PLANTING ROOTS IN A MODERN BARNHOUSE

There’s no mistaking the past life of Jenni Radosevich’s urban barnhouse.

If the American farmer symbolizes a heritage of resourcefulness and ingenuity, then there’s probably no one who better represents the digital-era embodiment of that spirit than Jenni Radosevich, author of the I Spy DIY blog and pioneer of budget-minded design creativity. That makes her the perfect person to give an 1875 barnhouse, a crimson-red relic in the urban heart of Milwaukee, Wis., a makeover as a modern homage to our pre-industrial ancestry. Using her flair for seeing innovative potential in the most mundane materials, Radosevich gave her home a distinctly contemporary update while preserving its old-world charm and character.

Abundant natural light enriches the warm wood tones throughout the kitchen.

Surrounded by industrial factories and WWII-era colonials, bungalows and cape cods, Radosevich’s farmhouse both stands out among its surroundings and is right in tune with the area’s up-and-coming arts and entertainment scene. In the kitchen, Radosevich payed tribute to the home’s history with natural colors and eclectic ornamentation, but also incorporated modern conveniences and design elements.