Contemporary Prairie Retreat

Winner of the 2011 NARI Local Contractor of the Year for Interior Remodel Under $100,000

About this Project

Our clients came to us just before closing on their new home, which overlooked a ravine in a wooded area.  They were moving from a very traditional style home, where they had raised their children, to a home where they could express their taste for modern style. 

The home was custom built for the previous owner, an art collector.  The previous owner had customized the space to display his collection and for entertaining purposes utilizing a catering company and hired chefs.  As a result of this lifestyle, the kitchen was designed to be completely closed off from the rest of the house, including the formal dining area.  The house, however, was beautifully designed and situated - with lots of potential to fit our client’s needs and wants in their empty-nester years. 

Primary Project Goals

• Planning to ensure entire project worked together aesthetically and functionally
• Incorporate new elements and modern design while honoring character of existing home
• Functional redesign for clients' needs, including professionally, hobbies & interests, and enjoying guests and family

Our Solutions

A comprehensive planning process that evaluated the character of existing home, considered clients’ tastes, and involved the client every step of the way to come to a design solution that fit all of their goals, needs, and budget.  The solution of a Contemporary Prairie design theme was the perfect marriage of the clients’ modern tastes with the homes existing character!  This theme was incorporated into every design aspect of the project, providing the cohesion the clients’ desired.

(Want to know more about this project?  See "Project Highlights" below pictures!)

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Project Highlights

• Opened layout for better flow and layout of space, partially removing walls to connect kitchen, dining room and great room
• Half bath updated
• New pantry more conveniently located to cook space
• Drop zone created for brief case, mail, etc., near garage (main traffic zone for clients)
• Double oven for wife's baking interests
• Induction cooktop on island
• Cambria quartz countertops and ledges
• Custom designed island
• Showcase cabinet in kitchen with backlit custom designed glass art inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright's designs
• Added custom designed glass art transom in new opening between dining room and great room to match showcase cabinet design
• Transformed old breakfast nook into seating alcove with swivel chairs
• Added more convenient, second access to 3 Season Room
• Custom designed and built chandelier in Dining Room
• Great Room lighting upgraded from humming, non-dimmable fluorescent bulbs to quiet, dimmable high efficiency bulbs
• Lutron RadioRA2 lighting system added with fully programmable custom light settings