As the homeowners began planning for the future, they made the thoughtful decision to expand their 1926 Craftsman-style home with a new first-floor primary suite wing designed to support aging in place. Their goal was to create a comfortable, accessible living space that would allow them to remain in the home they loved for years to come, while preserving the character and craftsmanship that originally drew them to the house.
The new addition included a spacious primary suite along with a beautifully appointed laundry suite, both carefully designed to feel as though they had always been part of the original home. Every detail of the renovation was approached with respect for the home’s architectural heritage while seamlessly integrating modern function and comfort.
Our work centered on custom millwork and cabinetry that honored the craftsmanship of the era. Throughout the primary suite, we built custom cherry cabinetry for both the laundry room and the primary bathroom, creating a cohesive and timeless feel throughout the new wing. To ensure the new work blended seamlessly with the original home, we developed a custom stain specifically formulated to match the aged cherry and chestnut found throughout the historic interior. We also custom finished all new pocket doors throughout the addition, carefully matching the color and sheen of the original woodwork so every transition felt authentic to the home’s historic character.
In the primary bathroom, we crafted a custom cherry vanity cabinet along with a matching linen tower designed to balance beauty and functionality. The linen tower incorporated a thoughtful combination of open shelving for accessible towel storage and enclosed cabinetry for linens and personal items, creating a clean and organized space while maintaining the warm furniture-like character found throughout the suite.
In the new laundry suite, we designed and built custom cherry cabinetry with the intention of making the room feel refined and furniture-inspired rather than utilitarian. The washer and dryer were concealed behind custom rollback cabinet doors, allowing the appliances to disappear entirely when not in use. Flanking the appliances, custom pull-out storage cabinets were integrated for laundry supplies, creating both convenience and a clean, tailored appearance. Rich cherry wood, carefully selected and finished, transformed the space into an elegant extension of the home rather than a traditional laundry room.
One of the most meaningful elements of the project was the creation of a pair of high-boy style dresser cabinets for the hallway. Built from reclaimed chestnut, these pieces incorporated original chestnut drawer fronts that had been removed from the home’s original parlor years earlier. By preserving and reimagining these historic components, the cabinetry became more than storage — it became a continuation of the home’s story.
Throughout the project, we crafted all paneled wainscoting, trim, and moldings to match the timeless detailing found throughout the original home. Every profile, joint, and finish was carefully considered to ensure the new work felt as though it had always belonged there.
With the exception of the reclaimed chestnut hallway dressers, all woodwork throughout the project was built from cherry, creating a cohesive and sophisticated palette that complements the Craftsman character of the home while bringing renewed life to a nearly century-old residence.
About Oak and Otter Woodworks
At Oak and Otter Woodworks, we specialize in creating custom cabinetry, architectural millwork, and furniture that honor the craftsmanship and character of each home we work in. From historically sensitive restorations to thoughtfully designed modern additions, our approach combines traditional woodworking techniques with carefully selected materials and custom finishing processes to create work that feels timeless and authentic. Every project is built with a focus on craftsmanship, functionality, and lasting quality — ensuring that the spaces we create are not only beautiful, but deeply connected to the homes and families they serve.
