After: This angled kitchen is a game-changer! The peninsula and island create an amazing sense of depth, making the space feel both expansive and inviting. It's the perfect blend of style and functionality!
Before: We had big plans to knock down that wall on the right and really open things up! However, we realized that doing so would sacrifice some essential upper cabinet space. Sometimes, it’s all about balancing openness with practicality!
During: Check out the incredible load-bearing beam! It’s working double duty to support the ceiling in two directions after those pantry walls were taken down! Talk about strength and style!
After: The pot filler is not just a practical addition; it’s a stunning accent that elevates the entire space! Plus, strategic undercabinet lighting is essential to keep shadows at bay and ensure everything shines bright!
Before: The transformation from that '80s oak is absolutely mind-blowing! The before and after is a stunning showcase of how a little change can make a huge impact. It’s like a breath of fresh air in the space!
After: Behold the masterpiece island that truly tested our cabinet team’s skills—keeping it perfectly parallel with the stove wall was no small feat! And let’s not forget the amazing rollout storage to the right of the fridge; it’s like a magician’s hat—full of surprises and ready to pull out all the essentials!
After: The herringbone backsplash is always a great upgrade to really make a statement in the space. More roll outs to the right of the stove for cooking essentials.
After: The barn door to close off the laundry room keeps the area looking clean and looks amazing as well! Don't forget about soft close for smooth operation!
After: Still cant believe that there was no header above the stain glass over the exterior door previously. 8x8 sliders really open things up!
Before: Here is the stained glass that was installed above a header, with no load support above it, it must have been structural glass I guess.
After: This island was a great challenge, but the varying ceiling types turned out to be an even bigger puzzle! It's fascinating how different ceiling styles can add complexity to a project.
After: The pantry door received a frosted tint later, and it turned out fantastic! The microwave drawers not only look sleek but also function like a charm—definitely a win-win for both aesthetics and practicality!
After: The barn doors are clearly not going out of style anytime soon! They bring a unique character to the space while effortlessly enhancing the overall design. It’s hard to argue with their timeless appeal!
After:We can't overlook the women's appliance drawer on the left—it's essential for keeping the countertops tidy! A smart addition that maximizes space while maintaining a clean look.
Before: This was a fantastic opportunity to truly excel in space planning for this bathroom. The before-and-after transformation is so striking that it makes you wonder if it's even the same space!
After: This transformation was so photogenic that we just had to showcase it on the side of our work trailer! It’s a perfect way to share our pride in the project wherever we go!
Before: The glass blocks served their purpose, but it was time for a change. With such a small shower in this spacious area, we needed to set some priorities straight to make the most of the space!
After: The layout for this bathroom was a lot of fun to really maximize the space and functions. Even has heated floors in the shower!
After:Another barn door adds both beauty and functionality, eliminating the hassle of maneuvering around two doors to access the bathroom! It’s a smart design choice that enhances the flow of the space.
After: This bathroom had previously wasted floor space, but by shifting the door opening and closing off the commode, we created a lovely closet area! It’s a perfect example of maximizing functionality while enhancing the overall design.
Description
This whole-home renovation focused on transforming a dated and compartmentalized layout into a bright, cohesive, and highly functional living space. The kitchen was completely reimagined with custom white shaker cabinetry, matte black hardware, and a two-tone island painted in an iron ore color to create contrast and visual interest. The countertops were upgraded to a light, natural stone quartzite with soft veining and an eased edge profile for a thick, high-end appearance. The backsplash features a white glazed herringbone tile pattern, adding texture and a touch of timeless elegance, paired with under-cabinet lighting for both form and function. New wide-plank, light-toned flooring flows seamlessly from the kitchen into the adjacent dining and living areas, unifying the space and enhancing natural light. A built-in beverage center with wine storage and a microwave drawer integrates seamlessly into the cabinetry, while floating shelves in the breakfast nook add open display space without cluttering sightlines. Updated lighting includes glass pendant fixtures and modern recessed cans throughout. The vaulted ceiling with contemporary fan and fireplace redesign completes the transformation into a fresh, open-concept home ideal for entertaining and everyday living. The original master bathroom felt dated and compartmentalized, with honey oak cabinetry, laminate countertops, and a bulky built-in tub paired with a corner shower framed in gold trim. Glass block windows and older finishes made the space feel heavy and disconnected from the rest of the home’s evolving style. While the layout was serviceable, it lacked the modern aesthetic and functional elegance the homeowners desired. The renovation brought a dramatic transformation, replacing outdated materials with crisp white shaker cabinetry, matching quartzite countertops & sills throughout, and matte black hardware for a timeless, elevated look. The bulky tub was removed to open the space, while the shower was upgraded with new tile and a frameless glass enclosure for a more luxurious feel. Contemporary lighting, clean-lined finishes, and updated flooring unify the room, turning the once-tired bathroom into a serene, spa-like retreat.
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Homeowner's Goals
The homeowners set out to transform their home from a dated, segmented layout into a bright, cohesive, and modern living space that prioritizes both functionality and timeless design. In the kitchen, their goal was to open up the floor plan, removing visual barriers and dark finishes to create a clean, inviting hub for daily living and entertaining. By incorporating white shaker cabinetry, a warm wood-toned island, quartzite countertops with eased edges, and modern tile backsplashes, they aimed to blend classic elements with current design trends. Updated lighting, appliances, and wide-plank oak flooring completed the vision of a high-functioning, elegant kitchen that seamlessly connects to the surrounding living areas. In the master bathroom, the homeowners wanted to replace outdated finishes and bulky fixtures with a serene, spa-inspired retreat. Their goal was to maximize openness and light by removing the oversized built-in tub, reconfiguring the shower with sleek tile and frameless glass, and installing clean-lined white cabinetry with matte black accents. Adding heated floors in the shower area to really provide high end luxury. Throughout the home, their overall vision emphasized consistency in style—natural materials, neutral tones, and refined detailing—to create a harmonious, comfortable environment with lasting appeal. The result is a thoughtfully updated home that feels both fresh and timeless.
Project Challenges
This whole-home remodel presented several structural and design challenges, particularly in the kitchen and main living areas where the goal was to create a more open, connected space. Reworking the original compartmentalized layout meant removing walls and adjusting traffic flow, but this revealed several unforeseen complications. One of the most significant was the discovery of an unexpected structural beam that was needed in the kitchen ceiling. The project team had to quickly pivot, incorporating the beam into the final design in a way that felt intentional and visually cohesive. Additionally, the different ceiling types introduced challenges in balancing cabinetry height, lighting placement, and maintaining clean sightlines throughout the open-concept space. The home’s unique architectural angles further complicated the remodel. Sloped ceilings and irregular wall lines made the installation of cabinetry, tile, and trim particularly complex, requiring custom adjustments and precise craftsmanship to achieve a polished finish. Transitions between materials—such as cabinetry into vaulted ceilings or flooring through angled doorways—demanded careful planning to ensure flow and symmetry. Integrating modern finishes into an older home also meant overcoming inconsistencies in framing and dimensions, all while maintaining a seamless, updated look that felt both functional and timeless.
Materials/Techniques
This whole-home remodel was thoughtfully executed using a balanced mix of modern materials and precise construction techniques to create a cohesive, elevated design throughout the space. In the kitchen, custom shaker-style cabinetry in a soft white finish was paired with a contrasting deep Iron ore colored island for warmth and visual interest. Durable & sustainable, quartzite countertops with bold veining and eased edge detailing were installed on both the perimeter and island surfaces, offering a clean, high-end finish. A glazed ceramic backsplash in a herringbone pattern added texture and sophistication, while matte black hardware ensured a streamlined, designer look. In the master bathroom, similar design continuity was achieved with white cabinetry, quartzite countertops, and matte black plumbing fixtures. The bulky built-in tub was removed to create more open floor space, allowing for the installation of a frameless glass shower with full-height tile and modern accents. Throughout the home, wide-plank light oak flooring was laid continuously to unify each room and enhance natural light. Custom floating shelves, statement pendant lights, and a mixture of recessed LED lighting were incorporated for both function and ambiance. Structurally, the project involved significant reframing—including a vaulted ceiling with hidden structural beams, carefully integrated into the aesthetic—and custom trim work to accommodate unique angles and transitions. The result is a refined, open-concept home that combines timeless finishes with thoughtful craftsmanship.
Contact The Remodeler
(208) 890-9664 merrickdesigngc@gmail.com Merrickgcdesign.com