Case Study: A New Start for a Minneapolis Classic

When a family with two young children found their new home in Minneapolis, they saw its potential. Built in 1954, the house had good bones but was a time capsule of a different era. The kitchen felt cramped and isolated, the bathrooms were awkwardly laid out, and the whole house suffered from a chopped-up floor plan that didn't fit a modern family's lifestyle.

Even the attached garage was too small for their needs!

The Transformation Begins

The design process began with a comprehensive reevaluation of the home's layout. We decided to strategically repurpose the original spaces to unlock new possibilities.

The first major change was the kitchen. We moved it into the former dining room and an enclosed sun porch, creating a new, expanded heart of the home.

Meanwhile, the original cramped kitchen space was transformed into a charming new dining room, complete with a custom-built-in bench under the bright bow windows.

Remodeling the Attached Garage Into a Den

The attached garage presented a unique opportunity. Instead of a tight space for cars, it became a dedicated den and playroom for the kids.

Our team's biggest challenge was to seamlessly replace the garage door with windows that perfectly matched the rest of the house, so you’d never guess its former life.

To meet the family’s vehicle needs, a new, spacious two-car garage was built in the backyard.

Finishing Touches for a Whole-Home Remodel

Finally, we carved out a practical and stylish mudroom from a section of the sunroom, complete with a new side entrance — the perfect drop zone for coats, bags, and shoes.

The remodeling didn't stop on the main floor. The full basement was completely remodeled, providing the family with crucial new living space. It now features two additional bedrooms, a full bath, a dedicated laundry room, and an exercise room.

A stylish wet bar was added next to the family room, making it the perfect spot for entertaining.

The end result is a home that feels entirely new and that exudes a sense of harmony and relaxed elegance. The closed-off rooms are gone, replaced by an open, flowing space that works for this family.

Every detail was crafted to turn a functional house into a beautiful home where they can grow and thrive for years to come.