Willow Park Home Renovation
Project Overview
Project Overview
It is always an honor to be invited back into a home to do more work. We value the relationships we build as we work with homeowners toward making their dream projects come to life. In this case we were honored further by being invited to work on some of the rental properties owned by the same family. We look forward to continuing the relationship and continuing the story of each home.
Willow Park is a classic golf course community established during the golden age of modern design. The golf course and quiet streets make it ideal for professionals and retirees, but it was once a haven for young families. The majority of homes were built in the late 60s and early 70s and still hold their original charm. The mature trees and large front lawns add to the peaceful atmosphere.
We first met this house in 2013 for a main-floor bathroom renovation. This was the first update the house had seen since it’s original construction, and it was the only update until we came in again in 2017 to completely gut and renovate the rest of the house. The interior finishes were all consistent with 1970’s contemporary style and were pushing 50 years old. The layout was functional but closed-off and restrictive. After the success of the initial bathroom renovation the homeowners were ready to turn this into their forever home with all their dream finishes.
The first stage of the renovation called for some changes to the floor-plan. The dividing wall between the kitchen and dining room was removed to create more space for the majestic kitchen and eating area.
This included all the electrical components that used to power the stove.
We removed the suspended cabinetry and existing island so we could start from scratch.
There is a modern luxury focus in the new kitchen which can be seen from floor to ceiling. The dark floors contrast perfectly with the light cabinetry and counter tops. The stainless-steel appliances complement each other and stand out as luxury items. What really makes this kitchen special though, are all the lighting components that work together to create different moods. First are the two large south-facing windows and patio door that catch the afternoon sun.
Natural light comes pouring in to highlight the speckled granite counter-tops and the texture of the dark oak flooring. There are plenty of pot-lights to supplement the natural light in the morning and evenings, but when the sun goes down it is time to turn on the baseboard lighting, interior cabinet lighting, and the designer pendulums that hang over the peninsula. This is the perfect setting for some evening drinks, chilled in an under-counter drink cooler.
The fireplace hood in this room was truly something special. This was a wood-burning fireplace with a chimney, which requires special consideration to build over. We carefully removed the hood and filled-in the chimney to keep the area insulated and free from critters. The wall was completely smoothed-over to make way for some impressive built-in shelving and a wall-mounted television. The transformation is remarkable. The custom shelving is perfectly symmetrical and centered along with the pot-lights above. The dark-oak floors extend from the kitchen to homogenize the two rooms.
We believe that each house has a story, and we love being able to continue the narrative by tying together the old with the new. This antique Dutch-oven provided us with such an opportunity. The functioning oven was incorporated into the design during the original construction. The homeowners wanted to keep it as a part of their home’s legacy. We created a raw look that is repeated in different areas of the house by using natural slate tile at the base of the stove and covering the walls with a natural stone tile mosaic.
Again, in the ensuite, we were tasked with changing the layout. This meant deconstructing the entire bathroom and relocating all the plumbing. We brought the bathroom down to bare studs and then began the reconstruction. The homeowners wanted to maintain the same luxury feel throughout the home with an spacious and comfortable ensuite.
The shower is large with beautiful ceramic tile and a river-bed mosaic floor. A bench acts as a kind of pony-wall, separating the shower from the bathtub area, and brings an additional element of comfort and relaxation. The shower panel is consistent with the modern style and a custom insert provides space for soaps and hair products. The custom glass work maintains the open and spacious feeling.
The free-standing soaker tub is slightly off-center and sits in front of a custom waterfall wall. The faucet stands separate from the tub with a shower-wand on it’s side. Imagine relaxing in the bathtub while listening to the soft sound of trickling water. This ensuite can almost be classified as a personal spa.
Lastly, we have the double vanity. Each vessel sink is perched on top of identical vanity cabinets with free standing faucets. The under-cabinet lighting produces a soft glow in the darkness that ads to the spa-like feeling already present. When you step out of the shower or bathtub you will be stepping onto a warm floor thanks to the in-floor heating.
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