Craftsman Character Meets Modern Missoula: Full Home Remodel on Cottonwood St
all photos credit of: Cou Cou Studio
Nestled in the heart of downtown Missoula, just a short stroll from the vibrant energy of the Hip Strip, sits Cottonwood St—a neighborhood defined by its proximity to the Clark Fork River, its walkability, and homes with Craftsman influence. For this project, our clients approached us with a desire to remodel an original mid-century home. But they didn't want to erase its history; they wanted to showcase it while adding modern touches.
At Confluence Construction, we believe the best remodels feel less like a change and more like an evolution. The Cottonwood project gave us the perfect canvas to prove you don't have to sacrifice vintage charm for modern-day functionality.
The Vision: A Retrofit for Modern Missoula
The original structure was a time capsule of the mid-1900s. It was charming, but small and cramped. In particular, the kitchen and bathrooms lacked flow and functionality for modern living.
The owners’ vision was clear: they wanted an upgraded home that functioned for the 21st century but looked as though the original 1940s builders had been given access to the materials and technology of 2025. It wasn’t about "modernizing" the aesthetic—it was about honoring the era’s best design elements while fixing the flow and pinch points of the floor plan.
Honoring the Curves and the Craft
One of the most iconic features of the home’s exterior is the elegant curved roof over the front entry. Preserving this architectural detail was a priority — both for the homeowners and for us at Confluence! We think of the curved roof over the door as a bridge between the home's history and its refreshed look and feel.
Inside, the transformation is anchored by bespoke cabinetry that feels like a love letter to the Craftsman movement. Bruce Allen Woodworking was our cabinetry team and they knocked it out of the park. The cabinets give the homeowners ample, smart storage while maintaining the period-accurate profiles and hardware.
From the warm, creamy tones in the kitchen to the muted sage green color in the master bath, every inch was designed to feel intentional and timeless.
From Dilapidated to Durable
As with many of Missoula's older homes, the "bones" of the house required a heavy dose of TLC. While we didn't find any major uh-ohs in the project, we did find a need to upgrade decades of wear. We focused on updating the plumbing and electrical while installing gorgeous hardwood floors to last the next seventy years.
The Result
By widening the visual flow between the kitchen and living spaces and leaning into a palette of warm woods, stained glass, and classic hex tiles, we created a space that feels both nostalgic and brand new.
We hope this full home remodel on Cottonwood Street reflects the spirit of Missoula: authentic and built for a vibrant and active life.
The elegant curved roof over the front entry on the Cottonwood St full home remodel.
Project Highlights:
Location: Cottonwood Street, Downtown Missoula
Style: Updated Craftsman
Key Features: Custom period cabinetry, preserved curved entry roof, stained glass accents, and a fully reimagined kitchen and bath layout.