Back in August, Ben and I started working on a main level remodel for a sweet, stylish couple.  Despite the house being built within the last 20 years, the before felt very dated, despite having painted every wall to update it.  The entry boasts a beautiful door, which opens toward the living room.

From the front door, there’s a beautiful view through a big back window, with a rock fireplace to one side and the dining/kitchen to the left.

Even with the two arched openings, the kitchen felt very closed off, which was tricky when they hosted large groups.

Big east and south-facing windows flood the rooms with natural light, but the yellow trim didn’t do any favors for the space.

Before, cabinets lined all walls, creating a tight walkway all around.  With only 29 inches between the island and side cabinets, there was just barely enough room to open the dishwasher.  The entrance from the garage also cramped the space.

A large sliding door off the dining room opens to the back yard.

Looking from the kitchen toward the living room, the arched walls blocked flow and the view of the fireplace.

While nice to have a fireplace, the too small mantle throws off the proportions.  Having two small children, our clients wanted more storage space for electronics and toys.

Crown molding with rope lighting tucked behind floated a few inches below the ceiling.  About half of the lights still worked, but those that did gave off a sickly orange glow.

Down the hall are three bedrooms, a bathroom, and a laundry room in need of updates.  The arched knotty alder doors and hand scraped light floors felt too rustic and traditional, all at once.

Bedrooms only needed trim, carpet, and paint touch ups, but the bathroom could benefit from new floors, cabinet, counters, sink, and faucet.

With a small laundry room, the dark appliances and cracking floors didn’t help the room.

Major pieces have started coming together in the last couple of weeks, so stay tuned for progress updates.