This Charming 98-Year-Old Bungalow’s Bold Green Fireplace Absolutely Stuns
Cullen OrmondHouse Tours Editor
Cullen OrmondHouse Tours Editor
I write about house tours (but I love a good kitchen and kids' room article). My work can be found across AT Media, including The Kitchn and Cubby. I’ve been writing about home-related topics for nearly five years and love seeing how people make their homes unique.
published now

This Charming 98-Year-Old Bungalow’s Bold Green Fireplace Absolutely Stuns

Cullen OrmondHouse Tours Editor
Cullen OrmondHouse Tours Editor
I write about house tours (but I love a good kitchen and kids' room article). My work can be found across AT Media, including The Kitchn and Cubby. I’ve been writing about home-related topics for nearly five years and love seeing how people make their homes unique.
published now
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Bedrooms
Square feet

1300

Sq ft

1300

When landscape architect Maudie Francek; her husband, Ronnie; and their English bulldog, Helga, moved into their 1928 three-bedroom house in Milwaukee, they were tasked with restoring the bungalow to its original glory while adding modern touches. 

“Our home had great bones before we moved in, but it needed a little TLC and elbow grease,” Maudie explains. “Many original features from 1928 still remained, but they were often covered up and begging to be revealed. For example, many of the original doors and windows had been painted over, multiple times, and we’ve been bringing them back one room at a time.” 

Although the couple had the desire and drive to restore their home, they’d never undertaken a full home renovation. However, Maudie was inspired by her mom’s reminder of the phrase, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way,” and immediately jumped into renovating the home room by room. (It’s safe to say YouTube videos came to the rescue during the process.) 

This home is the couple’s first in Wisconsin. They originally came to the city as renters for Ronnie’s job, but fell in love with it. Their house is a labor of love, but original details, including its corner location and south-facing windows, add a special charm. The abundant natural light from the windows likely helps the plants, which Maudie says “play a central role” in their space. 

“We both have a strong appreciation for craft, nature, and timeless design. Our love for the outdoors is reflected in our home through organic materials and natural textures,” Maudie shares. “At the same time, we’d describe ourselves as fairly practical. We focus on creating spaces that feel lived‑in, functional, and unfussy with comfortable places that are easy to enjoy every day.”

Resources

PAINTS & COLORS

  • Walls — Sherwin-Williams Snowbound
  • Fireplace — Sherwin-Williams Andiron

LIVING ROOM

  • Couch — IKEA
  • Chair — Wayfair

DINING ROOM

  • Chairs — Secondhand
  • Table — Secondhand
  • Light Fixture — West Elm
  • Vase — IKEA
  • Flowers — Trader Joe’s

BEDROOM

  • Carpet Tile — FlOR
  • Curtains — Amazon
  • Dressers — IKEA
  • Lamp — IKEA

Thanks, Maudie!

This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.