Helping people discover the hidden beauty in their homes is a passion of mine. So when my long-time client, Jennifer Power, decided it was time to remodel the primary living space in her Satellite Beach home into an open-concept design, I eagerly jumped on board. 

Originally built in 1977, Jennifer and her husband bought their current home in 2015. The home had been a flip, so it was updated, but Jennifer knew the moment she walked into the house that she wanted to renovate the kitchen. “It just wasn’t my style.” 

This is a complaint I hear from a lot of clients who purchase flipped or recently renovated homes. Although these homes have been upgraded, they frequently do not reflect the style of the buyer. 

This, however, should never be a deterrent to buying a house. When purchasing a home, location, market availability, square footage, and price are all critical factors that have to be taken into consideration. A closed-off kitchen or a compartmentalized living area can always be fixed – even if the project takes place a few years or more down the road.  

I remember my own first impression of Jennifer’s home, and while it was lovely, I definitely thought the layout would be vastly improved if some of the walls were taken down. In my experience, there’s no better way to unearth the treasure in your home than by tearing down walls to make your living areas more spacious. 

After living in the house for almost 8 yrs, Jennifer realized that the kitchen’s style was just part of the problem. “Being stuck in the house during covid is really what started this process,” Jennifer said. “The kitchen wasn’t functional and had a lot of wasted space.” 

There was also a formal living and dining area that was rarely used. 

It was finally time to take down those walls and work out an open-concept remodel!

What is Open-Concept Living? 

Open-concept living involves the removal of walls or barriers between various living areas, such as the kitchen, dining room, and living room, to create a spacious and uninterrupted flow. 

With its inherent combination of style and functionality, open-concept living has become a highly sought-after design trend that’s not just inviting, it also increases the value of your home. 

Breaking Boundaries: Expand Your Living Space by Tearing Down Walls

This L-shaped wall did nothing but detract from the living area and make the space seem smaller than it actually was.

The formal living and dining area before the open-concept remodel. These areas, which were rarely used, seemed cramped and uninviting. 

Taking down a couple of walls, rearranging existing furniture, and adding in personalized decorating touches completely change the look of the house, as you can see in the photos below.

Small touches matter. A few well-placed books and nicknacks add interest and character, as well as highlight the beauty of this window space.

Transforming Your Kitchen to Be Uniquely Yours: The Art of Personalizing a Renovation

The kitchen is the heart of the family home, where meals are prepared and shared, memories are made, and connections are strengthened through the act of cooking and sharing food together. It’s also where everyone gathers during a party, so your kitchen should not only be spacious and well-organized, it should reflect your own unique personality and be a place you feel proud to entertain in. 

Here are some pictures of the kitchen before the renovation. 

When undergoing an open-concept renovation, it’s important to select colors and design elements that flow seamlessly from one area to another.

We selected a natural stone quartz countertop, not just for its beauty, but for its practicality as well. Kitchen cabinets in two tones–gray and moonstone, and a herringbone-patterned backsplash all bring the desired look together. 

Jennifer knew immediately after buying the house that the kitchen would one day be renovated, and she knew she wanted an open concept that would flow easily for meal preparation. The new kitchen not only meets those requirements, it now shines with Jennifer’s personality and her own unique style. “It’s my favorite part of the renovation!” she says.

One way to personalize a kitchen is to add in appliances or elements that fit your lifestyle. 

Jennifer’s husband is a zythophile (that’s a fancy word for a beer lover!). They love to entertain, and that includes serving their guests beer and wine. 

While having a separate wine cooler or refrigerator is a commonly seen addition to many homes, a kegerator truly made this kitchen unique. The question was where to place it.

This small area next to the kitchen that leads to the laundry room was wasted space and did little to add to the kitchen’s functionality.

The door was reconfigured to the center of the wall and additional cabinetry was added to make this small space come alive.

This newly remodeled area now boasts a wine fridge, a kegerator (with a fun parrot lever!), as well as a pantry on the opposite wall. And if you look closely, you can see the main refrigerator. The refrigerator and the dishwasher are “hidden” behind custom panels that match the cabinetry.

A Home Transformed

The final result of this open-concept remodel? A home that is not only beautiful and spacious but highly functional with plenty of storage for a growing family. 

When asked for some advice to give to anyone thinking of undergoing a home remodel or renovation, Jennifer said, “Be patient because a home renovation is a long process and issues always come up, but in the end, it’s so worth it.”

An open-concept remodel of this kind (it’s actually a remodel and a renovation) adds value and substance to what is likely one of your most significant investments and allows you to make a house truly your own.

If this open-concept remodel project has you looking around at your own spaces and getting inspired, give me a call. It doesn’t have to be big. Some of my favorite design jobs have been for smaller rooms and areas.

I’d love to consult with you on how to turn your ordinary space into a truly extraordinary place.

Choose a contact method below this blog post, or click this “contact” link. You can also email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com

And you can always call me anytime at (407) 743-2399.

Plus, how to decide if you should undertake a renovation or a remodel (or neither).

If there’s anything the pandemic has taught us, it’s that a dream home wasn’t built (or purchased, or designed) in a day. 

As more and more homeowners are grappling with a competitive real estate market, limited resources, and major material delays, doing anything to improve our homes – or find a new one – can feel like a serious pipe dream.

If you’ve decided to sit tight on your property and put in a little sweat equity to make it the home of your dreams, you’re not alone. According to the 2022 U.S. Houzz & Home Study, 55 percent of homeowners anticipate taking on a renovation this year, a trend that shows no sign of slowing down. 

Here’s the thing, though – while you may be using the terms “renovation” and “remodel” interchangeably, there’s actually a distinct difference between the two when it comes to industry speak, and the more you can decipher what it is you want, the better you’ll be able to communicate with any contractors, architects, and designers you hire.

In this kitchen renovation, the designer relied on well-worn brick and bespoke cabinetry to transform an already functional layout.

So, what is considered a renovation?

Plainly speaking, most pros consider a renovation to be cosmetic improvements to a space that don’t involve changing its intended purpose. This could constitute a range of projects, ranging in budget (and impact) both big and small. 

Take a kitchen for example; a renovation of the space may include things like painting or replacing cabinetry, upgrading the countertops, or even installing new light fixtures. There’s no denying these changes can have a serious impact on how you live in the space—they can even increase your equity in your home. 

That being said, you are not changing the overall structure of your space, making “renovation” the right identifier for this type of project.

A remodel transformed this space in an 1880s textile mill in Atlanta into a home, complete with a new loft-like layout geared towards modern living.

What is a remodel?

On the flip side, a remodeling project is any venture where you set out to drastically change the overall function or purpose of a space. 

Whether you’re looking to add a primary bathroom to your bedroom or want to create an open floorplan between your living room, dining room, and kitchen, those are all major structural changes. 

While there are exceptions, a remodeling project will almost always cost more than a renovation project, thanks in large part to the need for more specialized contractors, permits, and design pros. 

It may take a bit more planning, but a remodel is often a great way to make a house function better for your needs and infuse it with customizations suited to your lifestyle.

How do I choose between a renovation and remodel?

When deciding whether either type of project is right for you, it’s important to consider what your end goals for your home are. 

Are you looking to make it more in line with your preferred aesthetics or drag it out of the 80s time warp it seems to be stuck in? Renovate away. 

Want to add a room for inlaws to spend the weekend or a private space for newly-minted teenagers to hang out with friends? A remodel may be more your speed.

Budget is also an important consideration. 

If a remodel is on your horizon five or more years down the road, there still may be some low-key renovations you can undertake in the meantime (think: new fixtures, upgraded floors) to ensure you love your space in the interim.

Then there’s the elephant in the room: Maybe you’re just in the wrong house for you. 

Before undertaking a renovation or remodel (or really, sinking any large amount of money into your home), it’s important to have an honest conversation with yourself as to whether the space is worth investing in. 

“We get people who want to know, ‘Should I invest hundreds of thousands of dollars in this house or not?’” designer Victoria Sass told House Beautiful for their 2021 Renovation Issue. 

“At some point, it’s not a good investment if what you really want is a different house. It’s like a marriage: Is this the one, or are you trying to make it into something it’ll never be?”

Because I’m also a realtor, I can help you get into THE home of your dreams, and help you stage and sell the one you’re in. And I’m here to remodel and/or renovate as needed for your new forever home. I can do it all for you, and I can help you determine whether you’re already in your forever home

Ready to take the next steps? 

Whether you’ve decided that a renovation or a remodel is right for your space, your best bet is to consult with me to help you navigate everything from drawing up floorplans to securing permits (which yes, you may still need with a renovation!). 

Oh, and don’t forget to set aside plenty of inspiration! I’ve totally got your back on that.

A home renovation or remodel adds value and substance to what is likely one of your most significant investments and allows you to make a house truly your own.

If you have a project you’ve been thinking about, give me a call. And it doesn’t have to be big. Some of my favorite design jobs have been for smaller rooms and areas.

I’d love to discuss with you how to turn your ordinary space into an extraordinary place.

Choose a contact method below this blog post, or click this “contact” link. You can also email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com

And you can always call me anytime at (407) 743-2399.

When Maggie Sojourner, a local judge, asked me to help with the design aspects of the renovation of her Sears Kit home, I was all in. I had previously done some work for Maggie, so I was familiar with her home and excited and honored to help breathe new life into her charming historic bungalow. 

Located in the downtown Orlando area, Maggie’s house was one of the over 70,000 “kit homes” that were sold through the Sears Roebuck and Company catalog between 1908 and 1940. 

The renovation added 1200 square feet to the home and included a large beautiful kitchen, a new master bedroom, bath, and laundry room. 

House in a Box

Part of a bygone era, the Sears Kit Homes have a unique place in architectural history. 

With over 370 different plans to choose from, each kit came with a book-length instruction manual and everything needed to build the house—including lumber, nuts, bolts, and even paint. Plumbing, electrical, and heating equipment could be purchased separately, also from Sears. 

Maggie’s home is the “Sunbeam” model and has been featured in the Orlando Sentinel and other newspapers and online articles. She has the original title search information and the plaque that identifies the house as a Sears Home.

When I asked Maggie what first drew her to the home, she said, “I fell in love with the spacious front porch that looks across Central Boulevard into Carl Langford Park.”

Warm Spacious Kitchens Are the Heart of the Home

The original 1700-square-foot home had plenty of character and charm but lacked the more practical aspects of today’s larger kitchens and bathrooms.

Kitchens used to be hidden and placed in the back of the house, but today, many kitchens are the focal point of an open concept living area where family and friends gather to socialize.

For Maggie, the kitchen was the highlight of her renovation. “The most exciting part was when I could finally get into my new kitchen and cook. My prior kitchen was only big enough for one person at a time.”

I like to call kitchen islands the “magnets” of the home. They draw people in and serve multiple duties. 

The island in Maggie’s kitchen allows plenty of space for meal prep, provides extra storage, a place to eat, and even houses her microwave. It’s also a great spot for her grandchildren to sit and color or work on puzzles while she’s cooking. The faux leather seats on the island stools not only add texture to the room’s decor, they make for easy cleaning. 

Carmen’s Pro tip: It’s tempting to make your kitchen island as big as possible, but you need to allow plenty of room around your island so people can move comfortably. Most designers recommend at least 42 inches of space between the island and the kitchen counter or other structures, but I like 48 inches better. And unless your kitchen is at least 13 feet wide, I don’t recommend an island at all. 

Lighting is one of the most important elements of design in any room but you have to remember to keep things in proportion. The hanging pendent above Maggie’s island was a piece that I’d chosen for her old kitchen. Maggie liked it and wanted to keep it, but one pendant was too small. Luckily, this piece was still in stock and I was able to get a second light fixture to create a more balanced look. 

Wallpaper Makes a Statement

Maggie’s home had a small passageway between the kitchen and the dining room. Typically, in older homes these areas were used for credenzas or buffet tables. 

Although the area was small, I wanted to highlight it, so I suggested wallpaper. The pattern has both an older and modern feel to it, and the vibrant green color brings life to an area that might otherwise be overlooked.

Carmen’s Pro Tip: Wallpaper can also be used to hide something you don’t want seen. The home’s electrical box is in the middle of this room. An experienced wallpaper installer covered the box’s cover, making what was once an unsightly necessity blend in seamlessly. 

Art For the Pop

Nothing makes an area “pop” more than a lovely piece of artwork. Maggie wanted to brighten the all-white look in the powder room, so I suggested we order framed prints from art.com.

Artwork doesn’t have to be expensive, and you don’t have to have a degree in fine art to select some nice pieces for your home.

Carmen’s Pro Tip: If you’re hanging more than one framed print in a small area, using images from the same series will keep the look cohesive.

Pulling It All Together

Contrasting textures are a perfect way to create interest and give visual weight to areas where you want to draw attention. Repeating those textures throughout several rooms helps to create a theme, unifying your look.

Shiplap, prevalent in today’s Modern Farmhouse decor, feels both “old” and current. We used it in both bathrooms and as an interesting detail in the kitchen’s range hood.

Woven Roman shades aren’t just practical. They also add a warm look to the kitchen, laundry, and powder room windows.

Tile flooring in the laundry room and powder bath, while not identical, looks similar enough to create a uniform look.

And, of course, color is a great way to create a theme among rooms. The all-white upper kitchen cabinets were softened by an occasional lower cabinet in “moonstone,” a blue-gray color used in the laundry room.

The same blue color palette graced the bed quilt and accessories. Blue is one of the most popular colors to use in the bedroom, and for a good reason. According to psychologists, the color blue promotes relaxation and sound sleep.

The secret to using repetitive elements is to keep it balanced so that it doesn’t become predictable.

Thinking of renovating your home?

Maggie had a strong vision of what she wanted, but like many clients, she wasn’t sure how to put the look together. That’s where a designer comes in. 

In my experience, clients are sometimes afraid to make design decisions because they don’t want to make an expensive mistake. So before starting a renovation project, I sit down with a client, and we make an extensive list of likes and dislikes, go over budget, and make initial selections.  

A designer can also act as a buffer between the client and the contractor, reducing stress on the client and making the renovation run smoother, ultimately saving time.

“I enjoyed working with Carmen to select the colors and designs for the rooms,” Maggie said. “I am “color” challenged, and she really made this much easier.”

Maggie had a few tips to share with anyone planning a renovation: 

• Have a good idea of what you want and what it will cost.
• Be prepared for additional costs.
• Make sure you have a reputable contractor, as you will spend a great deal of time talking with him/her and relying on him/her. 
• Practice patience as the process takes longer than planned. 
• And finally, “It was a long time from start to finish, but well worth the wait.” 

A home renovation adds value to what is probably one of your most significant investments and allows you to make a house truly your own. 

If you have a project you’ve been thinking about, give me a call. And it doesn’t have to be big. Some of my favorite design jobs have been for smaller rooms and areas. 

Let’s discuss how to turn your ordinary space into an extraordinary place. 

Choose a contact method below this blog post, or click this “contact” link. You can also email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com

And you can always call me anytime at (407) 743-2399