When Janel and Jim Ruzicka found their home in historic Wauwatosa Wisconsin they thought it was a great fit. "The architectural style and unique interior spaces along with the proximity (within walking distance) to schools, work, library, restaurants, banking and shopping, made it the perfect house; however, every room needed cosmetic repair and major redecorating to reflect the Craftsman era that was evident in the bones of the house." recalls Janel. The 1924 Arts & Crafts home was designed, with a touch of Tudor Revival, by renown Milwaukee Architect Hugo Haeuser.

The most notable Arts & Crafts details original to the home are the Batchelder tile fireplace in the sunken living room, woodwork and stain glass doors and windows. To enhance the Art & Crafts feel, the Ruzickas have filled the home with Stickley and Arts & Crafts style furniture and Arts & Crafts style pottery, much of it from Wisconsin based Emphraim Faience Pottery.

With great care and attention to detail, the Ruzickas began a lengthy restoration and redecorating process. All the wall and ceiling plaster was repaired or replaced. Jim did much of the plaster work himself and became quite skilled at matching original textures. When a void of decorative vine and berry molding needed filling in the dining room, Jim, a dentist, used his professional skills to make impressions, cast new plaster and apply it to the wall. "After Jim did a bit of carving with dental instruments, you can't tell which is the replacement piece." said Janel.

Upon purchase the house was full of fussy Victorian lighting. Although Janel, the Executive Director of the Wauwatosa Historical Society works in the historic 1890s Queen Anne Victorian, Kneeland-Walker House, and adores all kinds of architectural styles, the Victorian light fixtures in her own home had to go. Janel met Brass Light Gallery's President and Founder, Stephen Kaniewski, in the early 1990's when he was asked to consult on the lighting for the restoration of the Kneeland-Walker House. "His expertise and generosity were instrumental in the success of the House's restoration. Once we began replacing the Victorian Style light fixtures in our own home, we knew Brass Light Gallery would be the only place to go." recounts Janel.


Classic reproduction Arts & Crafts light fixtures in an Architectural Bronze finish were chosen for the entire home. The Summit Chandelier was chosen for the dining room because the diamond shaped body relates to the diamond lead glass patterned windows. Jim and Janel also appreciate the authentic rectangular cast brass chain swags. The lighting fixtures are essential to enhancing Arts & Crafts feel of the home.

Next summer the Ruzicka's will focus on the home's exterior and landscaping. They got a head start last fall with the purchase of the appropriate Stonehaven Lantern from Brass Light Gallery.