Full Circle: Remodeling a Childhood Home in Ann Arbor

The Vision

When this young professional couple decided to move from Massachusetts to Ann Arbor with their two small children and family dog, they weren't just relocating — they were coming home. The house had been in the family for years, filled with the husband's childhood memories, but as his father prepared to move out, it was time to create something new.

Their dream was to create the kind of space where family, friends, and neighbors would want to congregate. The kitchen needed to be the heart of that vision: open, welcoming, and practical enough to handle everything from busy family mealtimes to holiday gatherings.

Working remotely from 700 miles away, they needed more than just a contractor — they needed a trusted partner like Meadowlark who could guide them through the process with clear, consistent communication.

The Results

Our collaborative approach made all the difference. The kitchen transformation exceeded expectations, with a custom island as the natural gathering spot and a layout that opens beautifully to the living areas — perfect for everyday life and special occasions. Creative storage, updated appliances, and seamless flow support their lifestyle and invite connection.

The kids' bathroom now features modern, durable design tailored for growing children, while fresh stair treads and toe kicks tie everything together with visual harmony.

Clear communication, regular updates, and proactive problem solving gave the family peace of mind throughout the process, even from afar.

The best part? They returned to a home that honors its past while perfectly supporting their future. The kitchen is now the heart of the home they dreamed of — ready to make new memories.

Project Goals

With thoughtful consideration for their budget and timeline, the Meadowlark Design+Build team focused on the renovations that would make the biggest impact:

Kitchen Transformation: Create an open, welcoming hub by replacing the existing peninsula with a functional island+table, updating appliances to modern standards, and designing storage that could handle both daily family life and entertaining.

Kids' Bathroom Remodel: Transform the outdated upstairs bathroom into a space that would work for growing children while complementing the home's updated aesthetic.

Stair Tread Update: Replace stair treads and toe kicks to create a cohesive flow between the main level improvements and the second floor.

Project Challenges

Transforming a family legacy home presented unique considerations. The existing kitchen layout didn't support their vision of an open gathering space, and the peninsula created barriers rather than bringing people together. Storage was inadequate for a family who loved to cook and looked forward to hosting regular gatherings.

The kids' bathroom upstairs needed a complete remodel to serve growing children, while the stair treads showed years of wear that would clash with their beautiful new kitchen.

Most significantly, coordinating a renovation remotely meant they needed a team that could become true partners in the process - providing regular updates, clear communication, and the confidence that came from working with experienced professionals who understood their vision. They couldn't afford miscommunication or surprises when they were so far from the project.

Product Selections

Meadowlark Design+Build, in collaboration with the homeowners, made selections such as these to transform this home into an updated family gathering space:

Induction and Convection Double-Oven Range - Cafe 30"
Island Pendants - Capital - Marion Pendant - 10”
Elkay 30” Farmhouse Single Basin Fireclay Kitchen Sink
Kitchen Faucet - Odin Collection Pull Down Faucet - Brizo
Kitchen Countertop - Mirage Quartz with a Polished Finish
Kitchen Wall Paint - Swiss Coffee by Benjamin Moore
Kids Bath Lighting - Millennium - Trumann Sconce - 36”
Kids Bath Faucet - Delta Trinsic