As professional remodelers, we have great respect for homeowners with true DIY skills. In this project, though, the renovation's success stemmed from the homeowners’ clear-eyed assessment of their own limits.
At its core, this project was about expanding and enhancing an open-concept kitchen and living space. It involved a structural and aesthetic overhaul to reclaim garage space for more fruitful uses. This required a high degree of complexity and craftsmanship, which is why these clients turned to Compelling Homes.
This remodel involved several major structural changes:
- Eliminating one garage bay (reducing the total from 4 to 3)
- Relocating the main staircase that goes down to the lower level
- Removing a central fireplace
- Stripping out all interior finishes as part of the demolition process
From there, we could begin implementing the homeowner’s vision for a dynamic yet cohesive main floor. It started with the entry from the garage, which features a large mudroom with a custom, built-in locker setup. Adjacent to the mudroom is a tuck-away storage area that doubles as a pantry.
Just outside the mudroom -- which is tucked away by a sliding cedar door -- is the brand-new staircase to the lower level. At the top of the staircase is a beverage station, which includes a built-in kegerator that lets these homeowners enjoy craft beer fresh from the tap whenever it strikes their fancy.
This area is designed with a distressed industrial vibe that is a combination of raw textures with refined craftsmanship. It includes exposed brick, hand-scraped wood, and a heavy steel chandelier. That style is further reflected in the kitchen and dining areas with galvanized pendant lights, matte stone, and more wood finishes.
The open kitchen includes abundant bar-style seating at the kitchen island, which complements the sturdy dining room table. Three windows let in natural light, and beneath the windows, a built-in unit provides drawers for storage and the look of a daybed.
Throughout the space, we were dedicated to building a home that looked elegant but was also meant for living. Every aspect is built to stand up to everyday use, so there’s no need to tiptoe around.
That means you can fully take advantage of all the comfort and convenience in this space, including in the spacious living area off the dining room that rounds out this fully remodeled main level.
