3 min read
As life shifts, so should the spaces we live in. That idea was at the heart of a recent Detroit News feature highlighting three Meadowlark Design+Build projects in the greater Ann Arbor area—each one designed for families who are rethinking how their homes can better support the way they live now (and into the future). Rather than downsizing, these homeowners chose to remodel with intention—prioritizing hobbies, entertaining, wellness, and long-term comfort, all while staying rooted in neighborhoods and communities they love.
Staying Put, But Living Differently
“Many homeowners want to stay long term,” says Meadowlark Design Director Jennifer Luce Hinesman. “They have great interest rates, strong ties to their community, and they’re ready to make their home work harder for them.” That mindset is driving a noticeable shift in remodeling priorities—away from rarely used formal spaces and toward rooms that support everyday joy, connection, and accessibility.
A Kitchen Designed for Cooking and Connection
In one featured project, a family who loves to cook and entertain transformed an extra bedroom into a dedicated prep kitchen. Their former living room became a fully renovated main kitchen, resulting in a highly functional cooking hub with three ovens and room for gathering. The original kitchen had felt closed off, with little natural light or connection to the outdoors. By reworking the layout, removing the formal dining room, and adding new windows and skylights, the home now feels open, bright, and inviting.
“After years of feeling closed off, they finally gained open sightlines, room to gather, and a layout that encourages connection,” says Hinesman. “The home now reflects the lively, welcoming spirit of the people who live there.”
Turning an Underused Lower Level Into a Destination
Another project focused on a lakefront home’s lower level—previously unfinished and disconnected from how the homeowners actually lived. The renovation transformed the space into a sophisticated walkout designed for entertaining, complete with a spacious TV-viewing area, a signature bar, integrated storage, a cozy fireplace, and a dedicated home gym. “The space can accommodate a large group, which is perfect because the homeowners love to entertain,” Hinesman explains. “It balances style, comfort, and practical function.” What was once an afterthought is now a go-to gathering place with easy access to the lake and room for everything from game day to daily workouts.
Planning for Longevity on the Main Floor
For another Ann Arbor couple, the priority was future-focused functionality—especially with visiting children and grandchildren. Their project relocated an awkwardly placed powder room near the kitchen to a more discreet location and expanded it into a full main-floor bathroom with a shower. In place of the former powder room, they added a banquette eating area that’s become a favorite gathering spot. “It’s about prioritized living,” says Hinesman. “A full bathroom on the main level supports aging in place, accommodates guests, and adds flexibility for whatever the future brings.”
Homeowner Diane Tamblyn shared how meaningful the change has been: “With the full bath, we gained a shower on the main floor. All the kids and dogs can come right in from the backyard—it’s very functional for us.” She adds that the new banquette—affectionately called their “hearth room”—has become the heart of the home. “Everybody gathers there, especially with the grandchildren. It’s a modest space, but it has a big impact.”
Thoughtful Remodeling, Wherever You Are Living
Two of the featured homeowners lived in their homes during construction, while another project took place before move-in. Either way, Meadowlark approaches each renovation with care.“When clients are actively living in the home, we take great strides to protect it from dust and disruption,” says Hinesman. “That’s part of being a good partner throughout the process.”
Making Space for What Matters Most
Across all three projects, a common theme emerges: permission to let go of spaces that no longer serve daily life—and to reimagine them in ways that do.“It’s about capturing underutilized square footage and creating thoughtful spaces that address accessibility, flexibility, and joy,” Hinesman says. “People are leaning into their hobbies, embracing color and wood again, and finishing these spaces with the same level of care as their main living areas.” From prep kitchens and home gyms to accessible bathrooms and welcoming gathering spaces, these remodels show what’s possible when design is guided by how homeowners truly want to live.
You can read the full Detroit News article online (please note: the digital version is behind a paywall).
If you’re considering a remodel that supports your next chapter, we’d love to help guide you through what’s possible.
