OUR WORK
Lake Home Kitchen and Primary Suite Remodel in Ann Arbor
A disconnected lake house became a warm, cohesive home that feels like its owners.
THE STORY
What the homeowners wanted, and what we found.
WHAT THEY WANTED
These homeowners wanted their lake house to feel like theirs and to flow as one across the first floor. They wanted a kitchen with more light, color and warmth for cooking and gathering, a real walk-in pantry and a fireplace worthy of the entry. They also wanted a primary bath that worked better. The kitchen was dark and underused, and finishes like white carpet weren't practical for pets or lake life.
WHAT WE FOUND
Peninsula cabinets blocked the path to the dining room without adding any function. For its size, the kitchen had no real pantry. White carpet, dark flooring and an oversized mirror didn't suit pets or the relaxed lake setting. In the primary bath, a his-and-hers layout and an oversized tub surround ate up space.
HOW WE DESIGNED IT
We bridged the old eat-in area and the main kitchen with one large, two-level island.
THE INSPIRATION
Relaxed, warm and true to the lake. The homeowners wanted a first floor that reflects their taste and feels like one home. A mix of modern, contemporary and rustic brings more light, color, texture and warmth to the kitchen.
THE PLAN
A large two-level island now connects the old eat-in area to the main kitchen. The old laundry room became a walk-in pantry. We took out the cabinets that blocked the way, linking the kitchen, dining room and sun porch. In the primary suite, we reworked the bath and added a private laundry.
THE OUTCOME
How it turned out
The homeowners bake, cook and gather around an island made for them. Coffee and small appliances live in the pantry, so the kitchen stays clear. A floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace greets them at the entry, and laundry happens right in the primary suite.
FINAL PHOTOS
The finished space.
AT A GLANCE
A House Becomes a Home With Modern and Rustic Elements
A kitchen, pantry, primary suite and first-floor remodel.
A lake home in Ann Arbor.
Two-level island, walk-in pantry, floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, primary bath with private laundry, pet-friendly finishes.
THE FLOOR PLANS
What changed, and why.
We bridged the old eat-in area and the main kitchen with one large, two-level island.
BEFORE
AFTER
WHAT MAKES IT WORK
Three details that carry the design.
FEATURE 01
We turned the old second vanity area in the primary bath into a private laundry room. Bath, closet and laundry now sit side by side, so a daily chore takes fewer steps.
FEATURE 02
The oversized island handles prep, baking, serving, storage and gathering all at once. Its two levels and two materials were sized to the homeowner's height and love of baking.
FEATURE 03
The old laundry room is now an open walk-in pantry with storage and a second prep space. Coffee, the ice maker, the microwave and small appliances live here, so the main kitchen stays clean and clear.
THE PROJECT
A House Becomes a Home With Modern and Rustic Elements
AT A GLANCE
A kitchen, pantry, primary suite and first-floor remodel.
A lake home in Ann Arbor.
Two-level island, walk-in pantry, floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, primary bath with private laundry, pet-friendly finishes.
THE STORY
These homeowners wanted their lake house to feel like theirs and to flow as one across the first floor. They wanted a kitchen with more light, color and warmth for cooking and gathering, a real walk-in pantry and a fireplace worthy of the entry. They also wanted a primary bath that worked better. The kitchen was dark and underused, and finishes like white carpet weren't practical for pets or lake life.
HOW WE DESIGNED IT
A large two-level island now connects the old eat-in area to the main kitchen. The old laundry room became a walk-in pantry. We took out the cabinets that blocked the way, linking the kitchen, dining room and sun porch. In the primary suite, we reworked the bath and added a private laundry.
