From 1920 Time Capsule to Cozy Culinary Haven
with West + Main Agent Angela Spangler
“ “We loved the charm of the home, but it just wasn’t functional,” Angela shares. “Now, it fits our lifestyle perfectly—cooking, entertaining, and cozying up on snowy days.””
When W+M agent Angela Spangler and her partner, Nick, took on their 1920 home, they weren’t just renovating—they were uncovering history. What started as a pandemic project for Nick in 2020 turned into nearly five years of trial, error, and a whole lot of YouTube tutorials. Now, at 99% completion, their kitchen is the crowning jewel of their DIY adventure.
“We loved the charm of the home, but it just wasn’t functional,” Angela shares. “Now, it fits our lifestyle perfectly—cooking, entertaining, and cozying up on snowy days.”
This wasn’t just a cabinet swap. Before the kitchen transformation could even begin, they tackled plumbing, electrical, and structural fixes—bumping the difficulty scale to an 8 out of 10. Their biggest surprise? The original insulation was newspaper from December 1920, offering a peek into the past before they vaulted the ceilings and added skylights. “We hadn’t even considered it until after the asbestos abatement, but once we saw the potential, we couldn’t resist.”
The DIY Details: Nearly every inch of the space was a hands-on effort, from the custom-built floating shelves to the dining nook made from a live-edge walnut slab. Their boldest design choice? The deep green island, a perfect contrast to the warm wood tones and quartz countertops. “For once, this project didn’t hit us with any jaw-dropping disasters,” Nick jokes.
Lessons from the Remodel Trenches: Nick, a seasoned DIYer, offers some wisdom: “Add 20% to your budget, increase your timeline by 30%, and always use the right tools—unless you want to stare at your mistakes daily.”
The Finished Space: With triple the storage, a pot filler for convenience, and a space designed for gathering, their kitchen is now both beautiful and functional. “This is exactly what I envisioned—well, minus the vaulted ceiling. That was a happy accident,” Angela laughs.
As for what’s next? Nick’s love for renovation has turned into a business—Kozee Home Improvements LLC—so the projects are far from over. But for now, they’re finally kicking back and enjoying the home they built, one unexpected twist at a time.
Related Links
As Featured in West + Main Home Magazine: Renovation Revelations!
As Featured in West + Main Home Magazine: Little Rainbow Kaua’i
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