Total House: Under $250,000 Minnetonka

Sicora, Inc.

Background

The owners of this builder grade 1983 house loved their location and view, but the house felt dated and

lacked flow, especially in the kitchen and master bath. They needed a design that would open up the

interior of the home without changing the footprint and add some much needed modern style.

Challenge: Maintaining proper scale in the kitchen and family room areas in relation to the vaulted ceilings

was a must.

Solutions: We installed a monorail lighting system in the kitchen with specific lighting points above the

island to bring intimacy to the two-story space. The lights highlighted the La Dolce Vita quartzite

countertop. Cherry cabinets warmed up the space. We eliminated the dropped soffit in the kitchen and

opened the wall area from the kitchen to the adjacent hallway. On the stove wall of the kitchen we

extended the height of the cabinetry to 9 feet above the finished floor. In the family room, we shifted the

fireplace off center to accommodate a wall mount television. The two rectangles balance each other on the

rift sawn oak paneled wall.

Challenge: Creating a sense of connection between spaces in the whole house and updating the finishes

was a priority for the client.

Solutions: The client was not comfortable with eliminating the stairway in the kitchen, so the design team

developed a cable rail system for the stairs, which allowed for sightlines to be established between the

kitchen and family rooms. A thoughtful makeover of both staircases helped open the interior of the home

and add unique flair; we replaced the carpet-wrapped steps with solid oak floating treads that

complimented the milk chocolate wood with striking steel cable rail systems.

Challenge: More space was needed for the master bath.

Solutions: Opening up the bath and creating a nook for a freestanding soaking tub made for a spa like

retreat. The bath features a large walk in shower with bench seat and recessed niches. A floating vanity

set against a tiled wall creates a modern clean look.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

FLOOR PLAN: before #1

FLOOR PLAN: after #1

BEFORE PHOTO: #1

A large soffit brought the ceiling down and made this kitchen feel dark. More countertop

work space was desired by the client.

AFTER PHOTO: #1

This kitchen feels light and airy. A beautiful piece of quartzite was used on the island.

Cherry cabinets bring warmth to the space.

BEFORE PHOTO: #2

This living room was chaotic and ill conceived. Outdated finishes were not in keeping with

the owners modern style.

AFTER PHOTO: #2

A sleek modern fireplace with glass crystals is the focal point. A rift and quarter sawn oak

panel with metallic accents tile create a perfect backdrop to the tv area.

BEFORE PHOTO: #3

The stairs and catwalk area had great potential but the closed ½ walls made the space

feel cramped and cut off.

AFTER PHOTO: #3

Stainless steel cable railing opens the catwalk and stairway space to the adjacent living

room. Modern floating oak stair treads complete the look.

BEFORE PHOTO: #4

This bathroom was small and was not easy for 2 people to be using the space at the

same time. The toilet, vanity, tub and shower were all too close to each other.

AFTER PHOTO: #4

The old bathroom became the walk in closet and the new bath is spacious with modern

styling. A freestanding soaking tub brings a spa element to the space.

AFTER PHOTO: #5

A grain matched walnut floating vanity gives this space a hip feel. A floor length mirror

expertly hides a full length medicine cabinet.

AFTER PHOTO: #6

Reclaimed stain glass backsplash tile creates a clean and crisp feel. Caesar Stone

countertop brings an element of durability and beauty to the kitchen.

AFTER PHOTO: #7

Switchback floating staircase creates an airy and beautiful finish. Stainless architectural

brackets finish the underside of each tread.

AFTER PHOTO: #8

New enameled trim was added to frame the chocolate stained oak floors. A modern

stainless ceiling fan brings detail and texture to the space.