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Elm Grove Home Remodeling
Project Details

Project Year: 2025

Location: Elm Grove

Updates Included: Remodel

Rooms: Whole House

Features:

  • Blue custom island with seating and open oak shelving anchors the kitchen with warmth and function

  • White-painted brick fireplace with color-matched built-ins ties living spaces together

  • Reading nook in the family room creates a cozy retreat for books, games, and quiet moments

  • Powder room with whimsical wallpaper and matching island paint adds charm and personality

Designed Around the Way They Live

Returning to one’s childhood home is a rare and emotional journey. This 1970s time capsule in Elm Grove had remained virtually untouched for decades, holding both nostalgia and untapped potential. For the homeowner, every room was filled with memories, but every inch needed a fresh start. With vision, determination, and the help of S.J. Janis, this full-home transformation reimagined every space to support modern living, functionality, and the joyful chaos of family life.

A Whole-Home Remodel With Room to Grow

This remodel began with a clear vision: to breathe new life into every corner of the home while honoring the memories it held. The homeowners wanted a space that could grow with their large family, blend timeless style with modern function, and create areas that encouraged connection without sacrificing comfort.

A full-home renovation meant touching nearly every room. Every decision was made with purpose: durability for a bustling household, flow that supported both daily routines and special gatherings, and details that reflected the homeowners’ style.

Cozy living room with dark sectional, large windows, and bookshelf. Brick fireplace with wooden mantel enhances the warm, inviting atmosphere.

A Kitchen Built for Connection

At the heart of the remodel was a complete reimagining of the kitchen, crafted for both daily meals and family gatherings. A single island could not meet the needs of a family of seven, so the design incorporated both a peninsula and an island, creating abundant seating while preserving essential preparation and cooking zones. The rich blue custom island became the visual centerpiece, paired with warm white oak floating shelves, a carefully selected tile mix, and an inviting palette of mixed metals in polished nickel and brass.

Three dedicated sink zones, including a main sink, a prep sink, and a bar sink, ensure the space functions effortlessly for a bustling household. Quartz countertops, textured and patterned tilework, and carefully chosen lighting bring beauty and personality into this hardworking space.

Living Spaces Made for Modern Life

The living room, once dominated by red brick and dark wood, was brightened with painted brick and cabinetry that matched the kitchen’s palette, creating unity between the shared spaces. The family room was reimagined to include a reading nook for books, games, and quiet moments. New wainscoting brought timeless elegance to the formal dining room, and the back hall was transformed into a comfortable en suite for the family’s nanny.

From Start to Finish

Before

  • Dark red brick fireplace and wood built-ins created a heavy, dated look.
  • Narrow shelves and cluttered storage reduced functionality.
  • Dim, enclosed atmosphere offered minimal visual connection to the outdoors.
Room under renovation with a brick fireplace, wooden shelving, covered furniture, and floor protection. Light bulb hangs from the ceiling.
Before
A cluttered room with wooden chairs, a TV, bookshelves, a lamp, and a brick-textured wall. Furniture has small green labels.
Before
Cozy living room with dark sectional, large windows, and bookshelf. Brick fireplace with wooden mantel enhances the warm, inviting atmosphere.
After

After

  • White-painted brick fireplace with oak mantel brightens and modernizes the space.
  • Built-ins with patterned backing add personality and provide refined display space.
  • Large windows and light finishes create an airy, inviting family gathering area.

Before

  • Dark oak cabinetry, dated wallpaper, and fluorescent lighting created a closed-in feel.
  • The cluttered dinette area with minimal storage and outdated fixtures reduced usability.
  • Limited preparation space and a disjointed layout hindered functionality for a large family.
A traditional kitchen with wooden cabinets, white appliances, and patterned wallpaper. Countertops covered with stacked dishes and kitchenware.
Before
A cluttered room with tables filled with glassware and appliances, a sliding glass door, wooden cabinets, and patterned wallpaper under warm lighting.
Before

After

  • Blue custom island paired with white cabinetry creates contrast and visual balance.
  • Quartz countertops, brass accents, and open oak shelving add warmth and elegance.
  • An expanded layout with dual gathering zones enhances the flow and provides seating for all.
  • Textured tile backsplash and layered lighting bring depth, style, and modern functionality.
A modern kitchen with white cabinets, navy island, and wood flooring. Large windows provide natural light. Decor includes plants and a dining area.
After

Before

  • Outdated cabinetry and marble-look countertop lacked character.
  • Dated light fixtures and mirrors gave the space a tired appearance.
  • Cluttered surfaces and mismatched finishes diminished visual appeal.

After

  • Navy wainscoting with a matching vanity adds rich color and sophistication.
  • Bold floral wallpaper creates a striking and whimsical focal point.
  • Brass fixtures, mirror, and sconces bring warmth and timeless charm.
Before
Elegant bathroom with floral wallpaper, ornate mirror, gold fixtures, and dark cabinetry. Soft lighting from wall sconces enhances the decor.
After
An elegant dining room with boxes on the table, a chandelier, grandfather clock, and vacuum cleaner near the window-draped area.
Before

Before

  • Heavy drapery, ornate wallpaper, and bulky furniture overwhelmed the space.
  • Dated chandelier and mismatched finishes created a dim and cluttered look.
  • The entryway lacked a cohesive connection to the adjacent dining room.

After

  • Deep navy accent wall with crisp white wainscoting adds drama and elegance.
  • Statement chandelier and gold-framed mirror bring sparkle and refinement.
  • Warm oak flooring flows seamlessly from the foyer to the dining room, creating a unified feel.
Elegant dining room with wooden table, chairs, crystal chandelier, blue walls, and a large mirror reflecting the light, creating a sophisticated ambiance.
After
Elegant interior featuring a dining room with a chandelier, a wooden staircase, and decorative vase on a table. Cozy and sophisticated atmosphere.
After
A living room features packed boxes, suitcases, ornate chairs, and elegant curtains. The room is dimly lit, with rugs on the floor.
Before
Ornate floral wallpapered hallway with cushioned bench and sconce leads to cozy sitting room featuring armchairs, rug, and a tall clock.
After

Before

  • Heavy drapery blocked natural light and made the room feel closed in.
  • Outdated furniture layout created a cluttered and cramped appearance.
  • Lack of cohesive design between the hall and the living room.

After

  • Deep navy walls and crisp white trim add dramatic contrast and sophistication.
  • Built-in bench with storage and patterned wallpaper creates a welcoming hall feature.
  • Open, airy layout with refined furnishings enhances flow and strengthens the visual connection.
Start your remodel with a team that listens, plans, and builds for real life.
Outcome & Client Impact

This Elm Grove remodel is more than a renovation; it is a story of coming home. The once-dated house is now a bright, welcoming haven designed for the daily rhythms of a busy family and the celebrations they will share for years to come. From the dual gathering zones in the kitchen to the quiet corners for reading, every inch has been planned with intention. It is a space that honors its history while embracing the present, creating a true forever home for generations to come.

Bright, modern kitchen with white cabinets, blue island, and wood flooring. Natural light from large windows complements the elegant design and decor.
Modern kitchen with white cabinets, dark blue island, and marble countertops. Pendant lights hang overhead. Plants and fruit basket add decorative touches.
A modern kitchen with white cabinets, navy island, and wood flooring. Large windows provide natural light. Decor includes plants and a dining area.
Bright kitchen with white cabinets, marble countertops, and stainless steel appliances. Large window view of greenery. Vase with flowers decorates the sink.
Modern kitchen with large island, white cabinets, marble countertops, and wooden floors. Elegant lighting and decorative elements create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Elegant kitchen with marble countertops, globe pendant lights, and flowers. Basket of bread and grapes on the island, bright and airy ambiance.
Modern kitchen with white cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and a large island with a vase of green leaves under spherical pendant lights.
Modern kitchen counter with white cabinets, dark hexagonal tile backsplash, a sink, lemons, and a glass pitcher. Beverage fridge against wooden floor.
A modern kitchen with white cabinets, brass hardware, wooden floor, patterned runner, and open shelves. A cozy, elegant space.
Cozy living room with dark sectional, large windows, and bookshelf. Brick fireplace with wooden mantel enhances the warm, inviting atmosphere.
A cozy living room with navy seating, white brick fireplace, built-in shelves, and a wooden table centerpiece featuring a vase with white flowers.
Ornate floral wallpapered hallway with cushioned bench and sconce leads to cozy sitting room featuring armchairs, rug, and a tall clock.
Elegant living room with dark walls, large windows, a grandfather clock, stylish furniture, and a center table adorned with fresh flowers.
Elegant living room with a crystal chandelier, grand clock, plaid chairs, stone table, and window view of trees, showcasing classic design elements.
Elegant interior featuring a dining room with a chandelier, a wooden staircase, and decorative vase on a table. Cozy and sophisticated atmosphere.
Elegant dining room with wooden table, chairs, crystal chandelier, blue walls, and a large mirror reflecting the light, creating a sophisticated ambiance.
Elegant bathroom with floral wallpaper, ornate mirror, gold fixtures, and dark cabinetry. Soft lighting from wall sconces enhances the decor.
Organized mudroom cubbies with baskets, hooks, and storage bins. A pair of shoes and a hanging bag are visible.

Dream Big. We’ll Handle the Rest.

S.J. Janis Company stands ready to bring your vision to life with unparalleled expertise and a commitment to excellence. Contact us today to discover how we can turn your dream home into your real home.
Modern kitchen with large island, white cabinets, marble countertops, and wooden floors. Elegant lighting and decorative elements create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
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Dream Big. We’ll Handle the Rest.