A common footprint within the Martin Acres neighborhood, this remodel project had one command to live by: drop it! Their two dogs dutifully obey commands, and likewise SoBo heeded the call.
Let’s start with the pets. The homeowners wanted to clean up the pooch’s gear so we incorporated an angled endcap cabinet specifically for dog bowls to fit underneath and a dedicated drawer for poop bags, treats, and other paraphernalia. Leashes hang on hooks near the back entry. We love solving needs for all who dwell in the abode.
Work It
One of the homeowner’s issues with the original footprint was the lack of a designated entryway “drop zone.” An addition of a foyer or mudroom wasn’t in scope, so we did what we do best: we worked with what we had. And what we had was a coat closet. So we built a half wall structure encasing the closet that housed a bench and unique Etsy-sourced hooks. Now there’s a tidy little faux mudroom. It’s purpose-built for seating and hiding cast-off apparel while it visually designates the entry. We updated the coat closet with a new track-less barn door. It looks like the door is floating, a modern and appealing alternative to a swing door that needs horizontal clearance.
Why stop halfway?
The drop zone wall only extends chest-high for good reason. First, the renovation is so drop-dead gorgeous we wanted direct sight lines to the fireplace and kitchen. Second, proportionally it made the most sense. To have a ceiling-height wall would’ve made the entire space feel smaller. Third, it allowed natural light to do its thing throughout. A half-wall accomplishes the goals of creating a defined entry, hiding shoes, backpacks, and jackets, and doesn’t obstruct the view. It just did it much more thoughtfully.
Take a look at the view: move the slider arrows below with your cursor to view Before/After photos
Custom Fireplace Surround
The home was fortunate enough to have a fireplace, but it was dated and didn’t visually anchor the updated space. Now full height tiling in natural and “pottery gray” hues with pops of blue draws the eye to the fireplace surround. Its organic appeal is enhanced by a custom, one-of-a-kind herringbone layout.
Notice in the before/after image the wall separating the living room from the kitchen. Removing the wall allowed a few more feet for a banquette and dining table. We employ banquettes often, as they offer comfortable seating and extra storage in a compact and interesting way. Also notice that the right window became a door with access to the backyard.
*Move the slider below with your cursor to view Before/After photos
Drop it Like It’s Haute
We’re so proud of the devastatingly good looks of this kitchen. Before the remodel, it was a galley with a pass-through window. We swapped the location of the dining table so the kitchen extends to the front of the house and removed the aforementioned dividing wall. Our homeowners wanted a tiered island because they knew their countertop realistically is cluttered more often than not. They felt a higher countertop toward the living area would help hide a bit of mess on both the island and back counters. We responded by designing a workspace level and a bar height level that accommodates three stools. SoBo’s Production Team craftsmanship really shone through in the engineering and fitting the double levels together, as seen in the photos. They developed a way to interlock the cabinets when installing no seams were necessary.
The countertops were crucial to an organic and earthy tone, as one homeowner is a geologist. Tahitian White stone continued as a backsplash, adding lightness and movement to the smoky blue/gray flat panel cabinet doors. Warm, deep walnut full height cabinets add another layer of richness and texture.
Our Design Team developed a “wow factor” smack in the middle of the kitchen. A dropped ceiling above the island breaks up the open concept’s single ceiling plane. Multipurpose lighting includes upward accenting, cans for food prep, three-brightness recessed hood lighting, plus three elegant pendants found at Visual Comfort Modern by Lumens. The center of the kitchen is stylishly and architecturally evolved from top to bottom.
*Move the slider below with your cursor to view Before/After photos
We thrive on making the most of the space and wishlist given to us at a project’s launch. This is a prime example of revolutionizing the way a family lives – and feels – in their existing home. From a dated 1950’s rectangle to modern gathering spot, we think this remodel is worthy of a mic drop.
Photos: Dane Cronin Photography