AFTER 30 YEARS, A HOME REIMAGINED

This residential remodel is especially near and dear to my heart because it reflects one of my favorite design philosophies: creating spaces for people who truly want to live in their homes.

There’s something incredibly meaningful about designing for clients who prioritize gathering, hosting, and making memories in their home. The thought of friends and family filling a newly reimagined space, where every detail has been carefully considered to function beautifully, is what makes this work so rewarding.

After nearly 30 years in their home, and a 50-square-foot kitchen that somehow hosted 50+ people for the holidays (tight, but impressive), it was finally time. Beyond the tiny footprint, there was an awkward interior step and a maze of walls separating the kitchen, dining, TV room, entry, and laundry.

It didn’t match the way this family lives. So we opened it all up.

By removing the walls and relocating the step to both the exterior and the newly formed formal dining room, we created seamless flow

throughout the main living spaces. We even swapped the dining and TV rooms so whoever’s cooking can stay part of the action. The new formal dining room now features a statement swag-like chandelier and a plaster-finished natural gas fireplace that brings the drama, in a good way.

The kitchen itself is warm and inviting: creamy paint-grade cabinetry, quartz countertops, and an organic porcelain backsplash. We upgraded to a natural gas range (because obviously) and added a pot filler for holiday-level cooking marathons. Kohler polished nickel fixtures shine throughout, especially the bridge faucet overlooking the backyard.

And while standard cabinetry would’ve worked, we went a step further, partnering with Vintage Millwerks to create a custom solid old-growth timber island. It’s the soul of the space. Layered with woven rattan pendants, coordinating counter stools, and a built-in pantry with an appliance garage (goodbye counter clutter), the kitchen is equal parts beautiful and hardworking.

Even the laundry room got its glow-up with encaustic tile and custom cabinetry, because why not make chores pretty?

Seeing this family finally host with space to breathe (and cook) is exactly why we do what we do. Good design doesn’t just change a layout;

it changes how you live.