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Elm Grove Whole House Remodel
Project Details

Project Year: 2021

Location: Elm Grove

Updates Included: Remodel

Rooms: Whole house

Features:

  • Open-concept kitchen 
  • Custom sunroom addition 
  • Primary suite with rooftop porch 
  • Hidden hallway bar

From Childhood Memories to a Forever Home

Transforming a cherished childhood home into a modern sanctuary is no small feat. For this homeowner, the 1940s Cape Cod in Elm Grove held decades of memories. Years later, she returned with a vision: to transform the house she loved into a modern, accessible forever home that still carried the warmth and character of its original charm. With flexibility, style, and longevity at the heart of every decision, the remodel breathed new life into the spaces that shaped her earliest memories.

From Memory to Modern: The Home She Always Envisioned

The client’s vision was deeply personal. She dreamed of a larger, brighter kitchen with panoramic views of the yard; a cozy den that could one day serve as an accessible bedroom; and a sunroom where the seasons could unfold in comfort. Every space needed to feel timeless yet practical, from a serene primary suite with its own bath and walk-out porch to a widened hallway that allowed for easier circulation and a stronger visual connection across the home. Each room had to serve a purpose now and adapt to future needs later.

A spacious white house with a stone base, featuring a patio with chairs, fire pit, and red umbrella, surrounded by trees.

Seamless Structure, Elevated Flow

Transforming a segmented 1940s layout into an open, functional floor plan meant addressing both structural and mechanical challenges. Load-bearing walls were removed to expand the kitchen, dining, and living areas, creating unobstructed sightlines and allowing daylight to stream in from multiple directions. Stairs to the basement and garage were reconfigured to make room for a new mudroom entry, while a first-floor laundry was added to support aging-in-place living. Thoughtful details, like a window shelf beneath the laundry window, invited moments of stillness and everyday joy.

Design Details That Deliver

Custom French doors, a hidden dry bar, and carefully chosen finishes reflect that every detail was thoughtfully crafted. In the kitchen, indigo and snow-white cabinetry create a striking contrast, while Cambria Portrush countertops and brass finishes bring refined elegance. A mobile island on casters offers flexible space for entertaining. Upstairs, a sloped ceiling in the primary bedroom adds cozy continuity, leading to a rooftop porch that captures the sunrise. Elsewhere, a reading nook, restored ceiling medallion, and a converted closet-turned-light-filled hallway bring character to every corner.

From Start to Finish

A charming two-story house with a Mansard roof, surrounded by lush greenery and trees, featuring large windows and a sunny front yard.
Before
A spacious white house with a stone base, featuring a patio with chairs, fire pit, and red umbrella, surrounded by trees.
After

Before

  • The 1940s Cape Cod home was ready for an update when the client chose to transform her childhood house into a forever home.
  • She wanted to retain the good memories and continue its legacy with their family.
  • A clean, modern aesthetic was requested to reflect the amenities and design of new construction.

After

  • The new addition features matching siding and repurposed stone, blending seamlessly with the original structure.
  • White Azek railings on both porches create welcoming walk-out areas for the clients to enjoy the view.

Before

  • Prior to the remodel, the home had large bay windows.

After

  • A new Marvin black exterior front door and matching sconce lighting offer modern updates.
  • Bay windows were replaced with a larger fixed center picture window unit.
Charming suburban house with gabled roof, surrounded by lush greenery and trees, exuding a peaceful and inviting atmosphere on a sunny day.
Before
Charming two-story house with dormer windows, stone and siding exterior. Lush green lawn, trees, and decorative wreath on front door. Peaceful suburban setting.
After

Before

  • The clients desired a first-floor plan that was no longer compartmentalized. They wanted to create an open space that connects rooms, such as the dining room, for improved traffic flow when entertaining guests.
  • Dated wallpaper, paint colors, doors, carpet, and hardwood flooring all needed a refresh!

After

  • The view from the dining room into the kitchen features a classic design with bright white wainscoting and enhanced illumination from a mix of updated lighting throughout.
  • Coordinating Indigo wall and kitchen island paint contrasts with the bright Snow White cabinetry and woodwork.
A cozy vintage room features floral wallpaper, a wooden dresser, and china cabinet. Doorway opens to a bright kitchen with wooden cabinets.
Before
Bright kitchen with wooden floors, blue and white walls, a chandelier, and a dining table. A vase with yellow flowers decorates the counter.
After

Before

  • The clients desired a more expansive kitchen with larger windows to illuminate the space.
  • The space is consumed by large soffits, dated cabinetry and hardware, and white appliances.

After

  • Cambria Portrush countertops coordinate with the Cloe Blue ceramic tile, laid in both subway and herringbone patterns.
  • The soffits, cabinetry, hardware, and appliances were eliminated to allow room for an island.
  • Polished brass cabinet hardware and light fixtures add the finishing touches.
  • Wall cabinets reach to the ceiling and are finished with crown molding.
A kitchen with yellow walls, wooden cabinets, and a white countertop. It features a refrigerator, stove, vintage TV, and duck wall decor.
Before
Bright kitchen with white cabinets, blue tile backsplash, and wooden floors. Features stainless steel appliances, a central island, and large window overlooking trees.
After

Before

  • The dining room was outdated and needed new lighting fixtures and carpet.

After

  • The peninsula cabinet offers additional workspace and storage, while decorative wainscot panels coordinate with the dining room walls.
  • The existing plaster ceiling medallion was preserved and protected.
  • The carpet was removed.
A cluttered room with floral wallpaper, chandelier, and large window. A table is covered with household items; boxes and bags on the floor.
Before
Bright dining room features a wooden table, rug, chandelier, and large windows. A kitchen counter with stools and yellow flowers nearby.
After

Before

  • A narrow hallway and standard doorway created a closed-off feel between the kitchen and living room.
  • No cabinetry existed in this area, leaving no space for bar storage.

After

  • The doorway was enlarged and we widened the hall.
  • The white cabinetry on the right features a hidden dry bar with retractable pocket doors and pull-out refrigerator drawers.
A narrow hallway features floral wallpaper, leading to a carpeted room with artwork and a lamp on a small table.
Before
A hallway features a colorful carpet, modern cabinetry, and leads to a bright room with a rocking chair and table with lamp.
After

Before

  • The existing living room needed updated fireplace tile and new wood flooring to replace the aging carpet.
  • The clients desired an addition beyond the windows to enjoy a sunroom with views of the backyard.
  • To allow better circular traffic flow on the first floor, a new doorway was requested to the left of the fireplace, connecting to an existing hallway.

After

  • A larger den was created as part of the addition and hallway opening.
  • The same red birch hardwood flooring continues into the living room, offering a warm contrast to the bright woodwork.
  • Blue ceramic hearth tiles add a splash of color to the fireplace.
  • French glass doors provide a transition to the new sunroom addition while retaining the existing built-in cabinets.
A cozy living room features a piano, fireplace, large window with garden view, and built-in shelves. A vase with flowers adds decor.
Before
A cozy living room features a fireplace, gray sofa, glass coffee table, art, bookshelves, and natural light from large windows.
After
Bright living room with large windows, yellow sofas, colorful pillows, and a stylish coffee table centerpiece. Wood floor and neutral rug complete the decor.
After

After

  • A view into the new sunroom addition reveals an abundance of natural light from the Marvin casement windows and the sliding French door leading to the rear patio.
  • The layout offers a creative and functional way to access the exterior from another part of the home, especially useful when entertaining.

Before

  • The last area remodeled on the first floor was the existing dinette, which was converted into an easily accessible laundry room.

After

  • Snow White painted cabinetry provides storage, while Cambria quartz countertop space, shelving, and a clothes rod keep the area organized and tidy.
  • Mannington Hive Swarm vinyl flooring offers a low-maintenance surface.
  • Easy access to the LG washer and dryer adds convenience, with the ability to close the door for soundproofing.
A cozy kitchen with floral wallpaper, a round table cluttered with bags, and shelves showcasing decorative teapots and cans under a hanging light.
Before
Bright laundry room with front-loading washer, dryer, red stool, modern hexagonal tile floor, and large windows offering a view of a suburban street.
After
A cluttered bedroom with floral curtains, wallpaper, and various items scattered on the bed and floor, including boxes and lamps.
Before
A cozy bedroom features a striped bedding, dark wooden furniture, two lamps, a ceiling fan, and a view of the outside.
After

Before

  • The existing master bedroom featured dated wallpaper and lacked an attached bathroom.
  • The clients wanted to add a master bathroom with French doors and a walk-out porch at the rear of the bedroom.

After

  • The new master bedroom features a wallpapered accent wall behind the bed.
  • An abundance of sunlight fills the suite, and fresh air flows in through the new bathroom’s French doors.
  • A relocated window and a continued sloped ceiling detail accommodate a king-size bed.
Modern bathroom with white cabinets, large mirror, and plants. French doors open to greenery outside, creating a fresh and airy atmosphere.
After

After

  • Marvin French doors lead to the new rooftop patio above the sunroom addition—a bright, beautiful space to wake up to.
  • Tower cabinets include interior outlets for convenient storage and device charging.
  • A Cambria Queen Anne quartz countertop complements the gray flooring and white painted woodwork.
Inspired by this transformation? Let’s reimagine your forever home together
Outcome & Client Impact

This remodel redefined a cherished family home for the next generation. What was once a series of closed-off rooms is now an open, sunlit sanctuary with thoughtful flow and lasting charm. The homeowner now enjoys a forever home that honors its 1940s roots while offering every modern convenience, creating a space ready for both daily routines and lasting memories.

A spacious white house with a stone base, featuring a patio with chairs, fire pit, and red umbrella, surrounded by trees.
Charming two-story house with dormer windows, stone and siding exterior. Lush green lawn, trees, and decorative wreath on front door. Peaceful suburban setting.
Bright kitchen with wooden floors, blue and white walls, a chandelier, and a dining table. A vase with yellow flowers decorates the counter.
Bright kitchen with white cabinets, blue tile backsplash, and wooden floors. Features stainless steel appliances, a central island, and large window overlooking trees.
Bright dining room features a wooden table, rug, chandelier, and large windows. A kitchen counter with stools and yellow flowers nearby.
A hallway features a colorful carpet, modern cabinetry, and leads to a bright room with a rocking chair and table with lamp.
A cozy living room features a fireplace, gray sofa, glass coffee table, art, bookshelves, and natural light from large windows.
Bright living room with large windows, yellow sofas, colorful pillows, and a stylish coffee table centerpiece. Wood floor and neutral rug complete the decor.
Bright laundry room with front-loading washer, dryer, red stool, modern hexagonal tile floor, and large windows offering a view of a suburban street.
A cozy bedroom features a striped bedding, dark wooden furniture, two lamps, a ceiling fan, and a view of the outside.

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.
A spacious white house with a stone base, featuring a patio with chairs, fire pit, and red umbrella, surrounded by trees.
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Dream Big. We’ll Handle the Rest.