YOUR HOME MAGAZINE | 7
fix but for the most part we were able to make those
changes without extensive demolition or layout changes.
For example, the kitchen wasn’t well-planned, there
was wasted space in many of the rooms, the dated wallpaper
was everywhere, and the finishes were all outdated,”
says Project Manager Steve Hartz. “This home
is a great example of how a few crucial changes to main
rooms and then judicial updates to the rest of the home
can completely transform a space.”
In the kitchen, the original double islands where removed
and replaced with a single, more functional one.
The two islands made the kitchen feel cramped and
good design will never make a home feel smaller. Now,
the large island is topped with a beautiful Super White
Extra Marble counter and a gas range. The new white
shaker cabinets are modern and clean, providing the
perfect base for the gold metal pulls. The original bank
of tall windows above the sink illuminates the space.
“The new owners liked the existing french doors so we
refinished them to update the look and add a little more
visual interest,” says Hartz.
Just off the kitchen is the dining room and family
room. This downstairs living area provides the right
amount of room without feeling unmanageable as a
winter retreat. Beams were added to create a more finished
look and add a beautiful design element to the
main living space. Through the French doors beyond
the dining room, the newly refreshed landscaping creates
a more polished indoor/outdoor experience.
The beautiful bar with custom Walker Zanger tiles
now replaces the original odd staircase design. “The
BAR
BEFORE
stairs had two really large bottom steps that extended
across almost the whole wall. There was a tiny space
for a bar but no shelving and really not enough room
to make a functional drink space,” Hartz explains. By
reducing the size of those two steps to match the rest of
the staircase, the bar is now a stunning focal point and
a functional space for entertaining. The floating glass
shelves keep the view of the tile unobstructed and the
cabinets below are stained to match the french doors.