South Bend Home Remodeling Blog

Project Spotlight: Craftsman-Inspired Kitchen and Bathroom in South Bend

Written by Peacock & Company | Aug 13, 2025 5:00:00 PM

This Craftsman-infused kitchen remodel shows what’s possible when collaboration, creativity, and respect for history all come together on South Bend’s east side. When the homeowner, a writer drawn in by a Peacock & Company yard sign, first reached out, their vision was clear. “We’re very active cooks,” they said. “We’re looking for creative ways to make the space more functional.”

That space was the cramped kitchen and half bath in a charming but timeworn 1934 Craftsman. Original millwork and leaded glass offered vintage charm, but modern function was lacking.

What began as a conversation about workflow soon grew into a thoughtful South Bend kitchen remodel with a four-foot bump-out into the backyard that unlocked new design opportunities. That modest kitchen addition also allowed for a full three-quarter bathroom upgrade, turning a tight half bath into a serene wet room with a curbless shower and soaking tub.

The result is a warm, functional home that honors its 1930s roots while embracing contemporary needs. It's an example of what’s possible when kitchen renovation goes beyond surface updates, especially in the context of design-build bespoke historic home renovation. We can’t wait for you to see this timeless and tasteful space!

Why This Historic Home Kitchen Renovation Matters

This project reflects a deep respect for the home’s past, and a clear eye toward how it’s lived in today. The house had bones worth preserving: oak trim, thoughtful proportions, and a natural rhythm of rooms. But the kitchen was closed off and underpowered, and the tiny half bath next to it offered little functionality for modern life.

The homeowner, a longtime South Bend resident, discovered our team while walking past another project in the neighborhood. What drew them in wasn’t a flashy look; it was the sense that we were paying attention to detail. They wanted a design-build team that could work within the language of their home’s architecture, not override it.

That meant choosing materials with care: custom cabinets in natural cherry that echo the warmth of original millwork, hand-glazed sage tile that nods to the Arts-and-Crafts aesthetic, and quartz countertops that balance durability with a chic gleam.

Kitchen Addition South Bend: Just Four Feet, But a Whole New Flow

Expanding the Footprint Without Losing the Feel

A four-foot bump-out into the backyard created the space needed to bring this kitchen up to modern standards without overpowering the home’s original scale. The new footprint allowed for a spacious island, better traffic flow, and improved sightlines, all while maintaining the cozy proportions that make Craftsman homes feel grounded and welcoming.

A Layout That Works for Serious Cooks

With the extra square footage, the kitchen layout was completely reimagined to support how the homeowners actually use the space. A functional triangle between the refrigerator, island prep zone, and pro-style range makes cooking efficient, while generous countertop space and tall pantry cabinets support everything from baking to everyday meal prep.

The island offers seating for two and anchors the room visually. Its base matches the perimeter cabinetry in natural cherry, and the overhang provides a casual dining or conversation spot that doesn’t interfere with cooking.

Cabinetry, Countertops, and Cohesion

Custom natural cherry shaker-style cabinets reflect the warm wood tones found throughout the home. These were designed to integrate seamlessly with the existing millwork and include thoughtful details like built-in framing around the refrigerator and matching drawers in the island.

Polished black quartz countertops add contrast and serve as a visual anchor, pairing well with the metal finishes and tile. The black flecks in the quartz pick up on the matte black cabinet hardware and lighting elements used throughout the home.

Tile, Light, and Everyday Function

The backsplash features hand-glazed ceramic subway tile in tonal greens, laid in a running bond with light gray grout. It adds depth and texture without competing with the cabinetry. A new large Pella triple casement window sits above the sink, offering generous daylight and a deep sill ideal for herbs or display.

Lighting is layered: black cage pendants over the island echo the lines of the cabinet pulls, while recessed cans provide general illumination.

Craftsmanship That Complements the Home

Throughout the kitchen, materials were selected for their durability, performance, and ability to blend with the home’s original 1930s character. The narrow-plank oak flooring was feathered into the addition and refinished across the space for visual continuity. The end result is a kitchen that feels like it’s always been part of the house—just better suited to how the homeowners live today.

Wondering what this or other remodels cost in South Bend this year? Check our complimentary cost guide to see updated local costs for the project you've got in mind.

From Half Bath to Three-Quarter: A Bathroom Remodel with Character

A New Footprint with More Function

We love a good bathroom renovation add-on to any remodeling project. The first-floor bathroom began as a basic half bath, functional but limited. With the new footprint created by the four-foot bump-out, the space was reconfigured into a well-appointed three-quarter bath that balances historic style with modern usability.

Timeless Tile and Modern Performance

Zellige-style handmade tile in soft sage covers the shower walls, offering period character and subtle surface variation. The shower includes a matte black rain head and handheld spray set, coordinated with matching faucet and accessories. A freestanding soaking tub and built-in tiled bench create a versatile wet zone, made practical with a linear trench drain and seamless porcelain tile flooring.

A Cohesive Blend of Old and New

Other key features include a classic white pedestal sink, charcoal tile floors, and original wood window casings. The bathroom’s fixtures, finishes, and proportions all reflect the same careful attention displayed in the kitchen. 

Mudroom & Moments of Practical Beauty

Smart Storage with Period Style

The project also included updates to a small but important space: the mudroom. This area sits just off the kitchen and benefits from the same design language and material palette used throughout the home.

Mission-Inspired Millwork and Materials

The design team incorporated a mission-style oak wall rack with black metal hooks and a matching bench with room for wicker storage baskets underneath. The oak matches the home’s existing woodwork, and the muted sage paint keeps the color story consistent from room to room.

Continuous Flooring, Seamless Transitions

The refinished oak flooring continues into the mudroom for visual flow, and the proportions of the built-ins are scaled to match the home’s Craftsman roots.

Meeting the Challenges of Remodeling an Older Home

Older homes almost always come with surprises, and this 1934 Craftsman was no exception. From irregular framing to quirky mechanical routing, the team encountered several challenges that required quick thinking and on-site problem-solving.

A few challenges from this project:

  • Floor height discrepancies between the original kitchen and the new addition

  • Wall cavities that couldn’t accommodate modern plumbing or electrical as expected

  • Legacy hardware and framing details that had to be preserved or carefully worked around.

Savvy Solutions to Historic Home Renovation Challenges

Rather than let these slow the project down, the team collaborated closely with the client to find smart, unobtrusive solutions. We adapted design plans in real time, and project managers maintained regular communication to keep expectations aligned.

Where possible, we reused or echoed original elements. For example, vintage hardware was repurposed for a pocket door upstairs, tying newer spaces back to the home’s heritage.

A Custom Solution, Crafted with Intention

Projects like this one show the power of working with a team that can handle every detail, from architectural layout to tile selection, structural planning to finishing touches. With design-build, nothing gets lost in translation. The expansion, finishes, and flow of this home stem directly from the client’s goals, the home’s character, and decades of local remodeling experience.

Every home, especially in South Bend and Harbor Country, brings its own mix of quirks, charm, and potential. This remodel proves that we don’t just specialize in one style or one solution. We work across eras, footprints, and priorities to create spaces that truly fit.

Ready to Start Your Own Remodel in South Bend or Harbor Country?

Whether you're planning a kitchen addition, a bathroom upgrade, or a full historic home renovation, Peacock & Company brings experience, craftsmanship, and clarity to every step of the process. We serve South Bend, Granger, and surrounding Indiana neighborhoods, as well as Harbor Country, Michigan with fixed-price quotes, proven design-build systems, and results that feel both fresh and timeless.

Let’s talk about your goals and your space. Contact us to schedule a consultation.