Solution

By removing the wall that separated the dining room from the kitchen, we were able to add the pantry/mudroom behind the kitchen, which was initially upfront and very open to the first-floor living spaces.   New custom cabinetry was installed with shaker-style cabinet doors in a beautiful antique green color. The cabinets were topped with striking black quartz countertops and completed with new commercial-grade appliances, chrome plumbing fixtures, and vintage pendant lights.  New wood floors were installed and finished to match the existing wood floors throughout the first floor.  Leveraging the talented skills of our lead carpenter, we were able to match the existing trim in the newly remodeled areas.

To allow for a larger sink vanity and shower in the main second-floor bathroom, the Sweeney design team creatively moved the existing water closet to the opposite wall next to the bathtub. The plumbing was kept in the same location within the existing floor joist, saving the homeowners structural modifications.  After installing a new tub, the shower walls were tiled with a white classic tile in a black grout. The floors were laid with a beautiful Carrara white and black marble hexagon rosette mosaic tile with a black mosaic flower pattern. 

The powder room was updated with a Kohler Tresham toilet, Delta faucet, and black and white penny-round tile by Unique Design Solutions.

Challenge

One challenge we had during demolition was uncovering vermiculite insulation (asbestos) that was found and needed to be abated. Also, cavities that were opened up during demolition needed to be insulated appropriately.

As mentioned before, the talented skills of our lead carpenter allowed us to custom-design and match the existing trim in the newly remodeled areas, preserving the architectural integrity of the home.

Improved Function and Flow

This common/gathering space at Seminole Forest Clubhouse needed cosmetic updates to serve as a magnificent centerpiece for dining, socializing, and special events. Referred by a cabinet designer, Sweeney Design Remodel was hired to provide project management and construction to improve the function and flow of the clubhouse kitchen, bathrooms, and gathering space.

The Creative Solution

To start, Sweeney removed the header that divided the dining room/seating area and painted the wood ceiling, thereby opening up the space and visually connecting the spaces into one.

We then relocated the kitchen door to an existing window space to alter the flow of guests through the room and allow for a full wall of cabinets, increased countertop space, and an island more flexible for multiple users.

After demolishing the kitchen, new custom white shaker-style cabinetry was installed, a classic white tile backsplash, and beautiful easy-to-clean gray-marbled laminate countertops. The kitchen was also updated with all new plumbing, and fixtures, including a Kohler chrome faucet, stainless steel sink, and brushed satin nickel pulls.

The bathrooms were reconfigured to create private, single-user spaces and convert unused showers into accessible storage space for folding tables and chairs, and event supplies.

Solution

The kitchen, once cloistered, was opened up to incorporate a small room/office off of the kitchen and a corner banquet seating area. The kitchen was updated with white contemporary shaker cabinets, Corian countertops, new lighting, and a gorgeous dusty blue classic tile backsplash.  Throughout the first-floor living space, the hardwood floors were intentionally matched and refinished to seamlessly blend with the home’s original architecture.

Two small bedrooms were converted into a large, walk-in closet to create a functional, primary ensuite with a wet room bathroom.

To make the most of what was already there, the basement was converted into a spacious living space that included two private guest bedrooms, one full bath and another ¾ bath, and a new laundry room with a dog grooming station.

Challenge

In planning this remodel, we needed to complete the design, selections, and actual construction within a 7-month timeframe. Although the client could move out for 3 months, she needed to move back in time for school to begin. We also worked with the interior designer out of state that referred us, so we worked together to source the selections for the homeowner.  Our process was well executed.

Need

In addition to converting a screened-in porch to a three-season sunroom, this Verona client wanted to update a laundry room and basement bathroom for maximum maneuverability and flair.

Solution

Keeping the washer and dryer in place, we added a custom-designed folding countertop above them. Then, new lower and upper cabinets were installed into the space with a convenient hanging rack positioned above the dryer for “delicates” to dry. For additional organizational efficiency, we installed a convenient cubby with hooks and a tall storage cabinet to store unsightly bottles, linens, and boxes. New tailored ceiling lighting completes the look.

Renovation of the screened porch into a three-season room required Sweeney to perform structural modifications, including determining wind shear calculations and working with a structural engineer to provide the necessary calculations and drawings to modify the walls, roof, and floor joists. Finally, we removed the screens on all three exterior walls and replaced them with new floor-to-ceiling Scenix tempered glass porch windows with retractable screens.

In the basement bathroom, the challenge was whether to float a new luxury vinyl flooring product over the existing ceramic tile floor that sits atop a concrete floor base, or remove the tile altogether and replace it with new tile. We opted to demolish the existing tile floor and replace it with a new large-square tile that complimented the bathroom’s existing features.