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A Solution to Stay in the Neighborhood They Love While Making Their Home Work Better

 

These homeowners loved living in Ann Arbor’s Water Hill neighborhood. The walkability, proximity to downtown, great schools, and strong sense of community made it hard to imagine living anywhere else.

But as their family grew, their 1960s home was no longer working the way they needed it to.

The biggest challenge was the kitchen. The existing galley layout felt cramped and closed off, with limited prep space, minimal storage, and little room for the family to spend time together comfortably.

Laundry was tucked away in the basement, and with three young children, hauling baskets up and down the stairs had become a constant frustration.

At the same time, the homeowners weren’t looking for a standard remodel. They wanted a space with personality—something warm, layered, and a little unexpected. They gravitated toward color, texture, and interesting materials.

After watching neighbors successfully remodel with Meadowlark, they felt confident they had found a team they could trust to guide them through the process.

Project Snapshot

Location: Ann Arbor, MI

Location: Water Hill

Project Type: Kitchen + Main Floor Remodel

Home Type: Single-family home built in the 1960s

Home Challenge:

A cramped galley kitchen, limited storage, disconnected rooms, and basement laundry made the home increasingly difficult to manage for a growing family.

Goals:

  • Open the kitchen to adjoining spaces

  • Increase prep space and storage

  • Create seating for casual meals and conversation

  • Bring laundry to the main floor

  • Preserve the home’s character and natural light

  • Incorporate bold materials and personalized details

The Big Win:

Without adding square footage, Meadowlark transformed an outdated kitchen and adjoining flex space into a brighter, more efficient layout designed around how the family actually cooks, connects, and moves through the home.

Product Selections

The quartz countertops brought brightness, durability, and a clean, modern aesthetic to the kitchen. A waterfall edge at the peninsula creates a sculptural focal point while also anchoring casual seating for meals, homework, and entertaining.

Deep emerald backsplash tile adds personality, texture, and visual warmth to the laundry area.

Semi-custom cherry cabinetry in a rich finish added substantial pantry storage while bringing warmth and depth to the space. Closed storage solutions help keep appliances, cookware, and everyday clutter tucked away for a cleaner appearance.

Organic-shaped pendants above the peninsula and sitting area soften the space while adding sculptural visual interest. The mix of bronze finishes and mouth-blown glass creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere throughout the remodeled main floor.

A Fisher & Paykel induction range and drawer dishwasher support efficient everyday cooking while maintaining a streamlined kitchen layout. Cooking-focused upgrades like the oversized sink and convenient pot filler help make meal prep easier while supporting the family’s love of gathering in the kitchen.

A new GE Profile front-load washer and dryer were relocated to the main floor, making laundry significantly more convenient for a busy household with three young children.

A matte black BLANCO faucet paired with a large Silgranit sink enhances functionality and aesthetics, creating a durable workstation-style setup.

Our most recent project in 2023 was a primary suite bathroom renovation. While we were onsite, we extended the project to also replace the original, drafty, and inefficient living room windows and repaired some ceiling damage in that room.

Each project offered a unique opportunity for our team to take this family’s home to the next level. From the initial kitchen upgrade to the recent primary suite and living room renovations, we witnessed their home evolve into a space that not only meets their practical needs but also resonates with their style and personality. Let’s dive in! 

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What Changed

Cramped galley kitchen opened up

The original kitchen was expanded into the adjoining flex space, creating better circulation, more prep room, and a stronger visual connection between spaces.

Peninsula seating added

A new peninsula with seating for four created space for quick breakfasts, homework, conversation, and casual entertaining.

Main-floor laundry

Relocating the washer and dryer upstairs became one of the project’s most impactful upgrades. Hidden behind closed doors with folding space above, the new laundry area allows the family to stay on the main floor instead of constantly running baskets up and down the basement stairs.

Pantry storage dramatically expanded

A full wall of cabinetry improved organization while keeping countertop clutter to a minimum.

Character-filled spaces preserved

The existing skylight nook and wood-paneled dining area remained part of the final design, preserving one of the family’s favorite spots in the home.

0 sq. ft. added

The entire transformation happened within the home’s existing footprint.

 

The Challenge

The family wanted more than a prettier kitchen. Storage needed to work harder. The kitchen needed more prep space. The mudroom connection had to remain functional. And the family wanted spaces that reflected their personalities instead of following trends.

Specific details they wanted to achieve mattered:

  • Cookbook storage

  • Hidden appliance storage

  • A dedicated spot for the radio while cooking

  • Improved natural light

  • Room for a single expandable dining table

  • Materials with warmth and texture

One of the family’s favorite areas in the home was the skylight-filled dining nook, so preserving that light and openness became an important part of the redesign.

Meadowlark's Approach

Rather than expanding the home, Meadowlark focused on making the existing layout work harder for the family.

The galley kitchen and adjoining flex space were reconfigured to create a more open flow between rooms, improve circulation, and increase usable workspace.

Structural openings were expanded, sightlines improved, and underused areas were transformed into purposeful storage and work zones.

The redesign also made it easier for the family to stay connected throughout the day. Parents can cook while keeping an eye on kids nearby and laundry can be folded without leaving the main floor.

Storage was carefully integrated throughout the project, including concealed appliance storage, cookbook shelving, a full pantry wall, and a drop zone near the entry for paperwork and household items.

The final design balances warmth, practicality, and personality—bringing together bold materials, improved organization, and spaces that feel distinctly tailored to the family who lives there.

The Transformation

By rethinking the layout, Meadowlark transformed a cramped galley kitchen into a bright, hardworking space built around how this family cooks, spends time together, and moves through the day.

Before:

  • Small galley kitchen with limited prep space

  • Basement laundry disconnected from daily activity

  • Minimal pantry storage

  • Disconnected adjoining spaces

  • Limited seating and gathering areas

After:

  • Open kitchen connected to surrounding living spaces

  • Spacious peninsula with seating for four

  • Main-floor laundry hidden behind cabinetry

  • Expanded pantry and concealed storage

  • Brighter, more functional spaces designed for everyday routines

The result is a home that feels larger, calmer, and significantly better suited for the family’s next chapter.
What Could Better Function Look Like in Your Home?

 

Many homeowners assume they need a larger house when what they really need is a better layout.

With thoughtful design, underused spaces can become brighter, more efficient, and more aligned with the way you actually live—without leaving the neighborhood you love.

At Meadowlark, we help homeowners uncover that potential through a collaborative, design-forward process tailored to each family and home.

Start the conversation about your project.