Bringing Old Homes Back to Life: Behind the Scenes with New Leaf Restorations
At New Leaf Restorations, summer is in full swing — and so are our projects! From intricate rot repairs to full-scale additions, we've been busy bringing craftsmanship, character, and comfort to historic homes throughout Minneapolis and St. Paul. Here's a behind-the-scenes look at what we've been up to lately:
From Flooded to Fabulous: Kitchen + Stairwell Transformation
What started as a sink failure and insurance nightmare turned into a total win. We helped the homeowner navigate their claim and delivered a stunning remodel, complete with:
Custom cabinets and a herringbone backsplash
Engineered wood flooring and a fresh paint job
A stair transformation that brought cohesion and polish to the entire space
The result? A kitchen and stairwell that look better than ever — and a very happy homeowner.
Mudroom Addition in the Merriam Neighborhood
We’re proud to be back on site for a repeat client in St. Paul’s Merriam neighborhood. After completing an exterior restoration last year, we returned to build a thoughtfully designed mudroom addition. Highlights include:
Framing that seamlessly ties into the existing structure
Insulated walls and a smooth ceiling transition
A clean, classic design that adds space, function, and charm
The project is complete — and the transformation is stunning.
Time-Lapse + Demo Vibes
There’s something captivating about watching a home come apart just before it comes back together. Our recent time-lapse video captured the early demo phase of a large remodel, and we followed it up with a super-satisfying clip of flooring removal at the same site.
It’s all part of the process — stripping it down so we can rebuild it better.
Up High in Summit-University
Working two-and-a-half stories in the air is no joke. At a historic home in the Summit-University neighborhood, we teamed up with Hauge Concrete and Donnelly Stucco to:
Rebuild rotten framing
Line the original galvanized integral gutters with copper
Restore stucco and trim with care and precision
We used our own scaffolding towers, pump jacks, and planks to make the work safe, efficient, and clean.
Big heights. Big results.
Finishing Touches in Kenwood & Waite Park
In Minneapolis's Kenwood neighborhood, we uncovered water-damaged porch posts that were rotten and ant-infested. Now? Crisp white columns, classic grey decking, and rock-solid repair work have brought the entrance back to life.
Over in Waite Park, we scraped, caulked, repaired, and repainted — tackling everything from threshold bondo work to trim touch-ups. No more bubbling paint, just classic curb appeal.
Plans to Reality
There’s nothing more satisfying than watching a design plan come to life. We recently wrapped up a master suite reconfiguration that included a new shower with tile surround, stacked laundry, custom cabinetry, and elegant trim throughout. The before-and-after photos say it all.
Whether it’s rot repair, porch painting, or a total transformation, New Leaf Restorations is proud to preserve the story of your home — and build something beautiful for what’s next.
Contact us today or get a quick estimate to start your project.
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