Need

As part of a garage addition, our clients also desired a kitchen transformation within the existing space. Collaborating closely, our design team focused on updating appliances, flooring, cabinetry, and countertops to breathe new life into the heart of their home, achieving a fresh and modern aesthetic.

Solution

Working with our skilled kitchen designer, we meticulously reimagined the cabinet layout, introducing optimized sizes and configurations, such as drawers, for enhanced functionality. The updated finishes infused a contemporary elegance, while the integration of new commercial-grade appliances elevated the kitchen’s performance and style to meet the demands of modern living.

Need

These Madison homeowners needed a condominium update to align it with their lifestyle and preferences, distinct from the previous owner’s choices. Their needs encompassed modest updates to the kitchen and guest bathroom, to include new flooring, paint, an updated island, new appliances and wall cabinets.

Solution

In this exceptional home renovation project, we undertook a comprehensive transformation that artfully merged modern functionality with enduring aesthetics. The remodel included a kitchen revival, appliance upgrades, a sophisticated backsplash design, an island transformation, and a guest bathroom makeover.

Challenge

Each renovation of a condominium space comes with its own limitations, particularly days and times renovations can take place, when materials can be brought into the building, which elevator to use, the size of the materials that can be carried in the elevator and through the halls, etc. We happily worked within these logistical details.

Need

The homeowners in this Colonial home were ready for a kitchen remodel that fixed the dysfunctional problems with their space, including an unused, built-in desk that was a ‘catch all’ for miscellaneous items; an island with insufficient seating; and a work zone around the oven and refrigerator that was poorly laid out. The cabinetry also needed replacing, with many doors and drawers that were broken or difficult to open.

To complete the renovation, the homeowners wanted to remove the soffits in the kitchen, upgrade the appliances, update the lighting, make cosmetic changes around the fireplace in the family room, and refinish the hardwood floors throughout, to be stained a new color.

Solution

Sweeney’s design solution included reconfiguring the layout to provide a proper workflow in the kitchen, especially the clearance space in front of the refrigerator and oven. The existing wall was incorporated into the pantry providing the needed space for traffic clearance in the kitchen. The desk area was converted into a new, functional beverage center. We moved the island towards the family room to provide a 48” clearance. The new, larger island was designed 108” long with seating at the end for 3-4 people.

The kitchen features white custom shaker-style cabinets and a beautiful, large walnut island topped with a striking Fantasy Brown Marble countertop. Custom storage solutions, including an appliance garage for the homeowner’s Kitchenmade™ mixer and corner drawers, make better use of the space.

Need

These homeowners reached out to Sweeney Design Remodel looking to update their kitchen, powder room, and mudroom in their vintage home.

Their current kitchen had dark walnut cabinetry, outdated appliances and finishes, and worn wood flooring that needed to be replaced. Their kitchen also had insufficient storage (especially for pantry needs) and poor lighting.

The banquette table had been useful for food preparation, but it interrupted the kitchen’s flow. To improve traffic flow and increase the amount of natural light, the homeowners wanted to open up the wall between the kitchen and dining room.

In the powder room and mud room, the homeowners desired a complete update to the dark and outdated finishes and wanted increased storage.

Solution

Sweeney Design Remodel turned an aged and uninviting space into a bright and cheery kitchen. The kitchen was updated with new stainless steel appliances, including a stainless steel range hood. The dark cabinets were replaced with white custom cabinetry, topped with granite countertops, and complemented with a striking blue-gray ceramic tile backsplash. To further brighten the kitchen, the walls were accented with flattering blue-gray wall paint.

New red oak hardwood flooring gave the kitchen a chic, modern look without dramatically altering the coziness the homeowners wanted to preserve in their home. The ceiling can lights, under-cabinet lighting, and two focal-point pendants above the island addressed needs for both general and task lighting.

Challenge

Upon removing the kitchen/dining room wall, we discovered that although the wall was not load-bearing, the floor system had structural issues that needed to be addressed and repaired. And since the home was built in 1917, we recommended and completed updates on the plumbing and electrical systems to ensure they were sufficient to support the upgrades.

Need

These Fitchburg homeowners found Sweeney Design Remodel through a subcontractor referral in 2018. They had relocated to Fitchburg to be closer to their grandchildren and hired us to remodel their bathroom. They contacted Sweeney again last year to remodel two main areas of their 2007 home—the kitchen and laundry room. This “pull-and-replace” kitchen remodel required gutting both spaces while still working within the existing layout and protecting the flooring (leaving it as is). They wanted new appliances, updated lighting, new Corian countertops, and new flat-panel cabinetry with custom storage to change the aesthetics. They also envisioned replacing the existing window over the sink with a box bay window.

Solution

Sweeney Design Remodel took the challenge into hand to make the following improvements:

We removed the kitchen’s existing countertops and plumbing fixtures to make room for a new divided sink, Grohe faucet, Corian countertops, and a porcelain tile backsplash. The new flat-panel cabinetry includes plenty of storage, including a Pull-Down Shelf and Pull-Out Corner Storage. New under-cabinet lighting was installed, along with two new electrical outlets and six can lights.

After removing the existing window over the kitchen sink, we replaced it with a box bay window that lets in more natural light.

In the laundry room, we designed the space to incorporate a new stackable washer and dryer. In addition, we installed new upper cabinets that were extended to the ceiling for additional storage. To create continuity between the adjoining rooms, the same materials used in the kitchen remodel were used for the laundry room.

Challenge

Our clients had relocated to Madison, WI to be closer to family. With a new home, new employment, and a familiarity with the remodeling process already, they were ready to jump into an extensive renovation that would give them the functional needs and lifestyle design improvements they needed to feel more comfortable in their new home. Modern amenities were a must, along with a new home gym and an en suite for frequent out-of-town guests.

This design-build plan would be carried out the renovations in two stages:

First stage: Focus on the first floor (kitchen, great room, dining room, and master bathroom), as well as the lower-level workout room)

Second stage: Lower-level en suite

The outdated primary bathroom had a small shower, soaking tub, and tired cabinetry.

Importance was placed on converting the dark, dated kitchen (as well as the adjoining dining and great rooms) into something lighter, brighter, and more aesthetically appealing. The design plan would include the homeowner’s desire for commercial-grade appliances and solid surface countertops. It also included new custom perimeter cabinetry and a reconfigured large, center island.

Solution

We redesigned the cabinet plan to include a large center island with seating. The kitchen received a fresh coat of paint in light colors, and updated appliances including a new gas range, flooring, cabinetry, quartz countertops, backsplash, lighting, and plumbing fixtures.

Other features:

• A new fireplace insert and façade in the great room
• Redesigned lower-level space to include a large exercise room
• New lower-level en suite with a 36” vanity, new countertop, double sink vanity, mirror, and faucets.

Challenge

After purchasing their home in Gateway Estates, these Verona homeowners had visions of remodeling their entire first floor, which included updating the master bathroom, main bath, kitchen, dining, and family rooms. Although not in disrepair, the home was dated with original builder-grade finishes and a traditional closed floor plan. 

When our clients came to Sweeney Design Remodel, they wanted to open up the kitchen/dining area into the living room and replace the peninsula with an island. They also wanted new cabinetry, countertops, appliances, and consistent flooring to tie the main living areas together.

Kitchen and Dining Area

Beyond updating the kitchen with modern amenities, the refrigerator stuck out into the room, the lighting was poor (one center light and no under cabinet lighting) and the tile and wood flooring were inconsistent throughout the space. The dining room was small with flat 8’ ceilings and was tucked away from the kitchen.

Living Room

Unlike the dining room, the adjoining living room had cathedral/sloped 12’ ceilings of which the homeowners wanted to add two new skylights. They also wanted to replace and reconfigure the railings in the foyer. Any changes to the walls would result in additional repairs to the wood floors.

Solution

After working with Sweeney’s design team through space planning, our clients decided on elements that worked well in their space. We addressed items in particular that would be important to incorporate into the design, following form and function.

Sweeney Design Remodel’s design solution included removing the walls that separated the dining room to open up the space. Then, we re-positioning the large refrigerator into the pantry wall to seamlessly integrate it into the kitchen and create better flow. This solution also created plenty of space to add a large island with seating and room to walk around it.

With the walls removed, the kitchen and dining space became open and airy. The room was  brought to life with new buffet cabinetry, a new gas range, and refinished wood floors—just what the homeowners asked for. 

The kitchen backsplash was designed in a beautiful Arctic White Cepac® Chalet tile complemented by custom Starmark maple cabinets in a Roseville door style and topped with Berwyn Cambria countertops. Above the island is a beautiful satin nickel Jonah Feiss pendant light from Generation Lighting. 

Keeping the original layout in both bathrooms, all outdated fixtures and finishes were updated with new cabinetry, fixtures, paint, tile, countertops, and new shower doors.

Challenge

This country home in Verona was renovated with timeless touches that fit the client’s busy lifestyle. Although Sweeney Design Remodel was not involved in the design, which resulted in a few challenges, we were however responsible for the construction. 

Because the family loves to cook and entertain in large groups, it was important to address the Center Hall Colonial’s primary challenge: space! They wanted to convert their home’s existing closed-off floor plan, which compartmentalized the main living areas — the formal living, dining room and the kitchen — into a spacious new open kitchen and great room.

Solution

To accomplish this, we had to remove the structural load-bearing walls and replace them with a 20-foot steel I-beam header in the opening to carry the weight of the second floor and roof system. It was also needed to be structurally reinforced in the basement to secure the load.

Read the remarkable details behind this open concept floor plan and how it was achieved.

Because this couple loves to cook together, they asked for a few special amenities, which included two sinks (standard and prep), two separate islands for food preparation, and room for seating. Other details include custom cabinetry, updated appliances, finishes, and new flooring throughout.

Challenge

The first-floor living space (the kitchen, dining, and living rooms) in this Waunona neighborhood home were small, poorly configured, and outdated. Our clients loved to cook and entertain but their current living space prevented them from accommodating friends and family comfortably. The kitchen had an island that jutted out at an angle, taking up valuable space in the kitchen and causing traffic pattern issues. A wall also divided the kitchen from the dining area making both rooms small, cramped, and isolated. The large windows in all three living spaces provided lots of natural light! Our client’s goal was to design an open concept floorplan or “great room” incorporating additional lighting, cabinetry storage, new flooring, and updated appliances—perfect for entertaining!

Solution

By removing the wall between the dining room and kitchen, we created an open concept layout that enhanced the overall size of the space and immediately became more functional for entertaining. The new cabinet plan allowed for additional storage and included a large central island that became a functional breakfast bar with seating for six.

The island was painted a beautiful shade of blue, intentionally designed to stand out against the surrounding light gray perimeter cabinets. Both were topped with beautiful white quartz countertops and accented with gold fixtures. To brighten up the space, old fluorescent lighting was replaced with recessed lighting and two elegant glass pendant lights were positioned above the island. The kitchen also features a striking blue subway tile backsplash— creating a focal point in the room—new appliances, and new flooring throughout. Last but not least, cabinetry was added below the large window in the dining room to create a custom, functional window bench with lots of storage.

Challenge

Sweeney Design Remodel was tasked with updating a small dark and dated kitchen for a Nakoma neighborhood couple. The kitchen originally featured 30-year old dated cabinets, laminate countertops, and dull, vinyl flooring. The wood flooring in the adjacent dining and living room also needed repair.

Solution

In order to open up the kitchen and create a brighter atmosphere, Sweeney Design Remodel widened the doorway between the kitchen and dining room and designed it to match the colonial-style archways found in the rest of the home.  

While the kitchen footprint did not change, new white DuraSupreme cabinets were designed into the space to accommodate modern built-in appliances, including a larger stainless steel refrigerator. This minor adjustment also had a significant impact on improving the visual balance of the kitchen. The new easy-to-clean, marble-inspired quartz on the peninsula now offers plenty of eat-in space for two. The classic white subway tile backsplash and large farmhouse sink anchor the room.  

Hardwood flooring used in the dining and living rooms was extended into the kitchen to flow the rooms seamlessly together. The original kitchen window that was cumbersome for one person to operate was replaced with a new easy-to-open window. In addition, to create proper soft general lighting, Sweeney replaced a large fluorescent light fixture with disk lights.

Other remodeling details valued by these clients included:

• A new, accessible laundry chute (the previous chute was buried in the kitchen cupboard) 
• A properly installed venting system, leading to the outside
• A glass-fronted corner cupboard for wine glasses