A #dwelloctoberstudio '90s builder grade house transformation

Dec 4

We're excited to share this recently completed #dwelloctoberstudio design project with you! Our goal with this project was to update a '90s builder grade house to create a bright, modern space with a more open floor plan.

The most dramatic part of the transformation took place in the kitchen. The home previously had a small eat-in kitchen with limited counter and storage space. There was a formal dining room adjacent to the kitchen, but the two rooms were separated by a wall. As you can see from the before photos, the dark flooring, counters, and paint colors made the space feel even smaller.

To make this home more functional for entertaining, as well as everyday life, we removed the wall dividing the kitchen and dining room. This allowed us to incorporate a large peninsula for casual meals and prep work, while still maintaining a dining area with a six person table. Removing the wall increased the amount of natural light that flowed through the space, creating a bright, sunny kitchen. We also took this opportunity to add an additional window to the dining area. Fresh white paint and wide plank white oak hardwood floors also made the space feel more spacious and airy.

We selected beautiful light blue cabinets to incorporate a bit of color into the space and create a happy, yet calm atmosphere throughout the home. In addition to adding the peninsula, we increased the storage space by introducing three tall pantry cabinets and an appliance garage to house a toaster, microwave, and other small appliances. For a sleek look, we used cabinet fronts to conceal pull out trash and recycling bins, as well as the dishwasher.

Wall Paint / Cabinets / Knobs / Pulls / Wall Tile / Refrigerator / Dishwasher / Sink / Faucet / Sconce / Island Pendant / Flooring / Stools

Cabinets / Knobs / Pulls / Wall Tile / Refrigerator / Flooring

Cabinets / Knobs / Pulls / Wall Tile / Refrigerator / Dishwasher / Sink / Faucet / Sconce / Flooring

We opted for warm brushed brass cabinet hardware to balance out the cool blue tones of the cabinetry. A white range with brass knobs serves as a focal point on one wall and adds a bit of elegance to the space. White glazed tile, a bell-shaped wicker pendant light, and rattan counter stools provide soft, natural textures.

Cabinets / Knobs / Pulls / Wall Tile / Range / Range Hood (similar style found here) / Flooring

We carried the blue and white color scheme through to the living area, which was directly across the hall from the kitchen. The changes we made in this room were mostly cosmetic, but still quite impactful! The living room was a long, rectangular space that had historically proved challenging to find a cohesive furniture layout. To remedy this, we added custom built-in bookcases and a more substantial mantel to make the fireplace the focal point of the room and create character in the home that looked as if it had always existed.

Wall Paint / Rug / Couch / Coffee Table / TV / TV Bezel / Digital Art Print

We swapped out the seldomly used wood burning fireplace for a gas model and selected a subtle gray marble remnant for the surround. A Frame TV adds an artistic touch (the box and wires are neatly concealed in the built-in cabinets!).

Wall Paint / Flooring / Rug / Couch / Chairs / TV / TV Bezel / Digital Art Print

Wall Paint / Flooring / Rug / TV / TV Bezel / Digital Art Print

Wall Paint / Flooring / TV / TV Bezel / Digital Art Print

There was also a half bathroom with laundry on this level of the house. We used a blue patterned floor tile that added color and personality to the small space, while still aligning with the traditional feel of the home. The chrome faucet and bathroom accessories, round black mirror, and glass sconce add a classic touch.

Wall Paint / Vanity (similar style found here) / Knobs / Faucet / Mirror / Sconce / Towel Ring / Towel / Toilet Paper Holder / Toilet / Tile / Art Print /

Wall Paint / Vanity (similar style found here) / Knobs / Faucet / Mirror / Sconce / Towel Ring / Towel / Toilet Paper Holder / Tile

During this renovation, we also updated the overall finishes throughout the house—these details may be subtle, but they go a long way in modernizing the feel of the space. We replaced the Colonial baseboards and trim with simple, wider profiles, swapped the six panel interior doors for two panel Shaker style ones, and used matte black metal door knobs and hinges. New two-over-two windows, fresh white paint, and white oak hardwood floors were also added throughout the house.

Although the changes were mostly cosmetic, they made the house feel so much bigger and brighter. Opening up the kitchen allowed for more storage, workspace, and seating, and adding built-in bookcases to the living room made the space more functional.