Home renovations are more than just upgrades; they are about transforming spaces to reflect the personality and needs of the homeowners. This particular renovation was a journey of maximizing functionality, opening up the layout, and bringing in elements that enhance the home’s aesthetic appeal while maintaining practicality. Carly and Will's home went from a cramped, segmented space to an open, light-filled dream home that met their growing family's needs.
First Impressions: Small and Compartmentalized
Before the renovation, Carly and Will’s home appeared larger in pictures than it actually was. Upon arrival, it was evident that the space was not being used to its full potential. Walls divided the living areas, making the house feel smaller than it was. The ceilings stood at a standard eight-foot height, which further compressed the space, limiting the airy and open feel they desired. The existing red brick exterior had a classic charm but needed an update to blend with a modern yet timeless aesthetic.
Refreshing the Exterior: Modern Yet Timeless
To enhance curb appeal, the brick exterior was painted in a soft white, bringing a fresh and modern look. The front step, originally concrete, had seen better days. While concrete is a durable material, its weathered condition called for a change. The decision to rebuild it with wood not only ensured longevity but also added warmth to the entrance. Additional elements, such as a sleek new mailbox and modern house numbers, contributed to a monochromatic, contemporary design.
Breaking Down Walls: The Power of an Open Concept
One of the most significant transformations inside was the removal of unnecessary walls. Initially, the home was divided into multiple small rooms, making it feel cluttered and restrictive. In small homes, unnecessary walls can stifle flow and limit design opportunities. Removing them not only increased visibility but also improved functionality.
A particular challenge was a central wall in the living area that, while providing cabinet space, obstructed the overall flow. By eliminating it, the team could introduce a more open floor plan, creating an inviting and spacious feel. The ceilings were also vaulted, enhancing the sense of openness and allowing natural light to flood the space.
Vaulting the Ceilings: Overcoming Structural Challenges
The home featured a hip roof, meaning all sides of the roof sloped downward. This type of roof presents challenges when vaulting ceilings, as it requires additional support in multiple directions. The design team had to get creative to ensure structural integrity while maintaining a clean, modern look.
To avoid an overwhelming grid of heavy beams on the ceiling, they opted for a drywall beam running through the center, complemented by exposed wood beams clad in rough-cut pine. These beams were stained to match the flooring, creating a seamless and intentional design element. The strategic use of materials helped disguise the necessary structural supports, maintaining a visually appealing, uninterrupted ceiling line.
Letting in the Light: The Impact of Skylights
Vaulted ceilings present an excellent opportunity to incorporate additional light sources. In this renovation, two skylights were installed, completely transforming the atmosphere. With more surface area available for light entry, the room became significantly brighter, giving the entire home a warm and welcoming feel.
Creating a Focal Point: The Fireplace Makeover
Originally, the living space lacked a clear focal point. The solution? A custom-built fireplace that became the heart of the room. A veneer brick finish gave the fireplace a classic, old-world charm. Rather than opting for a gas fireplace, an electric unit was installed—an affordable yet stylish alternative. To enhance the illusion of a traditional wood-burning fireplace, neatly stacked short-cut logs were placed inside, adding to the aesthetic appeal.
Above the fireplace, a custom steel mantel was installed, introducing a subtle industrial element. To complete the look, built-in shelving was added in the corner, creating both a design statement and functional storage space. Carly and Will preferred a television above the fireplace, and to maintain a clean appearance, all electronics were discreetly hidden within the built-in shelving. Selecting Practical and Stylish Furniture
While designing the living area, practicality played a crucial role. The initial idea was to incorporate a white sofa, but with two young children in the house, this choice was quickly reconsidered. Instead, a dark fabric sofa with a textured finish was selected. This option not only provided durability but also grounded the space with a cozy and inviting feel.
A unique addition to the furniture was a modular coffee table crafted from hex-cut lumber, sourced from a sawmill owned by Carl Holtz. Originally intended for garden boxes, the lumber was repurposed into stylish, multi-functional tables that also doubled as seating. With different heights, these pieces provided versatility—perfect for both kids and adults during gatherings.
The dining chairs were carefully chosen to maintain a clean sightline to the kitchen. The selected chairs had an open back and a distinctive circular design that added a touch of playfulness to the space.
Reconfiguring the Kitchen: A Dream Layout
The kitchen was one of the most crucial areas to transform. Originally, it had two back doors leading to the yard, limiting design possibilities. By removing one of the doors, the layout was optimized to create a functional and spacious kitchen.
A signature design element introduced was the “Pencil Edge” cabinetry. The upper cabinets were kept white to maintain a light, airy feel, while the lower cabinets grounded the space with a darker finish.
One standout feature was the artisanal backsplash, a handmade tile that provided subtle variations in tone and texture. Its combination of matte and glossy finishes played with light reflection, adding depth to the kitchen.
A clever solution was implemented for additional storage—stacking a column cabinet right on the countertop next to the fridge. By incorporating a drawer at the bottom, Carly and Will gained easy-access storage without sacrificing counter space.
Maximizing Seating: The Banquette Solution
One of the biggest challenges in the kitchen was a bulkhead in the corner, which limited design flexibility. Instead of viewing it as an obstacle, the team turned it into an opportunity by building a banquette seating area. The banquette not only maximized space but also provided additional dining options, making it perfect for both everyday meals and entertaining guests.
To maintain openness, a glass partition was installed behind the banquette, with black metal mullions applied on top. This created a sleek, modern look that echoed the design of the kitchen windows while keeping costs down.
Bathroom Revamp: Functionality Meets Elegance
The original bathroom had an impractical, oversized step-in tub that was difficult to use. A major functional improvement was swapping the placement of the toilet and vanity, which opened up the space visually and provided more room for a larger vanity. Given that this was the main bathroom for a family of four, maximizing storage and counter space was essential.
A striking detail in the bathroom was the stacked tile in the shower, finished with bold black grout. This design choice highlighted the precision of the tile installation and tied in beautifully with the black metal accents throughout the home.
The Bedroom: Simple Yet Personal
Carly and Will’s bedroom was designed with simplicity in mind. Their existing nightstands were repurposed, and a new bed was introduced. Above the bed, artwork created by Carly’s father added a deeply personal touch to the space, blending sentimentality with style.
A Complete Transformation
The final result was nothing short of remarkable. What started as a cramped, outdated space became an open, functional, and beautifully designed home. By focusing on quality over quantity, Carly and Will achieved a home that met their needs without requiring an expensive extension.
This renovation proves that with thoughtful planning and creative design, even small spaces can be transformed into dream homes.
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