Total House Renovation Before & After: 5128 Columbus Ave., Minneapolis
/This 1946 Cape Cod got a total makeover that doubled its size while holding on to all its quaint charm.
front exterior, Before
Front exterior, AFTER
This beautiful Cape Cod home, just steps from Minnehaha Creek, had been in the same family for nearly 70 years before I purchased it last November. I wanted to honor that tradition and put the same loving care into it as the original owners.
My goal was simple (scoff): keep all the vintage charm while renovating the spaces to meet the needs of a modern homeowner. See? Sinchy. Well, it took a lot of hard work, but I really think we pulled it off.
The charm ran deep in this home, outside and in, but it was on the small side. At just 942-square feet, it had two bedrooms and one bath. By opening up the attic and finishing the basement, I was able to double the bedroom count, add another 1 and a half bathrooms and up the square footage to 2,117.
Of course, everything got a fresh coat of paint and a serious style upgrade. Here are a few of the most dramatic transformations:
Before, this kitchen was pretty blah and dark. The cabinets and flooring were in great shape, so I knew I could salvage them, but the whole space just felt cramped. It was closed off from the dining room and made me a bit claustrophobic.
I ditched the old laminate countertops and installed these butcher block beauties. The cabinets got some fresh hardware. The darker knobs and pulls make for a more contemporary feel—a perfect complement to the white subway tile backsplash. I basically want to set up camp and live in this kitchen.
Opening up the wall between the kitchen and dining area made a world of difference. It also made room for a little bar area dividing the two rooms.
From non-functional storage area to...
Gorgeous master suite. This, my friends is how you double the square footage of a home. I’m so pleased with how this space turned out. Huge closet, ¾ bath, oodles of charm. Swoon!
The other total transformation happened below ground. We took this cinder block, unfinished space and made it a cozy haven complete with a living room, half bath, and bedroom.