Preserving history
Here’s how Impact Home Remodeling preserved the heritage of this Akron Tudor while elevating it to modern standards.
In a classic Tudor home, every renovation decision carries weight. Arched doorways, stone floors and hand-crafted details give these homes their storybook charm—and any update must honor that history while adapting the space for modern living. That was Janet and Steve’s guiding philosophy behind a kitchen renovation and room addition that transformed their beloved Tudor residence without compromising its character.
One of the first 10 homes built in West Akron in 1927, just two blocks from the famed Stan Hywet Hall, the residence is a prime example of Tudor Revival architecture. The couple purchased the historic home in 2002 from the grandson of the original owner and gradually began updating rooms throughout the house.
“Though I wanted to renovate the kitchen first, that was the last room we renovated,” Janet says. “It was small and dark, so it was a challenge to figure out how to make it better.”
After reading an article in Mimi Magazine featuring Impact Home Remodeling’s expertise in kitchen and bath remodeling, the couple felt confident they found the right partner to lead the kitchen remodel and addition.
The original kitchen, while rich in period detail, was enclosed and undersized for today’s lifestyle. Impact’s remodeling team reimagined the space by expanding its footprint and improving flow, all while preserving its Tudor roots. Cabinetry and hardware inspired by the home’s era anchor the new design, while modern appliances and smart storage ensure the kitchen functions as beautifully as it looks.
“I wanted to keep the kitchen in line with what you would expect to see in a Tudor,” Janet says. “We put the appliances—but much bigger ones—in the same position, kept the same heavy-gauge double sink and reused the original Art Deco red Bakelite and steel hardware. I knew I would need more cabinet hardware when making the kitchen bigger, so I scoured online to find matching pieces.”
Impact also installed new ceramic tile flooring that mimics the look of stone without the maintenance and built arched display shelves above the glass-front cabinets to mirror similar shelving in the home’s library for a cohesive home remodel.
Since the couple frequently hosts garden club tours and gatherings, the kitchen was designed with entertaining in mind. In addition to the main gas stove and oven, they opted to put a second oven in the island.
“Renovating older homes is always challenging because you never know what you will find behind the walls,” says Joe Chiera, who, along with his wife Kristen, owns Impact Home Remodeling. “We had to remove a load-bearing wall between the original kitchen and breakfast room and install a steel beam so we could create one large, open kitchen.”
Just beyond the kitchen, the new room addition was designed to feel as though it had always been a part of the home. From the exterior, the addition reflects classic Tudor style with textured stucco, brick detailing and a complementary metal standing-seam roof. Inside, tall windows flood the space with natural light while maintaining the vertical emphasis characteristic of the style.
While the homeowners currently use the addition as an informal dining room, it can function as a flex space—equally suited for an office, family room or sunroom.
“With all the architectural details, everyone comments on how the addition looks like it has always been there,” Janet says. “The entire remodeling project stayed true to the character of the home.”
For Janet and Steve, preserving that character was paramount.
“Because this house is so historic, we don’t consider ourselves as much homeowners as stewards,” Janet says. “Impact Home Remodeling took our vision and turned it into reality with exceptional responsiveness, thoughtful design and quality workmanship.”
Impact Home Remodeling
1410 Medina Road, Medina
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