North Oaks Modern Prairie

This North Oaks gem was lovingly updated to honor its Midcentury architecture while bringing the kitchen and bath into the present day. We opened up walls, restored original paneling, and infused the space with earthy greens, rift-cut white oak, and smart lighting solutions. The result: a grounded, open layout with all the function this modern family needs.

Inspired by the home’s Wrightian pedigree since it was designed by one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s students, this renovation required reverence for the architecture, balanced with inventive design solutions. We removed walls between the kitchen and adjacent nook, expanding the usable footprint and allowing for a spacious U-shaped galley layout. The once-closed kitchen now connects beautifully with the living room and backyard beyond.

We salvaged and reused original wood paneling, complemented by white oak cabinetry, a Marmoleum floor, and a soft green tile palette that nods to the home’s earthy roots. In the bathroom, we updated the awkward layout for modern function, added overhead lighting where ceilings once restricted it, and introduced clean-lined fixtures to match the home’s style. The result? A home that feels timeless, tailored, and true to its soul.