4 Ways to Upgrade Your Dated Home

 

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“We chose the Kitchen Studio of Glen Ellyn for our kitchen and bathroom remodeling based on reviews, personal recommendations, and attendance at special events sponsored by the Studio. From our first consultation through final inspections and tweaks, our projects proceeded smoothly and with minimal stress and disruption. Susan is a highly creative designer with great ideas and experience. She leads a talented team of designers, project managers, and support staff who were all helpful and patient throughout. The main crew who worked daily were skilled, prompt, clean, hardworking, and very considerate. They completed the carpentry, tilework, cabinet installation, and drywall with high quality workmanship. We were pleased that the projects were completed on schedule, and we attribute this to the Kitchen Studio’s high standards of organization, professionalism, and customer service. Minor problems were corrected in an efficient and responsible manner. Best of all, we love the results! Our kitchen and bathrooms are beautiful. The improvements are especially striking given the small scale of our rooms. The colors, textures, finishes, and overall design have greatly enhanced the look and value of our home. Thanks to all at the Kitchen Studio!”

 

How do you update an older house?

The existing kitchen layout was functional for them, so we kept that pretty much as is.

Here are a couple of before shots of the kitchen.

 

 

1. Let the space breathe

The soffit and the pantry really closed in the space, so we removed both of those. We encountered a couple of surprises in the pantry wall, but after a few stressful moments, we figured out a plan to relocate those items. We also eliminated a desk area which now houses a “drop zone” for mail and additional storage.

Bobbie wanted a contemporary-leaning transitional look — nice clean lines with a gray and white palette. Light gray cabinets with a slightly darker gray subway tile keep the northern exposure light and airy.

2. Bring out your personal style

Bobbie and Marty also purchased some new furniture for their breakfast room and adjoining family room, so the whole space looks completely styled and new! The light fixtures are staggered and give a nice rhythm to the otherwise serene feel. Goodbye linoleum, hello 2018!

Here’s the little powder room off the kitchen that we also remodeled. They were not 100% sold on the flooring choice when I first showed it, but now they think it is one of the most interesting features of the design and I agree! I always try to “push” my clients a little bit because that’s when things can get really fun and this is what you are paying for after all, ideas that you may not come up with on your own.

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After:

3. Add some flair to all your rooms 

We also worked on the two upstairs bathrooms. We started first on the hall bath which was basically just in need of a facelift. The floor is porcelain tile made to look like carrera marble. The vanity is white Shaker doors fitted with a white quartz top. We re-glazed the cast iron tub which was a bit of an adventure as the first time the “new guy” from the reglazing company stored the materials in his truck overnight in the cold causing the finish to bubble after it was applied. Company number two to the rescue and 2nd time’s a charm – now we were looking at what we were expecting.

Before:

After:

4. Create a luxurious bathroom space

Last but not least, we remodeled the master bath which was a tub to shower conversion. We used a wood look porcelain plank on the main floor along with a Kohler Tailored vanity. The custom shower has a barn door shower door, and vinyl wallpaper in the sink area gives a rich textured look to the space. Overall, we think this looks pretty sophisticated for its smaller footprint, don’t you? 

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After:

Where can I find experienced interior designers in Naperville?

Looking for innovative ways to improve your home? The Kitchen Studio provides you with the most comprehensive  services. Thanks to years of experience, we developed a design-build approach that ensures quality, meticulous planning, and exceptional craftsmanship. You can rely on an experienced design team to plan every phase in accordance with your requirements to create a comfortable, functional, and accessible living environment.

Dining room table and chairs by:

Michele Ranalletta, Interior Designer, Toms-Price