This month’s project spotlight takes us to a unique home right around the corner from our office in Bryn Mawr. Our homeowners purchased their home over 25 years ago and decided it was time to upgrade and expand with a new addition and kitchen renovation.

Before:

Like so many of our favorite projects, this entire renovation stemmed from the kitchen. Our homeowners wanted to expand their space and with a footprint of only 314 sq. ft. it’s easy to see why. The ornately detailed cabinetry and island smack in the middle of the kitchen seemed to maximize the problem of minimal space. The homeowners were looking for more storage, an updated design, and just overall area to work. One of the redeeming qualities in the space was the eat-in breakfast area, which had plenty of windows for natural light.

To expand the kitchen, the new design would need to flow into another area of the home (because the kitchen was essentially at the center of the first-floor plan). The home’s formal dining room sat directly next to the kitchen. The room was small, closed off, and seldom used by the homeowners, which is why we chose to use it in the expansion! Instead of two smaller spaces, we chose to combine and create a single, updated, much more functional space.

The next area to renovate and upgrade was the master suite. The suite had a unique set up, with two closets, one dressing room, and two separate bathrooms on opposite sides of the room. While the layout may have worked for years while our homeowners raised their family (while they needed the three additional bedrooms on the floor), they now had the opportunity as empty nesters to create the master suite they had been dreaming of for years!

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The homeowners wanted to simplify the room’s layout, creating a single master bathroom with one entrance, and combining their closets and dressing room into one expansive space. Instead of making these changes in the bedroom, and reducing the square footage, our homeowners decided it made sense to expand! For the closet, they chose to expand into an empty bedroom adjacent to their own. To create the master bathroom, we designed a new 2-story addition directly off of the bedroom. This addition also gave our clients space on the first floor, which they used to create a new formal dining room.

After:

We began by removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room, opening things up, then worked with Glenbrook Cabinetry to design the new space. After combining the rooms, the kitchen now has 450 sq. ft. of space, which gives our homeowners the necessary area to move and work, even with numerous guests. With two new islands for ample counter space and clean white perimeter storage, this renovation offers as much improvement in the functionality category as it does design!

On one side of the space, in place of their previously existing kitchen, we helped our clients create a clean transitional work area. The new space has white cabinetry, which includes a custom range hood from Glenbrook Cabinetry. The cabinetry, paired with a chevron marble mosaic backsplash, aids in giving the expanded kitchen a brighter and updated look. To add a touch of traditional charm to the design, we installed crown molding and marble edge trim to frame the range’s backsplash. To top the space off, the homeowners chose a stunning Madre Perola quartzite countertop. This provides them with a durable, easy to clean, work surface, as well as offers a dark contrast to the other finishes in the space.

The new island is quite the improvement, in both style, size, and features! The homeowners wanted to add a touch of warmth, so they decided on a Cherry base for the island. To give it an increasingly elegant look they added ornate pilasters and topped the island with matching Madre Perola quartzite. You know it’s what’s inside that counts, and this island is no exception! In addition to ample counter space and storage, the island includes features like a trash chute, custom vegetable drawer, and a touchless faucet.

Before the renovation, the kitchen had a desk and filing space located in the breakfast area. Because the design was designed to match the older cabinetry, Glenbrook whipped up something new to match the renovation! Welcome to the new chef’s pantry! With similar detailing and finish to the island, it offers additional storage to assure this kitchen is always stocked and organized.

In the space between the two islands, Glenbrook Cabinetry designed a perfectly petit coffee station! With added storage and organization this little addition assures the other kitchen surfaces are free and clear (and the really important things stay in one convenient spot)!

At the other island (in what used to be the dining room) our homeowners created a unique bar area! In addition to their new professional size refrigerator, the area includes a built-in ice maker and beverage chiller. You’ll also notice custom wine rack and built-in wine glass storage, which assures the essentials are in one convenient place.

Our homeowners made wanted to give this space it’s own personality, and we can’t say we blame them. Instead of using a traditional stone top for their second island, they found this custom resin-filled wood top. We love the modern yet organic feel it brings to the area. Not only does it look fabulous, but it was made by a vendor in Philadelphia (have to love shopping local)! The company is called UrbanBurb, and you can check them out here!

Before we move onto the new construction, we have one more highlight! The unique bird tile backsplash over the sink may look familiar, and that’s because it is! The homeowners wanted to hang onto a piece of their original design (and with tile that ornate, who can blame them?), so they reused their original kitchen’s backsplash in the bar area! It’s a perfectly unique addition that adds to the eclectic elegance of the space.

We love how this space turned out! Our homeowners have much more room and storage in their new kitchen, not to mention how the updated design works in the overall space. You know this was only a piece of the renovation, so onto the new construction!

The new dining room is a light and airy masterpiece (if we do say so ourselves)! Not only do our homeowners have ample room to host guests and move about, but they now have plenty of natural light. The space offers beautiful views of the property through the newly installed bay window. To blend this room’s style with the rest of the home we added a few traditional details, like a tray ceiling, crown molding, and a chair rail.

Last but certainly not least on this tour, we have the homeowners’ new master suite. After renovating the bedroom and closet we went to work on the new master bathroom.

Can you believe this didn’t exist? 300 sq. ft. of pure zen and tranquility. With dimmable recessed lighting and a chandelier to set the mood, cool marble tile throughout the space, a clawfoot tub to ensure a relaxing soak, and a towel warmer to finish off in comfort, this bathroom has it all!

If you recall, the homeowners previously had two separate bathrooms attached to their room master suite, now they have this single luxurious space! To add to the room’s relaxing atmosphere the design included plenty of windows, for ample natural light, as well as the ornate chandelier and recessed lighting. The custom vanity offers our homeowners space for getting ready, his and her sinks, as well as storage with custom organizational drawers. Just in case this isn’t enough, the room also has a linen closet discreetly located behind the shower. The cabinetry itself also works with the unique reclaimed wood diamond accent walls, to bring a touch of warmth and balance the cool tones of the room.

The new oil-rubbed bronze clawfoot tub brings a new level of decadence and style to this maser bath. Accented by the reclaimed wood diamond tile, this corner of the room certainly draws the eye. The clawfoot tub also has a detachable sprayer and built-in shelf, making it the perfect spot to relax and unwind.

It’s really not fair to discuss decadence before seeing the new glass-enclosed shower. Outfitted with a rain shower head and hand sprayers on both sides, there are plenty of ways to relax.

The showers Hampton Carrara marble tile contrasts beautifully with the matte black fixtures, while niches on both sides and a quartzite bench that spans the length of the space offering storage for both homeowners. Last but not least, and certainly hard to miss, a huge window offers whoever is enjoying this space beautiful views of the outdoors.

Thanks for checking out this month’s project spotlight! We hope you enjoyed this elegantly eclectic home renovation! To see more images, visit us on Houzz.