This single-family house in Reston backs onto a golf course, has lots of space and is in a great neighborhood, but the owners were ready to make significant changes to the main level to bring it right up to date. With a preference for a more modern aesthetic they wanted a contemporary home remodel but, with a young family to keep in mind, it was important it was also kid-friendly, warm and welcoming.
Join us as we take a look at how to remodel a 1970s home and turn it into a modern beauty!
The Foyer
The foyer previously felt quite dark due to the narrow entrance to the Kitchen at the back of the home coupled with the darker wood on the stairs and doors. We opened up the wall leading from the foyer to the Kitchen which not only improves the flow from one space to the next, it means the entrance now benefits from the natural light pouring in from the back of the home. It also provides a glimpse of the beautiful new Kitchen! We also updated the lighting to a more contemporary style that blends perfectly with the rest of the home.
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The Kitchen
The old “U” shaped layout of the Kitchen was small and closed off from a room at one end that was being used as an informal Den and a Family Room at the other end. The long, narrow space was not utilizing space efficiently. We removed the wall between the Kitchen and Den and opened up the entire space. Knowing what lies behind walls like this is key to a successful home remodel. Read our tips on how to tell if you have a load-bearing wall in your home and ALWAYS consult a professional before removing any walls.
We also removed a sliding door in a space being used as a Breakfast Nook and replaced it with a window which allowed us to increase the size of the Kitchen. GE Cafe Appliances in white with gold handles are modern but fit beautifully into the new space. New windows provide additional light – and much better insulation.
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The Dining Room
Once a Den, this space is now the perfect Dining Room and makes much more ‘sense’ from a functionality and family-use perspective. We added cabinetry for storage and a buffet countertop for serving. The light (client’s own) which previously hung in the Dining/Family Room was relocated into the Dining Room and keeps the modern look.
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The Den
The new layout of the Kitchen with bar stools at one end for informal dining now opens up the space to the Den. Although there were not significant changes made from a remodeling perspective, this now feels like an entirely new space. The fireplace was converted to gas for convenience and a cozy corner!
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The Family Room
Although significant changes were not made to the stone fireplace (which was converted to gas), a simple change with the addition of a new wood mantel makes it look completely different! The mantle breaks the visual of the stone and the wooden tones now blend seamlessly with the owner’s furniture and other finishes. The wooden floor throughout the main level was also refinished (and tile replaced with wooden floor in the Kitchen) providing a seamless transition throughout the first floor.
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The Powder Room
Once just a regular room, the Powder Room was transformed into a design show stopper! This is a great example of never underestimating the impact remodeling small spaces like Powder Rooms can have. The wallpaper sets the tone for this modern space paired with the rattan lighting. The round mirror was previously located in another area of the home and now takes on a whole new lease of life in the Powder Room.
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As a full service design-build home remodeling company, we partner with our clients from the start to finish of each project we work on. That approach means our in-house Interior Designers not only partner with you on the design of your space, our in-house team of carpenters are responsible for the construction phase of your project, too. This gives you one point of accountability and no hand-offs between designers and general contractors. We want all of our clients to have a great experience – so are you ready to renovate happy? Watch this video and find out more about us!
