OUR WORK
Kitchen Addition and Main-Floor Remodel in Dicken, Ann Arbor
A cramped layout with no landing zone became a home that finally fits a young family.
THE STORY
What the homeowners wanted, and what we found.
WHAT THEY WANTED
After living in their new home for a few months, this young family knew what had to change. There was no room to cook together, and no room to gather as a family or entertain. The primary bath was cramped too. A 155-square-foot addition moved the kitchen to the back of the house, with a large island, more counter space, and windows to the backyard. Upstairs, the addition made room for a bigger primary bath with a large shower and a double vanity.
WHAT WE FOUND
There was no landing zone between the garage and the kitchen. The kitchen was short on cabinets and counters, and the dining area floated between the kitchen and family room. The primary bath was cramped and dated, and the brown siding, roof and brick blended into one flat facade.
HOW WE DESIGNED IT
A 155-square-foot bump-out at the back let us move the kitchen and turn the old one into a mudroom and dining room.
THE INSPIRATION
A young family who loved their neighborhood but not their home's flat, dated look. White brick, deep green siding and black trim give the outside new life. Inside, two-tone cabinets keep the kitchen light and bright.
THE PLAN
A small bump-out at the back holds the new kitchen, with its island and backyard windows. The old kitchen became a mudroom off the garage and a central dining room with a pantry closet and coffee bar. New walls frame the family room, and a relocated patio door opens to a screened porch. Upstairs, the addition stacks over the kitchen to create a larger primary bath.
THE OUTCOME
How it turned out
The family drops bags and shoes in the mudroom, then gathers around the island they always wanted. Meals happen in a real dining room, with a coffee bar close by. Upstairs, the parents get ready in a roomy primary bath, and the home looks fresh from the street.
FINAL PHOTOS
The finished space.
AT A GLANCE
Reshaping a Dicken Neighborhood Home for a Young Family
A small rear addition and main-floor remodel.
Dicken neighborhood, Ann Arbor.
New kitchen with island, mudroom off the garage, defined dining room with coffee bar, larger primary bath, refreshed exterior.
THE FLOOR PLANS
What changed, and why.
A 155-square-foot bump-out at the back let us move the kitchen and turn the old one into a mudroom and dining room.
BEFORE
AFTER
WHAT MAKES IT WORK
Three details that carry the design.
FEATURE 01
The outside got a full refresh with new windows, white brick, deep green siding and black trim. The home finally looks like it belongs to this family, with curb appeal that stands out on the street.
FEATURE 02
Two-tone cabinets in white and light wood, white counters and new windows keep the kitchen light and bright. The large island with stools is the family's new gathering spot.
FEATURE 03
Dark tones in the primary bath bring contrast to the lighter colors in the rest of the home. It feels rich and calm, with plenty of storage.
THE PROJECT
Reshaping a Dicken Neighborhood Home for a Young Family
AT A GLANCE
A small rear addition and main-floor remodel.
Dicken neighborhood, Ann Arbor.
New kitchen with island, mudroom off the garage, defined dining room with coffee bar, larger primary bath, refreshed exterior.
THE STORY
After living in their new home for a few months, this young family knew what had to change. There was no room to cook together, and no room to gather as a family or entertain. The primary bath was cramped too. A 155-square-foot addition moved the kitchen to the back of the house, with a large island, more counter space, and windows to the backyard. Upstairs, the addition made room for a bigger primary bath with a large shower and a double vanity.
HOW WE DESIGNED IT
A small bump-out at the back holds the new kitchen, with its island and backyard windows. The old kitchen became a mudroom off the garage and a central dining room with a pantry closet and coffee bar. New walls frame the family room, and a relocated patio door opens to a screened porch. Upstairs, the addition stacks over the kitchen to create a larger primary bath.
