Just 10 days after moving in, our clients reached out to bring their dream kitchen to life. We opened the space into the dining area, reworked the island for better flow, added a beverage bar, extended the upper cabinets to the ceiling with glass fronts, and transformed the pantry for improved function. The result is a warm, inviting kitchen designed for cooking, gathering, and entertaining.

Kitchen - craftsman kitchen idea in Chicago

Example of a transitional closet design in DC Metro

Minimalist bathroom photo in Kansas City

Inspiration for a kitchen remodel in DC Metro

The island can seat three people. The previous table in the eat-in kitchen was eliminated since there is already a dining area elsewhere.
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional galley porcelain tile and gray floor eat-in kitchen remodel in New York with a single-bowl sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and gray countertops

The owners of this beautiful St. Louis Park home are savvy designers, my longest-term client, and good friends. Years ago, they decided to make this house their “forever” home. They imagined how to expand their home over time to meet the needs of a growing family. My work on this home began in 2008. Our first project added a comfortable second-floor master suite with full bath. We also updated the exterior from dark brown to grey with white accents to enhance curb appeal. In 2012 we remodeled the basement with a big, warm family room and fireplace, updated laundry and utility room, and a custom wet bar. An open staircase invites traffic into the family room, while a child-proof gate to keep the 3-year-old twins safe. More In 2019 we added a two-story addition by extending the first floor into the backyard, creating a large, open kitchen/dining/family space. We reconfigured the existing main floor bath to a roomy ¾ bath with shower, and removed the existing tub. Two existing first-floor bedrooms were updated as well. The second floor was expanded toward the back yard, creating a larger master suite featuring two large 10′ X 10′ custom closets. The second floor was also expanded over a new garage to make room for another new bedroom with a 100 sq. ft. closet. All this transformed their home into a comfortable, full featured four-bedroom home. With all this construction over the years the backyard was in dire need of landscaping. And as before, the owners wanted to do this in phases. The fourth phase has just been completed, and the results are amazing. Like an arboretum, the backyard features mature trees with abundant shade for Minnesota’s hot and humid summers. The patio is perfect for barbecue entertaining. Naturally stained cedar fencing surrounds the yard, and a small utility shed looks mimics the home’s exterior. Notice the second-floor dormer and window on the front of the house, and the first-floor expansion on the back of the house (+ 25 feet) with windows looking into the family room and kitchen. Imagine the view of this backyard from the kitchen table, where owners often work from home. As plants grow over the years and it will only get better. The result: A forever home that grows with this family.

Example of a patio design in St Louis

This plan includes nine-foot ceilings on the first floor, and four bedrooms and a large loft, which can also be configured as a fifth bedroom. The main living areas include a kitchen offers a butler's pantry and a large walk-in kitchen pantry, formal dining and a study with double doors. The entry from garage to house has a drop zone option, and the garage offers a tool area. The huge primary bedroom with double tray ceiling opens to a bath with dual vanities, a linen closet, garden tub and separate shower, and a commode enclosure. Additional luxury bath options and decorative window options are available. The oversized wrap-around closet has a direct door to the utility room, which is located upstairs for convenience, and features a folding counter. Exterior plan details include a mostly brick front and a covered entry. Three front elevations are available.

Arts and crafts bathroom photo in DC Metro

Inspiration for a craftsman family room remodel in DC Metro

Nora Best Photography
Example of a classic bathroom design in Other

Beach style home design photo in Kansas City

Inspiration for a kitchen remodel in Austin

Example of an arts and crafts bathroom design in DC Metro

Core Design Services, LLC
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary formal and open concept porcelain tile living room remodel in Los Angeles with gray walls, a ribbon fireplace, a wood fireplace surround and a concealed tv

Example of a mid-sized mid-century modern ceramic tile and white floor kitchen/dining room combo design in New York with beige walls and no fireplace