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Home Remodeling Brookfield: First-Floor Kitchen & Living Room Transformation

Project Details

Project Year: 2025

Location: Brookfield

Updates Included: Renovation

Rooms: Kitchen & Living Room 

Features: 

  • A central kitchen island that serves as a prep station, homework hub, and gathering space for the whole family
  • Tall pantry cabinetry to organize everyday essentials and keep snacks within easy reach
  • A reimagined mudroom with a custom boot bench designed to simplify backdoor traffic
  • Custom built-ins that blend seamlessly with original beams and trim, adding both storage and character
  • Warm wood flooring and recessed lighting that brighten every room and tie the entire first floor together

A New Chapter in a Beloved Brookfield Home

After moving into their new home in Brookfield, this family saw its potential but realized the space didn’t yet reflect their lifestyle. The kitchen lacked the storage and layout essential for busy days and family time, while the back hallway felt cramped and inefficient. In addition, the traditional dining room no longer matched how they used their home. They came to us seeking a transformation that would make the house feel both personal and practical — a space that could grow with their family.

Understanding the Family’s Needs

The kitchen’s layout and storage no longer met the needs of this growing family, prompting a desire for a large island that could function as both a prep station and a gathering place. They also needed smarter pantry storage to keep everyday items accessible and organized. In the back hallway, a narrow closet left shoes and coats scattered in high-traffic areas, disrupting daily routines. Meanwhile, the dining room felt disconnected from how the family actually lived, which inspired a fresh look at the layout, flow, and overall function of the first floor.

Modern kitchen featuring a long marble island, wooden stools, pendant lighting, and large windows. A fruit bowl decorates the countertop.

From Disconnected to Functional and Family-Centered

We reconfigured the first-floor layout to support everyday living. The former dining room became a music room, providing a cozy and creative space for the family’s grand piano and instruments. Meanwhile, the new dining area was relocated near the fireplace in the family room, creating a more relaxed and intimate setting for meals and gatherings. A closet in the back hall was opened up and transformed into a mudroom, complete with a boot bench. This new space finally gave shoes and backpacks a designated home.

Balancing Character with New Purpose

Throughout the remodel, we carefully preserved and enhanced the home’s original charm. Ceiling beams and trim were seamlessly integrated into new built-ins around the fireplace, maintaining architectural character while adding storage and warmth. An appliance garage keeps the kitchen counters clutter-free, and new wood flooring, paired with recessed lighting, brightens every room. These thoughtful upgrades create a balance between timeless style and everyday function.

Upstairs, the master suite is a study in serenity, with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame uninterrupted views and patterned wallpaper that brings subtle texture to minimalist furnishings. The result is a tranquil retreat that reflects the homeowners’ Scandinavian roots.

From Start to Finish

Before

  • A traditional layout with a wall was separating the kitchen from the adjacent living space, creating a sense of division and limiting natural flow.
  • Heavy wood cabinetry and darker finishes made the space feel closed off and visually dated.
  • Countertop space was limited, and the outdated appliances didn’t support the family’s cooking and hosting needs.
  • The lack of connection between rooms made everyday movement and entertaining feel constrained.
A spacious kitchen features wooden cabinets and flooring, a central island, overhead chandelier, and large sliding glass doors leading to a deck.
Before

After

  • Removing the wall between the kitchen and the former living room opened up the entire first floor, creating a seamless, cohesive layout.
  • Light-toned cabinetry and creamy quartz countertops now reflect natural light, making the space feel warm and expansive.
  • A large central island was added, offering generous prep space, built-in storage, and a natural gathering point for the family.
  • Brass hardware, modern pendant lighting, and integrated appliances bring a refined, contemporary feel without losing the home’s warmth.
  • The former living room was reimagined as a formal dining space, improving both function and flow across the main living areas.
A modern kitchen with beige cabinets, marble countertops, stainless steel appliances, and pendant lighting. A bowl of fruit sits on the island.
After

Before

  • The kitchen featured an outdated desk area that no longer served a purpose in the space.
  • A compact island with a cooktop offered limited counter space and restricted movement in the kitchen’s main work zone.
  • The cabinetry lacked modern organization solutions, and the range placement on the island interrupted the natural workflow.
Spacious kitchen with wooden cabinets, island, and appliances. Glass doors lead to a deck with a grill. Backpack on the floor. Person in hallway.
Before

After

  • The unused desk area was removed and replaced with tall pantry cabinetry, dramatically improving storage and organization.
  • A larger island was introduced with room for added cabinetry, casual seating, and ample prep space for family meals and gatherings.
  • The range was relocated to the former double-oven wall, creating a more efficient and open cooking zone.
Modern kitchen featuring a long marble island, wooden stools, pendant lighting, and large windows. A fruit bowl decorates the countertop.
After

Before

  • The original kitchen featured dark cabinetry and laminate counters that made the space feel heavy and dated.
  • There was no dedicated kitchen ventilation, which impacted airflow and cooking comfort.
  • Standard layout and finishes didn’t reflect the homeowners’ modern style or performance needs.
Kitchen with wooden cabinets, island stove, and sliding glass doors leading to a patio with outdoor view. Backpack on wooden floor.
Before

After

  • The new design pairs timeless elegance with smart upgrades, featuring creamy cabinetry, brass accents, and a refined tile backsplash.
  • A 35" Kohler Strive stainless steel undermount sink was installed, along with a Kohler Crue Touchless faucet in Brushed Moderne Brass for style and ease.
  • An 8" exterior vent was added to support a new 36" Vent-A-Hood system, dramatically improving kitchen ventilation.
  • Two heat runs were moved above the cabinetry, and two others were converted into toe-kick vents for cleaner lines and better airflow.
Elegant kitchen with cream cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and a striped rug. Brass fixtures complement the wood flooring and soft lighting.
After
After

Before

  • The original featured standard appliances and dated finishes that no longer met the client’s cooking needs or design vision.
  • There was no reverse osmosis system or pressure support for the refrigerator, limiting performance and efficiency.
  • Everyday appliances were left out on the counters, making the space feel cluttered and less functional.
  • Wall ovens took up valuable space and interrupted the overall flow of the kitchen layout.

After

  • Professional-grade Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances were added, giving the kitchen both power and presence.
  • A built-in appliance garage keeps essentials tucked away while preserving clean, open counters.
  • Quartz countertops in polished Calacatta Vivo pair with vertically stacked Zellige tile to add warmth, texture, and modern contrast.
  • Layered lighting includes Rejuvenation Blair pendants and sconces, along with LED wafer and undercabinet lighting for balanced brightness.
  • The wall ovens were removed and replaced with a Wolf 30” Speed Oven, now seamlessly integrated into the island for better flow and functionality.
Modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances, light cabinetry, and a fruit-filled wooden bowl. Elegant lighting and soft color palette create warmth.
Before

Before

  • The living room featured dated built-ins and a closed-off feel that no longer suited the family’s lifestyle.
  • Heavy oak cabinetry and wall-to-wall carpet made the space feel dark and disconnected from the rest of the home.
  • The original fireplace and mantel had charm but felt underutilized and lacked surrounding function.
A cozy living room features wooden beams, built-in shelves, a fireplace, and a large window overlooking fields, with a decorative light fixture.
Before

After

  • The fireplace, mantel, and original surround were preserved to maintain architectural character and warmth.
  • New built-ins were added and stained to match the existing millwork, providing cohesive storage and display space.
  • The former living room was reimagined as a formal dining area, better connecting it to the remodeled kitchen.
Modern kitchen with white cabinets, blue dining area, and wooden accents. Pendant lights, large windows, and a fruit bowl enhance the elegant design.
After

Before

  • The original space featured dated carpeting and recessed lights that interrupted the ceiling's visual flow.
  • Built-in cabinetry and the fireplace were traditional in style but felt dark and visually heavy.
  • The room didn’t reflect the overall aesthetic the homeowners wanted for everyday living or entertaining.
A cozy room features a wooden fireplace, built-in shelves, a crystal chandelier, and houseplants. Pillows and decor items add a homely feel.
Before

After

  • A statement-making 24” Rejuvenation drum pendant anchors the dining room and replaces old recessed fixtures for a cleaner ceiling line.
  • Rich navy built-ins were added to each side of the fireplace, providing a dramatic contrast while honoring the home’s original millwork.
  • New oak hardwood flooring was installed in the dining and family rooms, replacing carpet and creating a warm, cohesive foundation.
  • All existing hardwood floors throughout the first floor were refinished to unify the palette across connected spaces.
A dining room features elegant wooden beams, dark blue cabinetry, a large wooden table, and a modern pendant light.
After

Before

  • The original oak cabinetry felt dated and heavy, with warm wood tones that darkened the living room.
  • Open shelving lacked lighting and made display items look cluttered rather than intentional.
  • Basic hardware blended into the cabinetry, adding little visual interest or contrast.

After

  • Custom cabinetry from Seville was finished in Night Fall, creating a rich, dramatic backdrop that elevates the room.
  • Brass hardware adds warmth and contrast, giving the cabinetry a polished, modern look.
  • Glass-front doors highlight illuminated shelves, turning display items into a design feature.
  • The updated cabinetry modernizes the space while complementing the home’s existing millwork and beams.
Wooden shelves with decorative items, including a photo of a person, books, and pillows. Carpeted floor visible at the bottom.
Before
A black cabinet with glass doors displays books, ceramics, and decorative items. It has gold handles and wooden shelves, against a wooden floor.
After

Before

  • The adjoining space lacked a focal point, with standard cabinetry that offered storage but little visual interest.
  • The transition between the kitchen and dining areas felt disjointed, with finishes that didn’t fully connect the rooms.

After

  • Custom Seville full-overlay cabinetry in a Country White finish defines the kitchen with a clean, timeless look.
  • Deep Night Fall built-ins provide dramatic contrast, balancing the light cabinetry with rich color and presence.
  • Paneled wine and beverage refrigerators blend seamlessly into the wet bar for a fully integrated design.
  • Glass-front doors with wood shelving create a sophisticated display area, enhanced by warm interior lighting.
Elegant kitchen with dark blue cabinetry, wooden dining table, and white countertop. Fruit arrangement on island adds a touch of color.
After

Before

  • The dining room corner was used as a built-in desk, with dated oak cabinetry and a mix of glass fronts and cubbies that lacked purpose.
  • The design felt out of sync with the home’s remodel vision, offering limited function and no true gathering appeal.

After

  • A 24" Sub-Zero wine storage unit and a 24" beverage fridge provide ample capacity for entertaining.
  • Glass-front upper cabinets showcase illuminated shelving for barware and specialty glass collections.
  • A Kohler Strive undermount sink and Kohler Crue faucet in Brushed Moderne Brass tie into the home’s brass accents for a cohesive look.
  • Envi Quartz countertops in polished Calacatta Vivo extend into a full-height backsplash, creating a luxe, continuous finish.
A wooden cabinet with glass doors, granite countertop, and a photo frame on display. Kitchen items and books are stored inside.
Before
A home bar with dark cabinets, featuring a wine fridge, glass storage, golden faucet, and countertop, set against light wooden flooring and beams.
After
Ready to create your dream space? Let’s get started.
Outcome & Client Impact

What was once a house with great bones is now a home filled with light, life, and purpose. Each space supports how the family actually lives, from casual dinners and music nights to organized mornings. With custom touches and practical details, this remodel delivered more than just new finishes. It gave the homeowners a first floor that feels truly theirs.

A black cabinet with glass doors displays books, ceramics, and decorative items. It has gold handles and wooden shelves, against a wooden floor.
A home bar with dark cabinets, featuring a wine fridge, glass storage, golden faucet, and countertop, set against light wooden flooring and beams.
A dining room features elegant wooden beams, dark blue cabinetry, a large wooden table, and a modern pendant light.
Elegant kitchen with dark blue cabinetry, wooden dining table, and white countertop. Fruit arrangement on island adds a touch of color.
Modern kitchen with white cabinets, blue dining area, and wooden accents. Pendant lights, large windows, and a fruit bowl enhance the elegant design.
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Modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances, light cabinetry, and a fruit-filled wooden bowl. Elegant lighting and soft color palette create warmth.
Elegant kitchen with beige cabinetry, marble countertops, stainless steel appliances, and gold accents. A striped rug and fruit bowl add warmth.

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 dining room features elegant wooden beams, dark blue cabinetry, a large wooden table, and a modern pendant light.

Dream Big. We’ll Handle the Rest.