Blaine Couple Stays Put and Transforms Home into Dream Kitchen

Remodeling Success Story: Blaine Couple Turns Home into Dream Oasis

Project Summary 

Torn between moving or staying, many homeowners face the ultimate decision. This semi-retired couple was convinced they needed to relocate to attain the upgraded amenities they had always yearned for in a home. However, after endless attempts, their patience wore thin, and a realization struck—they could achieve everything they desired right within their current residence, with a little assistance from us.

Having recently completed a remarkable kitchen remodel for their daughter in Minneapolis, our expertise and reliability left them assured in choosing us to tackle their new kitchen and office/craft room redesign.

At the top of their wish list was a sleek Euro-inspired kitchen with ample storage for all their appliances, skillfully concealed behind elegant Euro-style cabinetry. A magnificent 5 1/2 Ft. island took center stage, offering a clean and spacious cooking environment.

AFTER: Kitchen cabinet wall with relocated fridge. A new island cooktop and glass front upper cabinets to show off crystal glass pieces.
AFTER: Note retractable cooktop venting unit.


Before

BEFORE: From left: Kitchen showing island and refrigerator that was moved to the wall on the left; Right: dining area to be turned into office and "loom room".

Plan elevation cross section for new beam placement.
New Proposed layout


After

To add the new beam, we skillfully removed and reconstructed the wall separating the kitchen from the formal dining room. We transformed the former dining room into a functional office and weaving room. Sacrificing a few feet from the dinette area, we optimized kitchen storage. We also added a space-saving Oak French pocket door with Rain style glass for easy access to the office.

AFTER: kitchen island with custom built-in niche. Pendant lights were picked out by the homeowner.
AFTER: Concealed accessory pullouts gives this kitchen twice the storage and ease of access.

The kitchen underwent a complete metamorphosis, boasting Calico Hickory cabinets with a full overlay design, vertical grain-matched doors, drawers, and Hardrock melamine interiors. Faux beams were added to the vaulted ceiling for an extra touch of visual interest.

This remarkable transformation also involved relocating the Wolf cooktop to the island, complemented by a retractable venting unit. Also, the island’s new beverage center with custom niches for cookbooks and memorabilia added a personal touch. Cambria countertops adorned both the island and perimeter.

To further enhance their home's allure, LVP flooring replaced worn-out carpets throughout the main level, while the stairs received a much-needed makeover.

AFTER: Kitchen with TV garage.
AFTER: The loom room. Once an unused dining room, this new office space now acts as the homeowner's hobby/office room. After all, you need room for a loom.

The newly designed office space served two essential purposes: providing a private and secluded area for personal and business needs and creating a haven for pursuing the couple's passion for weaving tapestries. A specially designed cabinet was crafted to house their loom, completing their dream space.

So, did this investment and decision to stay improve their lives? Yes, without question. The functionality of the kitchen was greatly improved, making daily tasks easier, but beyond that, the beauty that this remodel has brought into their lives is far more important and lasting.

AFTER: Hickory flooring throughout. We made the entry rug from the carpet remnant leftover from the new carpeting on the stairs.
AFTER: Accessory utensil organization drawer.
AFTER: A custom niche for books



AFTER: Appliance garage conceals useful and not-so-elegant items like the toaster. Will they ever make a toaster worthy of such a countertop?



AFTER: Note hand set tile backsplash.
AFTER: As a parting gift our master carpenter made this pizza cutter out of leftover scraps. Notice how he crafted the handle out of 4 separate slivers of wood and spliced them together.


Featured Materials

APPLIANCES

  • Sub-Zero Refrigeration, 36" Designer Over-and-Under, Panel Ready
  • Wolf Cooktop, 30" Contemporary Induction
  • Bosch Dishwasher, 24" Custom Panel Dishwasher

CABINETRY

  • Kitchen: Full Overlay Design, vertical grain, select Calico Hickory
  • Glass panel inserts in upper cabinets

COUNTERTOPS

  • Cambria Brittanicca Warm

FIXTURES

  • Blanco Undermount Double Bowl Kitchen Sink, Concrete Gra

FLOORING

  • COREtec Red River Hickory — Kitchen, Office, Entry, Powder Room and Great Room

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