Remember that post where I shared our friends’ home? The one about the kitchen redo of all redos?
If not, let us rewind for a minute. I feel like a total dork, because I never really properly introduced our friends, Brooke and Brian. I kind of just threw up an old prom photo and made it all about my dork days. I mean, we go back… so it was worth noting my Chelsea Clinton spiral perm heard ’round Mr. Bartz’s Math class circa 1993, after all.
But I think we should take a moment to admire what rockstar models they are. Things like this must also be noted.
{photo by Caleb Chancey Photography}
See? The roach poo covered prom photo circa 1998… just wasn’t cutting it.
Side note: I actually stole this photo from their website – I’ll have more on their new business coming soon, because a side mention in the middle of this post about their home, just doesn’t cut it. You’re going to want to know about this. But I’m saving it. Because that’s a post {or two} with an amazing story behind it… all on its own. We can’t wait to share.
But back to the house. Because it had been a while since we checked in, and we promise we haven’t forgotten…
If you remember, here’s a few of the before photos. You can see more in our original post, here.
But Brooke and Brian were ready to take on their kitchen remodel.
The house definitely has a charming quality all on its own.
With a charm to that existing footprint. The bathroom, laundry room, garage, and music room are getting an expansion/overhaul. All within the existing footprint, but with an arrangement for better flow.
So all of this is about to get a major overhaul.
The existing plans, look a bit like this {I only included the part of the floor plan that will change, for the sake of their privacy. – Promise there’s more to the house…
And they had some grandiose plans for that kitchen. Which were amazing.
It included a complete overhaul and expansion, in which the existing kitchen was taken out beyond the walls.
And some understated, quiet beauty in lots of natural materials like this.
And she even went to Market, and spied some of these beauties that she plans to bring into the mix as well: Eye candy much? Yes, please.
In the meantime, things came back on the construction and quotes end of things, and they weren’t quite what they needed them to be in the bids department. And we think that this is where the story gets even more interesting. Because they took a moment to stop and regroup, and take a long hard look at what was worth it, and what wasn’t.
At the end of the day we’re just living life in our homes, and it’s all about truly enjoying something. Having our dwelling places reflect us, to tell our story… And it takes a little give and take to get there.
So, since our lives aren’t really a magical HGTV epi where makeovers happen in a commercial break {::raises hand in corner::} their plans needed a good beating reworking. They decided it was back to the drawing board to think a little beyond their limitations. And this is what they came up with:
Which they like even more.
And so do we.
It’s clever. It’s smart. And it works with their existing footprint.
We think that this is where the beauty comes. In those moments where we rethink and regroup and take the bull by the horns once again.
I think it makes us all appreciate it more, when we have those moments.
Orson Welles once said: “The absence of limitations is the enemy of art.”
I find this true for us, every day in what we do. There’s a lot to be said about the end product that comes from creativity in working with what you have.
So, here they are. Instead of a big fat add on, which would have been awesome… they’ve decided to think beyond the norm and work with their existing footprint. Which is even more awesome. The kitchen will now expand into their fireplace room.
We never showed you the fireplace room in the last photo, but our oldest just walked in while I was writing this post, and said “That’s my favorite room in their house!”
Even our kids are in love with their house.
This wall will cease to exist, as it now butts up next to the existing kitchen.
Brooke already has some really gorgeous pieces that she intends to work with… a few of them were her mothers which make them even cooler. We hope to share as she infuses each room slowly but surely. This area will become the new seating area beyond the eat-in area of the kitchen.
And on the other side of this fireplace, their new living room area.
These windows are amazing. The likes of which they will not touch. Some things are meant to stay.
The back walls of the kitchen will back up to the now eat-in area, and they’ll also have this space to enjoy, as well.
So the two spaces will connect. They’ll still be bringing in some of those gorgeous elements we gave you a sneak peek of last time, and more importantly, they still get that vaulted ceiling.
Tada! Brilliant and simple. Still a lot of work, but taking out those walls streamlines it a bit.
This wall will no longer exist, but she will keep it to a degree, for her foyer area. Which we think is a wise move. {::say the people who are currently blowing out their entire house because they didn’t have space to keep a foyer::}
Sometimes working with what you have can be some of your greatest super powers.
So stay tuned.
Their demo starts soon, and we can’t wait to share what they have up their sleeves…
Or her amazing new business.
So many exciting things on the horizon!
So many things that we think just may be happening at once… After all this waiting. The irony isn’t lost on us.
Have an inspired day!
Gemma says
This is perfect! Such smart thinking because all this home redo stuff isn’t easy. I definitely think it’s even more interesting now especially with such pretty pieces. Kudos to them for working with the existing footprint.
Rachel says
What a gorgeous home they have. So glad we get to see!
Mindy says
How fun to follow along with this project! As a small home owner I am cheering their decision to work within the existing footprint.
Anna says
Good for them! I hate that it didn’t work out, but I kind of like it too. It makes for a (more) interesting project.
Cindy says
I love the way you do the preview, with all the messy details and decision makings. I’m a new reader, so I look forward to seeing these reveals over time!