Why did they want the remodel – This nearly 90-year-old home had undergone many changes over the years—additions, layout shifts, and evolving needs—but the homeowners’ love for their location never wavered. After years of consideration, they were ready to invest in a remodel that brought clarity and cohesion to their space. Partnering with Davina Designs, we reimagined the home’s flow, refined the layout, and tied together the disjointed elements from past additions. The goal was to honor the home’s original character while updating it for modern living. The result is a space that feels fresh and functional yet deeply familiar—rooted in its history and ready for the years ahead.
Design Challenges/Our solutions – Every remodeling project comes with its challenges, and this nearly century-old home was no exception. Modernizing the space meant navigating tricky structural and layout constraints with creativity and precision. One early obstacle was the electrical panel—relocating it wasn’t possible due to clearance and code issues. Instead of forcing a compromise, we left it in place and cleverly concealed it with custom artwork, keeping both function and aesthetics intact. The larger challenge came with the structure itself. Three major load-bearing beams interrupted the homeowners’ vision for a flat ceiling. Working with our engineering team, we designed a custom steel beam solution that maintained structural integrity while achieving the clean, open ceiling they envisioned. It was a detailed, labor-intensive process, but the result speaks for itself—a seamless ceiling and a refreshed home that balances thoughtful design with lasting craftsmanship.
Construction Challenges/Our solutions –Blending a 90-year-old home with a 30-year-old addition came with its share of surprises, especially once we opened up the walls between the two structures. Our main priority was creating an intentional transition—most importantly, a smooth, continuous ceiling line. Because the framing from the original home and the newer addition didn’t align, we collaborated with our engineering team to design a steel beam system that allowed us to hang joists from both sides. This provided the support we needed without introducing unwanted ceiling drops. As we refined the layout, we also discovered that the electrical panel landed in an awkward and non-compliant spot near the stairs. To fix this, we shifted it a few feet onto the adjacent wall, bringing it up to code and ensuring it wouldn’t interfere with the new design. Demolition brought one final surprise: a toilet drain line located one bay off from where it should’ve been. To keep the layout intact, we shortened the cabinet above the refrigerator by six inches and rerouted the drain around the new steel beam before tying it back into the wall. Each challenge required thoughtful coordination across trades, but the end result is exactly what we aimed for—a clean, cohesive space with no visible trace of the complexities hidden behind the drywall.
What makes the project unique? Highlights worth featuring – What sets this project apart is how much we were able to accomplish within the constraints of a classic North End home—an area where expanding or reworking layouts can be notoriously challenging. By carefully moving walls and restructuring the space, we created a true gourmet kitchen, something rarely found in these older Boise properties. The new layout now centers around a showstopping Monte Cristo Satin granite island, balanced by Portofino Classico quartz along the perimeter. To complement the upgraded footprint, the clients selected Monogram appliances, including a 4′ professional range that anchors the cooking area. The cabinetry features soft-bevel shaker doors and drawers, offering a refined, timeless look, and we incorporated a built-in coffee bar to elevate daily routines. Altogether, the transformation brings modern luxury into a historic home without losing the character that makes the North End so special.
