
See how I transformed an entire townhouse into a cozy oasis for Stephanie's family, inside and out
This renovation tells the story of a growing family that had outgrown the limits of their outdated suburban home but loved their neighborhood too much to leave. With two young children, busy careers, and a desire for a space that felt both calming and functional, they chose to transform the house they already loved into the home they truly needed. What began as a conversation about a kitchen upgrade quickly evolved into a full-scale remodel of nearly every major interior and exterior space.
KITCHEN — THE HEART OF THE PROJECT
The original kitchen was dark, cramped, and boxed in by a wall that cut it off from the rest of the main floor. To create the open flow the family wanted, we fully gutted the space and removed that dividing wall, immediately transforming the layout and bringing natural light into areas that had felt closed off for years. With a blank slate, we carefully considered every element of the new design, especially the placement of the island and major appliances. The island was positioned to anchor the room without disrupting traffic patterns, offering both a gathering point and a highly functional workspace. Each appliance was strategically located to maximize efficiency, creating a smooth, intuitive workflow for a family that cooks daily. Custom cabinetry, modern lighting, and a warmer, more contemporary palette completed the transformation, turning the kitchen into a bright, open centerpiece of the home.


BEDROOMS — PERSONALIZED SPACES FOR EVERYONE
Upstairs, all three bedrooms were redesigned to reflect the personalities and needs of their occupants. The children’s rooms were refreshed with durable flooring, soft color palettes, and smart storage that adapts as they grow. Each space feels calm and uncluttered, designed to work just as well for play as for rest.
The third bedroom, used as a flex office and occasional guest room, received built-ins, improved lighting, and a more functional layout. It now serves as a quiet workspace during the day and transitions seamlessly for visitors.

PRIMARY SUITE — A TRUE RETREAT
The primary bathroom underwent one of the most dramatic transformations. Previously cramped and outdated, it was reimagined as a spa-inspired escape featuring a larger walk-in shower, modern fixtures, and layered lighting. Clean lines and warm finishes make the space feel serene, giving the parents a private retreat away from the busier parts of the home. Paired with updates to the bedroom itself, the entire suite now feels intentional and restorative.


LIVING ROOM — A GATHERING SPACE WITH BALANCE
The living room underwent one of the most dramatic transformations in the entire project. The original space was functional but felt dark, sparse, and disconnected, with furniture floating in the room and little architectural interest to anchor it. The lighting was limited, the layout lacked purpose, and the fireplace wall had potential that had never been fully realized.
The redesigned living room focuses on warmth, structure, and intentionality. We introduced layered lighting with recessed fixtures to brighten the entire space evenly, making the room feel larger and more inviting at all hours of the day. The furniture layout was completely rethought, creating a balanced seating arrangement that centers the room around the fireplace and media wall without overwhelming the space.
One of the biggest upgrades was the custom built-in shelving beside the TV. This added both function and architectural character, giving the family a place to display books, family photos, and meaningful objects. The fireplace itself was refreshed to feel more modern and substantial, becoming a true focal point rather than an afterthought.
Soft window treatments replaced the dark, heavy curtains, bringing in more natural light and softening the entire room. A cohesive palette of warm neutrals, textured fabrics, and earthy accents added depth and comfort, while updated décor and thoughtful styling elevated the space without making it feel staged or impersonal.
The result is a living room that finally matches how the family uses it — a cozy, comfortable, and beautifully organized hub for movie nights, gatherings, and everyday relaxation. It feels grounded and complete, transforming the once underutilized area into the emotional heart of the home.


OUTDOOR LIVING - EXPANDING THE FOOTPRINT
To match the improvements inside, the exterior spaces were fully reimagined. A new deck, built for longevity and four-season use, extends directly from the main living area, giving the family an easy connection to the outdoors. Below it, we designed a fully functional patio that adds another layer of usable space, perfect for dining, relaxing, or hosting friends and family.
These outdoor areas now act as natural extensions of the home, giving the family more room to enjoy fresh air, entertain comfortably, and create new memories.
THE RESULT - A HOME THAT EVOLVED WITH ITS FAMILY
What started as a simple renovation turned into a complete rethinking of how this family lives day to day. Every room was designed with intention, blending modern upgrades with warmth and personal meaning. The completed project gives them a home that supports their routines, reflects their style, and grows with them over time.
It is no longer just a house they loved for its location, but a space that now fits who they are and who they are becoming.










The execution of this project was highly collaborative and deeply intentional from start to finish. Using Photoshop, SketchUp, and detailed 3D renderings, I created visual models that allowed the homeowner to see every major change before committing, helping us refine the layout, materials, and overall flow with clarity and confidence. Throughout the renovation, we worked closely to prioritize her budget, focusing on high-impact updates while preserving the pieces that mattered to her. Several elements were repurposed or refreshed rather than replaced, ensuring the final design felt both personal and cost-efficient. This combination of thoughtful planning, transparent visualization, and respect for the homeowner’s vision resulted in a transformation that feels elevated yet true to the home’s original character.
