From the Studs Up: Breathing New Life Into a 1910 Home in Diamond Lake

Every now and then, a project comes along that tests your vision in the best way possible. The kind where you walk into a space that’s completely gutted — walls down to the original lath, no kitchen, no bathrooms, no layout that makes any sense — and you have to trust your gut that it can become something beautiful.

That was this house.

Tucked in the quiet Diamond Lake neighborhood of South Minneapolis, this 1910 home had so much potential, even if it wasn’t obvious to everyone at first. It was stripped down to the bones when we bought it — a true diamond in the rough. But we weren’t intimidated. If anything, it gave us a totally blank slate to work with, and as a design-build team, that’s where we thrive.

The Vision: Bring It Into 2025 Without Losing Its Soul

Our main goal was simple: take this early 1900s house and bring it fully into today’s world — both functionally and aesthetically — while still letting it feel like home. We wanted to modernize it, but not sterilize it. Create an open, comfortable layout that actually works for a modern family, but still nods to the charm of its age.

And wow, did this one need some rethinking.

The Layout: Reworking the Flow From the Ground Up

The biggest layout hurdle we tackled was the basement staircase. It was right in the middle of everything — taking up valuable space on both the main level and in the basement. By moving it to a more intentional location, we freed up enough square footage to create a true primary suite and a lower-level family room. That one change completely transformed the possibilities of the floor plan.

We also opened up walls in the kitchen, which had been tucked awkwardly in the back of the house. The original layout made it feel disconnected from the main living areas, but removing those dividing walls gave it the airiness and openness it needed. Now, the kitchen flows directly into the dining and living spaces — perfect for how people gather and live today.

Another key addition was a main floor powder bath, located just off the dining room. This allowed us to convert the original hall bath into a private en-suite for the new primary bedroom, which instantly made the home feel more elevated and functional.

Design Direction: Warm, Textural, and Timeless

When it came to finishes and styling, we went for a warm transitional look with subtle modern accents. We didn’t want it to lean too farmhouse, too industrial, or too cold. Instead, we kept things soft, layered, and grounded — lots of neutrals, with little moments of contrast and texture that add personality.

You’ll see a mix of creamy tones, light oak flooring, and clean black fixtures throughout. The lighting was one of our favorite parts to play with — we brought in globe fixtures throughout the home to give it a slight mid-century nod without feeling too theme-y. In the powder bath, we added pendant lights that hang from the ceiling on either side of a tall arched mirror — a small detail, but one that makes the space feel elevated and special.

The primary bathroom ended up being a total showstopper. We ran a wood-look tile all the way to the ceiling to really highlight the height of the room, which you don’t often find in century-old homes. It added just the right amount of drama while still feeling calm and spa-like.

And the kitchen? A team favorite — especially thanks to a happy accident. We originally planned to install a flat-front farmhouse sink, but due to a last-minute availability issue, our project manager sourced a scalloped-edge version instead. It ended up being one of the most complimented features in the entire home. Just one of those “this was meant to be” design moments.

A Flip That Feels Like Home

Even though this was an investment property for our team, we poured just as much love and energy into it as we would for a client or ourselves. That’s how we approach every project — no shortcuts, no filler. Just smart, thoughtful design that brings out the best in a space.

This home is proof that with the right team, even the most gutted, forgotten houses can become something beautiful. It’s still full of soul, but it’s been completely reborn — ready for another hundred years of memories.

Diamond in the Rough isn’t so rough anymore.

And honestly? We kind of miss her already.