Fun Family Juggles Remodel Pt. 2

LOFT

The wife decided to decorate the small loft area upstairs between the entry and living room herself. She consulted me on a few details to ensure it coordinated with the feel of the home downstairs. She did a fabulous job!

Here is the before:

And...after!

As soon as you walk in the front door and look up, this is what you see. I love the dark, soaring ceiling.

MUDROOM

The best idea came from the husband. I can't take credit for this one. Chances are, you have lived (or currently live) in a home that has a formal dining room. Do you use it more than a few times per year? Some of you entertain quite often, but so many of us (even pre-2020) mainly eat at kitchen islands or living room couches. This family already had a sunroom converted to a 2020 style WFH office space. We rolled around the idea of a second living room until I was told the husband "had an idea". This can go one of two ways...ha! "What if we cut the dining room in half and create a pantry and mudroom with openings into the kitchen?"

It was genius and I started drawing up the plans immediately. So smart! We were able to turn a useless (to them) room into an amazing amount of storage heaven!

The shoes and coats used to land to the right and left of the front door. Corey Lemoine (CCR Millworks) built the custom cabinets we designed, which gives the entire family ample drop zone space. The mudroom cabinets also hold all of the medicine that was previously stored in the powder room. When I told the homeowner I wanted to remove the upper cabinet from that main floor bathroom, she was concerned about where the medicine and first aid would go. I knew with a house of this size, we wouldn't have trouble creating a space better suited for it. We also designated room for a "junk" drawer, craft supplies, incoming mail and school papers,

Chris Mire built this wood frame around the calendar and bulletin board to make the area feel more complete and "built in." He added a curved detail to tie in with the arched window. I wrapped a foam board with fabric to give this family zone a place to tack up drawings, invitations and important reminders.

It may not work for everyone, but there are no regrets in ditching their dining room for two super functional spaces. Stay tuned for the pantry on the other side of this mudroom!