Character Home SOS: When Renovation Feels Like a Risk—And Why It Shouldn’t

Older homes built around the turn of the 20th century carry a level of detail, durability, and craftsmanship that’s hard to replicate. So it’s no surprise that homeowners renovating in River Heights or Crescentwood aren’t eager to wipe the slate clean.

It’s natural to feel uneasy about changing something you love—especially when that something is your home’s original charm. But renovation doesn’t have to mean losing what matters. With the right approach, you can modernize and personalize your space while protecting the character that made you fall in love with it in the first place.

Here are some of the most common heritage elements we work to preserve—and how we approach them.

Original Trim & Baseboards

Trim and baseboards in early 1900s homes were never an afterthought. They’re thicker, more decorative, and usually made from old-growth lumber that’s near impossible to source. Whenever we’re able, we carefully remove original trim to refinish and reinstall it. If new walls are being added, we’ll match the profile with a custom cutting knife to ensure continuity and a perfect match. When replacement is unavoidable, we use custom-milled or reclaimed wood—not MDF or stock profiles—so the integrity of the home remains intact.

Hardwood Floors

One of the most powerful ways to preserve the feel of a character home is through its flooring—especially hardwood. In many of our projects, we install period-authentic oak flooring using the same techniques that would have been used a century ago. That typically means custom-milled, solid oak boards at a narrower width—usually around one-and-a-half inches. These are installed and finished in place, not pre-finished in a factory.

This approach creates a more seamless and historically accurate look compared to modern, wider plank options. Once sanded and stained on site, the result is a floor that feels original to the home—but brand new. Clients often describe it as a "wow moment" when they see it: fresh, flawless hardwood that still speaks the language of the 1920s. While this method is more costly than pre-finished alternatives, it’s one of the most impactful ways to bring back the soul of a heritage space.

Historic Windows

Original windows often include details like divided lights, sash cords, and uniquely proportioned frames. While they may not meet today’s energy efficiency standards, they can often be upgraded without replacement. Our team will evaluate whether reglazing, weather-stripping, or interior storm inserts can do the job. If new windows are needed, we design custom replacements that echo the originals in both form and sightlines—ensuring the home doesn’t lose its rhythm or symmetry.

Hardware & Interior Doors

Original doors and hardware bring texture and authenticity to a space. The weight of a solid wood door or the patina on a brass knob is hard to fake. We prioritize restoring what’s already there, and when matching pieces are missing, we search local salvage or reproduction sources that reflect the period. In cases where new doors are needed, we size and style them to blend in seamlessly with the existing palette—keeping the transition smooth, not jarring.

Staircases & Millwork

Staircases and millwork often anchor a character home—architecturally and visually. We aim to preserve these features as-is, refinishing surfaces and reinforcing structural elements as required. If layout changes are planned, we carry key visual elements—such as railing profiles or newel post shapes—into the new design. The goal isn’t to recreate the past but to make the updates feel like a natural extension of what was always there.

Fixtures & Appliances

Nothing disrupts the tone of a heritage home faster than ultra-modern fixtures or out-of-place appliances. We help clients choose lighting, faucets, and hardware that suit the home’s era without feeling dated. For kitchens and bathrooms, we’ll often conceal appliances behind cabinetry or specify finishes that harmonize with the surrounding materials. The result is a home that functions like 2025 but still respects 1925.

Why It Matters

For many of our clients in Winnipeg’s older neighbourhoods, their home isn’t just where they live—it’s part of their family story. Renovation doesn’t need to erase that. You can improve comfort, function, and flow without compromising the craftsmanship and charm that make your home special. That’s why we take time to understand what’s worth saving—and how to build on it with care.