Capitalizing on Character in Burns Park
The Vision
From Cramped & Dated to Comfortable & Contemporary
Our homeowners rented a classic home in Burns Park, originally built in the 1930s. They loved the location and overall aesthetic of the house, so when the opportunity arose to buy the property, it was an easy “yes.”
After years of renting, the home needed major repairs, functionality updates, and a design makeover. The modest-sized, first-floor layout effectively reflected the wants and needs of the original family. Unfortunately for the current 21st-century family, the format was awkward, with small spaces that weren't being used to their best advantage.
It’s no secret that some of the rooms in the house were outdated and in desperate need of a revamp (take note of the pink and black tile throughout the kitchen and powder room). The homeowners also wanted to take this time to make some additions they had always dreamed of, such as a two-cook kitchen where they could engage with family and friends while having a better connection to the adjoining living area and outdoor spaces.
Plus, the home had steam radiator heat only. There was no air conditioning, and the house was poorly insulated. A major renovation was the perfect opportunity to install AC and update the insulation, along with the aesthetic and functionality projects.
Project Goals
Renovate the home, utilize wasted space, and update the overall aesthetic.
After meeting with our homeowners and establishing their goals for their newly renovated home, we assembled a rockstar team featuring an incredible lead designer, a knowledgeable project manager, and more. An action plan was established, and the Meadowlark Design+Build team got to work!
Renovations, Additions, & Expansion:
- Remove drop and plaster ceilings and replace them with drywall
- Install a high-velocity air conditioning system
- Enlarge the kitchen and add a kitchen island with seating
- Enlarge the opening from the living area to the kitchen for a more open-concept feel
- Add new attic and exterior wall insulation to improve energy efficiency and comfort
- Repair and update plumbing and electrical to current standards
- Remove the lower portion of the window in the sunroom for more privacy
- Build a floor-to-ceiling pantry and a custom bar area in the dining room to maximize every square foot for storage opportunities
- Install a new sliding French door to allow easy access to the backyard and create more light in the dining room.
Design Elements to Fit Our Client’s Needs & Style:
- Update all finishes while staying true to the original architectural aesthetic of the home
- Update the first-floor powder room
- Add dark wood accent cabinetry to match the original woodwork and doors and balance the off-white cabinetry in the kitchen.
- Install Marvin replacement windows with black cladding to perfectly match the existing windows
- Lay down Queen Havana Esagona hexagonal tile to add warmth to the kitchen floor and stay true to the original aesthetic of the home
- Incorporate black and white finishes in the powder room since they are age-appropriate for the home and look like they are original
- Reuse doors and trim in new locations to maintain continuity
Project Challenges
When the Meadowlark Design+Build took on this project, we knew there would be some challenges, but it wasn’t anything we weren’t up for. First, the need to reconfigure the existing space to align with the family's needs presented a substantial hurdle. It involved structural modifications, electrical and plumbing reconfigurations, and integrating the updated layout with the original 1930s architectural aesthetic.
Additionally, installing air conditioning in a home initially designed for steam radiator heat and enhancing insulation efficiency required significant adjustments to the HVAC system, ductwork, and wall structures.
These challenges required careful planning and skilled craftsmanship, but we were determined to do the best job possible and achieve our client’s vision.
Product Selections
Kitchen Appliances:
- GE Stainless Steel Refrigerator
- GE Stainless Steel Dishwasher
- GE Stainless Steel Gas Range
- Zephyr Stainless Steel Range Hood
- Panasonic Stainless Steel Microwave
Windows:
- Marvin Contemporary Ebony Fiberglass Windows
Doors:
- Marvin Contemporary Ebony Sliding Door
- ThermaTru Smooth Star Side Entry Door
Countertops:
- Solid Surfaces Unlimited Quartz Bar Counter
- Solid Surfaces Unlimited Soapstone Kitchen Counter
Cabinetry:
- Cabico Unique Plywood in Maple
- Cabico Unique Birch Veneer in Maple
- Cabico Unique Birch Veneer in Black Walnut
The Results
A Reimagined Home With Style & Space
The transformation of this Burns Park home showcases the thoughtful design decisions and skilled craftsmanship of our one-of-a-kind Meadowlark Design+Build team. It seamlessly marries modern living with the home’s original Tudor-style charm.
By the end of this renovation project, the first-floor space was cleverly redesigned to make the kitchen and dining areas appear twice as large, all without adding more square footage! Now, the kitchen embodies the perfect balance between beauty and functionality and provides a more open and usable living area for the family.
In addition to installing a wide array of new elements, such as a French door and hexagonal floor tiles, the home’s heating and cooling system was updated so the homeowners could live in comfort all year long. We’re honored to have been a part of such a unique project that brought joy and solace to our homeowners.
