Michael Norpell's Wall To Wall

Home Improvement Professionals , Architects & Building Designers , Accessory Dwelling Units , Home Remodeling , Home Additions , Universal Design , Basement Remodeling
15 Reviews
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Michael Norpell's Wall To Wall
15 Reviews

Chiffon Breeze Celebrates Water Views

The sweeping curve of this 1968 high-rise provided inspiration for a complete gut rehab of this unit, which had terrific features in its day: a dine-in kitchen with separate dining room, ample closets for storage, and amazing water views. But by 2018, the design needed to dramatically turn a corner.

Michael removed a wall between the kitchen and living room, as well as a wall between the kitchen and the third bedroom, providing water views in what was a tucked-away kitchen while creating the openness many aspire to today. Yet, the layout shields the mechanics of the kitchen and moves the TV to a viewing nook – the result is an intimate coziness often missing from today’s open floor plans. Michael mitigated the challenge of a concrete ceiling by building out a wood-clad ceiling cove, providing space to install modern LED lighting, and creating a dramatic space-defining architectural feature.

The unit came with original Lightolier chandeliers, which the client insisted had to go. Michael had them restored, and nearly 50 years of dust and grime cleaned from the crystal glass rods — the result: sparkling magic.
Project Year: 2019
Project Cost: $150,001 - $200,000
Country: United States
Zip Code: 60660
By removing a wall, the kitchen was opened up to both the dining room and living room. A structural column for the building was in the middle of the space; by covering it in wood paneling, the column became a distinctive architecture feature helping to define the space. To add lighting to a...
Removing the Wall Opens the Kitchen to the Living Room
By removing a wall, the kitchen was opened up to both the dining room and living room. A structural column for the building was in the middle of the space; by covering it in wood paneling, the column became a distinctive architecture feature helping to define the space. To add lighting to a...
Reimagined Galley Kitchen
By removing a wall, the kitchen was opened up to both the dining room and living room. A structural column for the building was in the middle of the space; by covering it in wood paneling, the column became a distinctive architecture feature helping to define the space. To add lighting to a...
Removing the Wall for an Open Concept
Chiffon Breeze Celebrates Water Views
Simple clean lines, and an open furniture layout help celebrate this unit’s lakefront view. The large-patterned yellow carpet helps to expand the space and plays well with the changing colors of the lake. The unit’s original vintage Lightolier light chandelier was rewired and replated. This space...
Clean Design Celebrates Water Views
The original vintage Lightolier chandelier was restored and rewired to create a radiant glow in the dining room. Whimsical wallpaper reflects the client's personality - their love of birds and the fantastic lake views from the unit.
Orignal Vintage Lightolier Fixtures Restored
The simple, clean contemporary styling of the space allows the client's vintage glassware to sparkle.
A contemporary bar for vintage glassware
By removing the closet wall in the third bedroom, the space opened up into what was a dine-in kitchen. Michael was able to design a beverage center convenient to both the kitchen and what is now a family room.
Third Bedroom Becomes Family Room Off Kitchen With Wall Removal
Simple, clean design allows the views from the unit to be the show-stopper.
Chiffon Breeze Celebrates Water Views
The vessel sink rests on the counter, its unique shape providing a contract to the patterned tile backsplash. The linen-look tile appears to be wallpaper at first glance. A walk-in shower creates an open, lofty-feel. Nickle-plated bath fixtures compliment the light fixture.
Chiffon Breeze Celebrates Water Views
The vessel sink rests on the counter, its unique shape providing a contract to the patterned tile backsplash. The linen-look tile appears to be wallpaper at first glance.
A Simple Form for the Sink
The vessel sink rests on the counter, its unique shape providing a contract to the patterned tile backsplash. The linen-look tile appears to be wallpaper at first glance. A walk-in shower creates an open, lofty-feel. Nickle-plated bath fixtures compliment the light fixture.
Tile is the Champion
The building had a single stack running through the primary bath, so to create a double vanity, a trough sink was installed. Oversized hexagon tile makes this bathroom appear spacious, and ceramic textured like wood creates a zen-like spa atmosphere.
Trough Sink Create Double Vanity with Single Drainpipe
The building had a single stack running through the primary bath, so to create a double vanity, a trough sink was installed. Oversized hexagon tile makes this bathroom appear spacious, and ceramic textured like wood creates a zen-like spa atmosphere. Close attention was focused on the installation...
Seamless Floor Tile Moves Into the Zero Clearance Shower
Festive wallpaper creates a fun Kitty Parlor for this client. A white sink and vanity were installed to allow the wallpaper to be the champion in this space. The unit’s original Lightolier light fixture was rewired and replated.
Festive Wallpaper Creates a Kitty Parlor
A full-length wardrobe covered in Italian leather provides a luxurious feel for this primary bedroom. Navy blue carpet helps to anchor this restful retreat.
Luxurious Primary Bedroom
Before
Before Guest Bath
Before
The kitchen, in the center of the unit, was enclosed and had little light. An eat-in area toward the back created an awkward space by today's standards. By removing two walls, Michael was able to open the kitchen to the third bedroom to create an off-kitchen family room, and to the living room, to...
Kitchen Before
Before
Dated Master Suite
Before
Yesterday's Primary Bath