A Space to Relax, Entertain + Make Memories
The Vision
After moving to Ann Arbor from Minnesota, these homeowners aimed to design a modern and inviting home that would showcase their personal style and cater to their family as they grew up and aged. They imagined a space that was both practical and visually appealing, emphasizing natural light, open living areas, and with a contemporary aesthetic.
Several project areas within the house were outlined for remodeling, with options to include or exclude features to remain within budget. The homeowners wanted to steer clear of extravagant choices that exceeded the desired budget range— and they didn’t want to be enticed!
Our most recent project in 2023 was a primary suite bathroom renovation. While we were onsite, we extended the project to also replace the original, drafty, and inefficient living room windows and repaired some ceiling damage in that room.
Each project offered a unique opportunity for our team to take this family’s home to the next level. From the initial kitchen upgrade to the recent primary suite and living room renovations, we witnessed their home evolve into a space that not only meets their practical needs but also resonates with their style and personality. Let’s dive in!
The Results
The remodeling project successfully transformed this home into a modern, inviting space that perfectly suited their needs and lifestyle. Key results included:
- Increased Natural Light: The improved lighting design created a brighter, more cheerful atmosphere throughout the home.
- Open and Functional Layout: The open floor plan and improved flow between rooms made the space feel more spacious and inviting.
- Modern Aesthetic: The contemporary design elements, including clean lines, neutral colors, and high-quality materials, gave the home a fresh and updated look.
- Family-Friendly Features: The remodeled home provided ample storage, comfortable living areas, and ADA-compliant features to meet the needs of the entire family.
- Increased Property Value: While the homeowners do not plan to sell anytime soon, this remodeling project has increased the value of their home.
Overall, the project exceeded the client's expectations and created a beautiful, functional, and enjoyable living space.
Project Goals
The team at Meadowlark Design+Build worked closely with the homeowners to develop a remodeling plan that addressed their needs and exceeded their expectations. Key elements of the solution included:
- Improved Lighting: We implemented a comprehensive lighting plan to increase natural light and create a brighter, more inviting atmosphere. This included replacing existing fixtures with modern, energy-efficient options and exploring ways to increase natural light without relying on skylights.
- Open Floor Plan: To create a more open and connected living space, we focused on breaking down the home's segmented feel. This involved removing walls where possible and creating a more fluid flow between rooms.
- Modern Aesthetic: Meadowlark incorporated a modern aesthetic throughout the home, using clean lines, neutral colors, and high-quality materials. The design was carefully curated to reflect their personal style and create a sense of tranquility and relaxation.
- Family-Friendly Features: We ensured that the remodeled home was both functional and family-friendly. This included creating ample storage space, incorporating ADA-compliant features for their mother, and providing comfortable and inviting living areas for the entire family.
By addressing these key areas, Meadowlark transformed the home into a beautiful and functional living space that perfectly suited their needs and lifestyle. The remodeled home is now a modern retreat where the family can relax, entertain, and create lasting memories.
Project Challenges
The existing home presented several challenges. The lack of natural light and old lighting fixtures created a dark atmosphere, making it hard to create a welcoming environment.
The segmented floor plan, with many small rooms and narrow hallways, made the space feel closed off and hindered the home's flow and functionality. It was hard to entertain more than one family at a time, and the kitchen was isolated from the living room.
Additionally, the aging infrastructure, including outdated plumbing and electrical systems, and worn-out materials like older flooring, required updates to meet modern standards and ensure safety and efficiency.
Product Selections
To fulfill the homeowners' vision of a colorful, contemporary, and functional home, Meadowlark Design+Build, along with the homeowners, chose a variety of products and selections:
- Induction Range by Bertazzoni - Pro Series 36” Freestanding
- Elkay Crosstown kitchen sink with double basin
- Kitchen/Island Pendants - Hennepin Made - Glow by Room + Board
- Foyer paint - Salty Dog by Sherwin Williams
- Walls - Aesthetic White by Sherwin Williams
- Fireplace Brick - Anew Gray by Sherwin Williams
- Front Door - Dark Harbor by Benjamin Moore
- Dining Room Pendant over Table - Fairbanks - by Room + Board
- Foyer Floor - Mirazzi 8" Hex Tile
- Countertops - Smokey Quartz Polished