As a prior client, these homeowners looked to us to achieve updating the public spaces of their first floor without major demo or change to the layout. Among the areas to be renovated were the entry, study, dining room, kitchen, and a powder bath.
The entry had a low ceiling height, so we replaced the dated light that was there with a semi-flush sparkly glass light that gives a grand welcome to the space. Over the open staircase to the second floor, we added a contemporary black and gold spiral pendant that gives a pop of WOW as you enter the home.
For the dining room we replaced the dark fireplace surround and hearth with new lighter tile. The face of the fireplace is now geometric shaped honed Calcatta, and the hearth is a complementing 12×24 Calcatta marble tile. We modernized an odd floor to ceiling niche and extended the wainscot into that area to add continuity to the area.
In the study, we did a facelift of the fireplace face and surround, replacing the dated tile with a modern vanilla onyx tile in a staggered pattern to allow the movement in the tile to be showcased in this room.
Changing the configuration of the fireplace hearth and side cabinetry, we gave a modernized aesthetic to the living room. We enlarged the hearth for a modern visual, topping it off with a leather finished black granite. For the fireplace face we used a gorgeous dimensional green diamond shaped tile in a vertical pattern for a show stopping view. Over the fireplace we updated the fussy arched trim with a cleaner more contemporary paneled trim to set off their art and added modern metal rod sconces. Additionally, we modified the TV cabinet for placement of their flat screen tv, added an open shelf for seasonal décor, with closed storage below.
In the powder bath, we simply replaced the light with a fun glass flowered pendant.
And finally, we updated the kitchen without the expense of new cabinetry or layout. We added new polished granite countertops throughout. New green hand-glazed hexagon tile adds a gorgeous backsplash and ties the green oval art glass pendants over the island in well. The existing hood over the cooktop was heavy, imposing, and overly decorated, so we added a streamlined wood hood with a black painted finish that is repeated in the island. A new sink and faucet for the kitchen as well as the coffee station/bar area create an entertainer’s dream. And finally, the eat-in nook in the kitchen received a new curved buffet area top for entertaining.
By changing the color palette of the 1st floor from a Tuscan color scheme to fresh cooler tones, and modernizing each area with updated selections, this renovation provides a modern and sophisticated aesthetic that aligns more cohesively with these homeowners’ personalities and style.
Location: Carmel, IN
Unique Features:
- Kitchen: Mont Orion polished granite countertops, modern artistic tile backsplash, oval art glass island pendants
- Den: Artistic vein cut onyx tile fireplace surround
- Dining Room: Antique gold leaf chandelier, Calcatta marble tile, art niche
- Living Room: Baroque Ravello diamond tile, contemporary stick fireplace sconces
Credits: Photography by Sara C Imagery