The goal was “a classic, timeless design with some pops of fun and whimsy,” designer and general contractor Kate Kadlec says. And the kitchen, which was originally closed off from the rest of the home, now connects to the main living area through a new arched opening. Photos: Chris Emeott
Come inside a 1920s remodel with Excelsior designer and general contractor Kate Kadlec.
For Excelsior-based designer and general contractor Kate Kadlec, the heart of her business is rooted in home—creating it, recreating it and helping others feel deeply connected to theirs. “I started my career in design, honestly, with my own family home,” she says. Over the course of several moves, each new place was an opportunity for Kadlec to reestablish her family’s sense of belonging. And earlier in her career, roles at Target and in business-to-business sales taught her project management, communication and relationship-building—skills that now define her work as owner of Lake Studio, her design-build firm. “I got my own general contracting license, and I also bring design to each project that I work on as well,” she says.
The kitchen features modern appliances with vintage styling that complements two different backsplash tiles (a classic square and a patterned green). “One of my favorite things about the remodel is that we opened up the kitchen entry, and we mimicked another arch that was already existing. It’s just so cute. It has soft lines,” she says. Homeowner Annie Tursi adds, “The team matched the arch perfectly, and it completely changed the feel of the house.”
Kadlec launched Lake Studio about four years ago and embraces her hands-on, dual-role approach. “I like to take the time and get to know who lives at the home and what we’re designing, so that my [cost] estimate is reflective of the design.” That continuity—managing the project from concept to completion—lets her carry a client’s vision all the way through. “It allows me to make sure that the home is brought to life exactly how we had envisioned it from the beginning,” she says.
“We put in custom cabinetry, really nice quartz countertops and modern appliances that look old school,” Kate Kadlec says of the kitchen. What was once an eat-in nook is now a functional mudroom with custom lockers and a drop-zone counter.
For homeowners Annie and Brian Tursi, Kadlec revived a characterful 1920 cottage in the heart of Deephaven. Located just around the corner from their primary residence, the property had long been on their minds—so when it came up for sale, they purchased it with a clear purpose: create a cozy and welcoming place for out-of-town guests, including Brian’s mother and sister, who were coming to stay for that upcoming holiday season.
Upstairs, Kate Kadlec infused the small, cozy spaces with charm. The bathroom includes black and white tile on the floor and green subway tile in the shower.
The house, Kadlec says, “could have easily been a teardown,” but the owners chose preservation over replacement. “They wanted to maintain the vintage charm,” she says. They set out to “modernize the flow and the function of the space,” Kadlec says, while keeping its soul intact. The family also planned to host gatherings, like their regular Mah Jongg game nights. Kadlec and her team began work in mid-October 2024 and completed the full remodel by mid-December—a remarkably tight turnaround.
A small landing holds an extra sleeping nook for overflow guests, and the main bedroom features fresh paint, carpet, trim and the kind of detail that completes the home’s story—some adorable crystal doorknobs. Original hardwood floors remain in the front living room, now warmed by a new electric fireplace.
“Kate transformed our little cottage into the most charming, welcoming space for our family,” Annie says—and it was completed in time for holiday guests to enjoy the peaceful wooded lot near the lake in midwinter. Annie adds, “Every detail was handled thoughtfully and thoroughly, and the end result is more comfortable and beautiful than we ever imagined.”
Lake Studio Design
Instagram: @lakestudiodesign
