Meridian Park Remodel

PROJECT OVERVIEW

This remodel in Indianapolis’ Meridian Park neighborhood focused on restoring cohesion to a 1920s Craftsman home while thoughtfully adapting it for a growing family. The scope included a full renovation of the kitchen, solarium, dining room, powder room, and mudroom, each space reimagined to improve function while preserving architectural integrity.

What distinguishes this project is the shared commitment between client and team to honor the home’s original character. Existing finishes were carefully matched, original doors and hardware were reused wherever possible, and past alterations were thoughtfully corrected. The result is a more cohesive expression of the home’s original design, with every decision guided by a respect for what would have been true to the home’s period and character.

DESIGN

The clients envisioned spaces that support everyday living, particularly a kitchen designed for gathering and shared meals, while remaining rooted in early 1900s Craftsman architecture. This balance between function and preservation served as the project’s guiding principle.

Inspiration was drawn directly from the home’s existing trim profiles, millwork, and finishes. Cabinet stains and paint selections were carefully calibrated to create continuity throughout. Hardware selections vary subtly by space, offering distinction while remaining consistent with the home’s era.

Wallpaper, historically appropriate to the period, was reintroduced in select areas, including a more expressive moment in the powder room. Flooring was also addressed with care, replacing previously mismatched materials with new wood that integrates seamlessly with the original hardwoods.

The solarium presented a unique challenge. Originally an exterior space, its enclosed structure and concrete window sills required custom solutions. Tailored cabinetry and integrated bench seating were designed to both conceal constraints and enhance usability.

Close collaboration between design and construction guided the project from documentation through completion, ensuring that each on-site decision remained aligned with the original intent.

CRAFTSMANSHIP

Custom details throughout the home reflect a commitment to both preservation and precision. A custom-built transom window creates a subtle connection between the dining room and mudroom. Protective glass frames were introduced to preserve original stained-glass features while adding durability, remaining nearly imperceptible.

Salvaged doors were carefully reworked and repurposed. The clients sourced antique hardware to complement existing details, reinforcing authenticity.

In the dining room, new beams and wainscoting were designed in response to the original architecture, concealing necessary structure while strengthening the Craftsman character. Each intervention balances technical necessity with architectural intent.

THE RESULT

Today, these spaces support the rhythms of daily life, filled with cooking, gathering, and quiet moments. While functionality has been greatly improved, the home feels as though it has always been this way.

This project reflects a thoughtful approach to historic renovation: honoring early 1900s Craftsman architecture while supporting modern living. Its success lies not only in the craftsmanship but in the seamless integration of past and present. 

WORKSHOP CUSTOM DETAILS:
– Transom window
– Refinished original doors

Photography by: Sarah Shields Photography