were refitted with custom electrical components, preserving their vintage beauty while making them practical for everyday use.

Behind the walls, re-engineering and structural updates supported the new floor plan without compromising historic character. From the concealed drop zone to the restored finishes, every detail honors tradition while embracing the future of modern living.

From Start to Finish

Before

  • The space served as a small, dark den with limited storage and no clear function.
  • Built-ins felt dated and disconnected from the home’s original architectural details.
  • Black walls and bulky trim visually weighed down the room, making it feel smaller.

After

  • The den was transformed into a refined library and office with custom, floor-to-ceiling oak bookshelves and new oak flooring that flows seamlessly from the living room.
  • French doors with antique hardware create privacy while maintaining an open, connected feel.
  • Restored crown molding and handcrafted cabinetry honor the home’s original charm while adding modern function.
  • The result is a warm, elegant workspace that balances historic detail with everyday comfort
Room with hardwood floor, large windows, floral valance, ceiling fan, white cabinets, and indoor plants, overlooking a green garden and trees outside.
Before
Cozy home office with wooden desk, chair, bookshelves, and a globe. Large windows, chandelier, and bouquet create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
After

Before

  • The room felt dark and closed off, with black walls and outdated trim that made the space feel smaller.
  • Built-ins lacked charm and cohesion with the home’s original details.
  • The space had potential for natural light but needed warmth and character to truly shine.

After

  • Custom cabinetry was crafted to fit seamlessly around window casings and sconces, maximizing every inch of space.
  • Floor-to-ceiling shelving and a cozy window seat transformed the room into an elegant, light-filled library and workspace.
  • Crown molding was replicated to match the home’s original trim, creating continuity throughout the main floor.
A bright, empty room with wooden floors, floral curtains, and a ceiling fan. Large windows provide natural light, revealing a car outside.
Before
Cozy home library with wooden desk, bookshelves, window seat, and decorative vase on table. Cup and book add to the inviting atmosphere.
After

Before

  • The room lacked architectural detail and warmth, with minimal lighting and dark wall finishes.
  • The space had potential but needed thoughtful updates to blend with the rest of the home’s historic character.

After

  • New red oak flooring was sanded, stained, and finished to match the adjacent living room, creating a seamless flow between spaces.
  • French doors with antique hardware define the entry while maintaining visual connection and light.
  • A crystal chandelier adds a stunning focal point, pairing elegance with everyday function.
  • Built-in window bench with drawers provides comfortable seating and hidden storage.
A sunlit room with large windows, floral curtains, light wood flooring, a potted plant, and a wall lamp, overlooks a suburban street.
Before
A cozy home office with a wooden desk, bookshelf, chandelier, and French doors, illuminated by natural light from a large window.
After

Before

  • The entry between rooms felt incomplete and lacked architectural definition.
  • The adjoining spaces didn’t flow naturally, and visual separation was minimal.
  • Flooring transitions created a disjointed feel between rooms.

After

  • New French doors create a grand entrance into the office and library, adding both privacy and elegance.
  • A statement chandelier highlights the beautiful barrel ceiling detail that connects to the living room.
  • Seamlessly installed oak hardwood floors unify the rooms, creating a natural flow and timeless warmth.
Room under renovation with newly cut doorway, exposed wooden frame, and windows. A vacuum stands in the adjacent room on wooden floorboards.
Before
Cozy study room with elegant vintage desk, chair, bookshelf, and French doors, featuring a soft armchair and chandelier on wooden flooring.
After

Before

  • The space lacked symmetry and visual balance, making it feel incomplete despite its architectural potential.
  • Dark finishes muted the natural light and distracted from the room’s original windows and charm.
  • Built-in shelving and trim details were missing, leaving the area underutilized.

After

  • Custom cabinetry was designed to create symmetry and balance within the previously asymmetrical room.
  • A soft off-white finish brightens the space, reflecting natural light and enhancing the warmth of the oak floors.
  • The original leaded glass windows were preserved as a focal point, complemented by a centered crystal chandelier above.
Room with unfinished wooden shelves surrounding a large window, overlooking a backyard with green lawn and a swing set.
Before
A cozy home office with a vintage desk, wooden chair, chandelier, and bookshelves. Large windows illuminate flowers and a globe.
After

Before

  • The original living room featured a non-functioning fireplace with 1980s tile that lacked warmth and authenticity.
  • While the arched windows brought in beautiful light, the space itself felt unfinished and disconnected from the home’s character.
  • The existing plaster walls required careful preservation to maintain the integrity of the barrel ceiling.

After

  • A new Heat & Glow “Cerona” fireplace with an arched top was installed, creating a timeless focal point that feels original to the home.
  • A custom oak mantel was designed to match the existing hardwood floors, bringing visual continuity across the room.
  • A concealed “Frame” TV was integrated seamlessly above the fireplace, with all wiring hidden for a clean, classic look.
  • Restored antique sconces were retrofitted to flank the fireplace, adding historic charm and warm ambient light.
A cozy living room with arched windows, a white fireplace, large TV, pet bed, and a painting on the floor.
Before
Cozy living room features a lit fireplace, leather armchair, arched windows, plant, table with flowers, and a dog sitting on wooden floor.
After

Before

  • The original fireplace design felt dated and disconnected from the home’s architectural character.
  • A layer of modern tile from the 1980s covered the original hearth, concealing the home’s historic details.
  • The space lacked a true focal point and visual warmth.

After

  • A custom-built oak mantel, crafted on-site, now echoes the tone of the original hardwood floors and anchors the room with natural warmth.
  • The original tile hearth was uncovered and restored, revealing a beautifully aged pattern that complements the home’s palette.
  • Together, these elements create a cohesive, inviting space that celebrates craftsmanship and authenticity.
Sunlit room with arched window, graceful curtains, and an elegant fireplace against textured walls. Warm wooden floor enhances the cozy, serene ambiance.
Before
Cozy room with a lit fireplace, brown leather chair, window, framed painting, and a small table with flowers. Warm, inviting atmosphere.
After

Before

  • The back entry lacked storage, organization, and visual warmth, functioning more as a passageway than a purposeful space.
  • Flooring transitions and limited layout made it difficult to keep the area tidy or connected to the home’s overall design.
  • The existing finishes didn’t reflect the character found throughout the rest of the house.

After

  • New porcelain tile flooring, designed to resemble hand-laid terracotta in a horizontal brick pattern, adds both durability and timeless appeal.
  • Custom built-in cabinetry and lockers maximize the narrow footprint, transforming the back entry into a practical and beautiful drop zone.
  • Warm oak accents tie the design back to the living room and office, bringing visual continuity and everyday function to this once-overlooked space.
A narrow entryway with a welcome mat, shoe rack, and bulletin board beside a black-framed door with frosted glass.
Before
Cozy entryway with brick floor, wooden wall hooks holding a jacket and bag. White cabinets are visible, with shoes neatly arranged.
After

Before

  • The hallway’s layout offered little functionality beyond a simple passage, with no built-in storage or place to organize daily essentials.
  • Dated wall finishes and lighting made the space feel closed in and disconnected from the rest of the home.

After

  • A new oak beadboard accent wall reflects the same rich material palette carried throughout the home, adding texture and warmth.
  • A custom built-in bench provides both seating and practical storage space for shoes and everyday items.
  • The redesigned entry now feels intentional and welcoming, turning a once-overlooked corridor into a functional extension of the home’s thoughtful design.
A hallway with beige walls leads to a bright room with wooden floors, featuring a vintage light fixture and visible windows.
Before
A cozy entryway features a wooden wall with hooks, holding a denim jacket and woven bag. Brick flooring displays shoes and a pillow.
After
Discover how thoughtful design and expert craftsmanship can reimagine your home.
Outcome & Client Impact

This project required more than creativity; it called for technical skill and thoughtful engineering. The back hall originally included an exterior structural wall, which had to be carefully removed and restructured to support the new floor plan.

In the living room, sections of the oak flooring were meticulously repaired and refinished to blend perfectly with the surrounding wood. Each challenge was met with precision and craftsmanship, ensuring a flawless finish and lasting integrity.

Cozy living room features a lit fireplace, leather armchair, arched windows, plant, table with flowers, and a dog sitting on wooden floor.
Cozy entryway with brick floor, wooden wall hooks holding a jacket and bag. White cabinets are visible, with shoes neatly arranged.
A cozy home office with a vintage desk, wooden chair, chandelier, and bookshelves. Large windows illuminate flowers and a globe.
Cozy home office with wooden desk, chair, bookshelves, and a globe. Large windows, chandelier, and bouquet create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
A cozy home office with a wooden desk, bookshelf, chandelier, and French doors, illuminated by natural light from a large window.
Cozy study room with elegant vintage desk, chair, bookshelf, and French doors, featuring a soft armchair and chandelier on wooden flooring.
Cozy home library with wooden desk, bookshelves, window seat, and decorative vase on table. Cup and book add to the inviting atmosphere.
Cozy room with a lit fireplace, brown leather chair, window, framed painting, and a small table with flowers. Warm, inviting atmosphere.

Dream Big. We’ll Handle the Rest.

S.J. Janis Company stands ready to bring your vision to life with unparalleled expertise and a commitment to excellence. Contact us today to discover how we can turn your dream home into your real home.
Cozy home office with wooden desk, chair, bookshelves, and a globe. Large windows, chandelier, and bouquet create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Dream Big. We’ll Handle the Rest.