The Kowalske Kitchen & Bath team won 3 Remodeling Awards at the ‘Remodeler of the Year’ awards ceremony on January 16, 2026! The Milwaukee National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) presented these prestigious awards for a bathroom remodel and two first floor remodels. We have won numerous remodeling awards from NARI Milwaukee, including 16 Gold awards since 2019.
Entries are judged on:
- Meeting the clients’ needs
- Enhancing functionality
- Improving aesthetics
- Craftsmanship
- Innovative materials
- Overcoming obstacles
Learn more about these projects:
Classic 1920s Bathroom Revival
Gold Award
Residential Bath $100,000 – $150,000
This bathroom remodel transformed a deteriorating 1920s hallway bath into a functional and stylish space for two teenage boys. The updated layout maximizes efficiency by relocating the toilet, closing one doorway, and moving the vanity to create more countertop space. A spacious walk-in shower with dual showerheads and built-in storage replaces the old tub, while heated floors eliminate the need for a bulky radiator. Durable finishes, including black and white penny round and subway tile, honor the home’s historic character. With added storage, vintage-inspired lighting, and a bold midnight blue vanity, this bathroom balances durability, function, and timeless 1920s charm.
Homeowner Requests & Project Goals
- A functional bathroom with a large shower for two teenage boys that play sports and need to shower frequently
- A design that honors the 1920s aesthetic of the home (vintage tile, lighting, cabinetry, windows, trim, plumbing fixtures, etc.)
- Countertop space and ample storage
- Durable, easy-to-clean materials, such as quartz countertops
- Eliminate the radiator and heat the room with radiant in-floor heat
- Create a design with beautiful finishes and textures
- Ensure longevity of the bathroom to last another 100+ years with durable materials and construction
See more pictures: Milwaukee Bathroom
A Modern Organic Home
Silver Award
Residential Interior $100,000 – $250,000
This remodel transformed a dark, dated 1990s home into a modern, organic living space that blends function, beauty and connection to nature. The project included a full kitchen renovation, a mudroom/laundry refresh, and a powder room update — all designed to meet the family’s cooking and storage needs. Highlights include a bright, family-friendly kitchen with a stone backsplash, custom cabinetry and a sliding sink window connecting to the outdoors. The functional mudroom has innovative storage solutions and the powder room is enriched with natural textures. The result is a cohesive, light-filled home that balances style and function.
Homeowner Requests & Project Goals
- Brighter well lit kitchen with more natural light
- Connection to their 6-acre wooded lot
- Family-friendly gathering space
- Modern kitchen cabinets
- Design with natural materials
- Improved layout and workflow for a family that likes to cook together
- Seating at the island
- More countertop space for food prep
- Better storage and organization for dishes, pots, pans, food & a small appliance garage
- Neutral, cohesive color palette
- Warm & cozy space to hangout, including heated floors
- Enhanced mudroom and laundry functionality
- Updated layout for powder room with natural textures
See more pictures: Organic Kitchen
Midcentury Countryside Retreat
Silver Award
Residential Interior $250,000 – $500,000
This countryside lake house remodel transformed a cherished 1950s ‘family farm’ home into a functional, open-concept retreat while honoring its mid-century ranch roots. The kitchen was expanded for cooking and canning, featuring a workstation sink, walk-in pantry and a custom window seat with lake views. Design details include recycled ash flooring, a window backsplash and a minimalistic hood that ties into the living room. The living area now has a fireplace focal point, improved HVAC and a glass-enclosed staircase to showcase their beloved piano. This renovation blends traditional style with modern functionality, restoring beauty and creating a family-friendly gathering space.
Homeowner Requests & Project Goals
- Enlarge the kitchen for hosting extended family gatherings
- Connect the space to the outdoors with clear views of the property to see arriving family, the lake and local wildlife
- Restore the beauty of their family home with a design that honors the 1950s mid-century ranch bones of the house her grandfather built and their own traditional style
- Cooking functionality for their family farm (workstation sink, countertop prep space, etc.)
- Create more storage features for a family farm (small appliances, space for canned items & wine collection)
- Modern kitchen hood focal point
- Living room fireplace focal point
- Warm, earthy and welcoming aesthetic
See more pictures: Country Kitchen
Learn More
- Named Best of Milwaukee from Milwaukee Magazine
- 12 Design Trends
- Remodeling Guide: How to Get Started
Disclosure: Our blog posts are for informational purposes only.
