Blending History & Function: A Kitchen Refresh with Preserved 80-Year-Old Floors

About This Project

This project highlights the transformation of a well-loved Denver home, where character and modern functionality now coexist beautifully. We began by preserving the home’s 80-year-old hardwood floors — removing outdated heating grates, seamlessly patching in new boards, and restoring the wood without stain to let its natural beauty shine.

The kitchen received a full cabinet replacement and thoughtful redesign. Outdated upper cabinets were removed and replaced using a French cleat system — a strategic solution for securing cabinetry to deteriorating brick exterior walls. The new layout brings in modern appliances, hidden wiring, and integrated lighting to improve both efficiency and ambiance.

From detailed craftsmanship to updated functionality, this project reflects our commitment to honoring a home’s history while enhancing its everyday use.

Detailed view of heavily worn original 80 year old wood floors before restoration in an old Denver home.

Restored hardwood floors at stairway landing with patched and refinished boards blending seamlessly.

Photo Gallery

Outdated kitchen with white cabinets, tile countertops, blue walls, and ceiling fan in an old Denver home.

BEFORE- RadeKitchen

Before: This kitchen, filled with charm but lacking in function, was ready for a complete cabinet replacement and design refresh to match the character of the home.

3D rendering of proposed kitchen layout with stainless steel appliances, white shaker cabinets, and brick backsplash.

BEFORE- RadeKitchen Rendering

Design Plan: the homeowner’s vision for the space — brighter finishes, optimized storage, and a layout that complements the existing footprint.

New white shaker cabinets partially installed using a French cleat mounting system against a brick kitchen wall.

DURING- RadeKitchen Shelving

Smart structure: New cabinetry is installed using a French cleat system for secure mounting to aging brick walls — blending solid support with a clean, modern look.

Corner view of kitchen with deteriorating cabinets, exposed brick, and outdated fixtures in need of modernization.

BEFORE- RadeKitchen Layout

Before: A closer look at the challenges — aging materials, limited lighting, and insufficient storage.

Bright kitchen with new white shaker cabinets, quartz countertops, exposed brick wall, and under-cabinet lighting.

AFTER- RadeKitchen Cabinets

The finished kitchen blends clean lines and classic charm — with bright white cabinetry, durable quartz countertops, and exposed brick adding texture and warmth to this updated space.

Custom-fit white shaker cabinetry installed around stainless steel refrigerator and microwave in updated kitchen.

AFTER- RadeKitchen Custom Cabinet

Custom cabinetry around the refrigerator and range optimizes space and functionality in this older home, delivering a modern layout that still feels true to its roots.

Close-up of white cabinet drawer fit precisely between refrigerator and stove in renovated kitchen.

AFTER- RadeKitchen Custom

Precision matters: A custom drawer fits seamlessly between major appliances, showcasing the craftsmanship that went into making every inch of this kitchen usable.

Worn and stained 80-year-old hardwood floors at the top of a basement stairwell in a historic home.

BEFORE- RadeKitchen Flooring

Before: The original hardwood floors had seen better days — scratched, stained, and covered in grime after decades of wear.

Side-by-side view of old, worn hardwood flooring and newly sanded planks during floor restoration process.

DURING- RadeKitchen Flooring

The beauty beneath: A dramatic side-by-side of what lies beneath years of wear — the original hardwood in the process of being brought back to life.

BEFORE- RadeKitchen Flooring 2

Before: The homeowners thought that these 80-year-old floors had to be replaced — but we saw their potential and chose preservation instead.

AFTER- RadeKitchen Flooring

The restored landing shows the transformation best — sanded back to the natural oak color and sealed to last another 80+ years in this house. A new transition piece at the top of the stairs perfectly matched the original flooring.

Entryway hardwood floors freshly sanded and refinished, blending new boards with original wood grain.

DURING- RadeKitchen Flooring Refinish 2

Careful craftsmanship: This entryway floor blends newly patched sections seamlessly into the original boards, showing the power of a precise and patient restoration.

Refinished hardwood floors with a natural matte finish in progress

DURING- RadeKitchen Flooring Refinished

Midway through the transformation: The original 80-year-old hardwood floors were not properly cared for. Sanding revealed their rich, natural tones without the use of stain.

Hardwood floors with the first coat of clear sealer applied, enhancing grain and color contrast during restoration.

DURING- RadeKitchen Flooring Refinish2

A fresh start underfoot: With the first layer of sealer applied, these original hardwood floors begin to shine again — bringing warmth and life back into the space.