Como Lake

Como Lake transforms 695 square feet of a Craftsman home's main level by undoing the unintended consequences of a 1990s renovation and restoring the relationships that once defined the house. A large, two-story informal dining space had isolated the kitchen from the surrounding gathering areas, disrupting circulation and diminishing the home's ability to function as a connected family environment. The redesign reestablishes the kitchen as the heart of the home. A generous central island anchors the space, while a widened opening creates a seamless visual and physical connection to the formal dining room. The former back-entry sequence was comprehensively reimagined as a highly functional mudroom, laundry, powder room, and expansive pantry, transforming an inefficient transition into an organized family hub that naturally extends the front hall to the kitchen. Respect for the home's architectural heritage guided every intervention. Leaded glass salvaged from the relocated original buffet was integrated into custom quarter-sawn oak cabinetry, while a historic leaded window found new purpose in the family foyer. Honed granite countertops, antique brass fixtures, and a herringbone tile floor with radiant heat reinforce the timeless character of the renovation. Locally crafted tile, paired with richly layered historic colors and botanical wallpapers, adds warmth and authenticity. By carefully balancing preservation with contemporary function, Como Lake creates a cohesive main level where circulation, craftsmanship, and daily living work in harmony. Every room now participates in the life of the home, transforming a once-disconnected layout into an inviting and enduring gathering place.

View from the dining room into kitchen
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Project Type

Renovation

Location

Saint Paul, Minnesota

Design Team

Meghan Kell, AIA, CID & Kelly Kraemer, Assoc. AIA

Contractor

Rascher & Co.

Collaborators

Backsplash tile by Clay Squared to Infinity, Cabinetry by Northland Woodworks, Structural Engineering by Bunkers & Associate

Photographer(s)

Round Three Photography

Publications

BEFORE
AFTER
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