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River Hills Sunroom & Home Office Addition
Project Details

Project Year: 2019

Location: River Hills

Updates Included: Addition

Rooms: Sunroom & Home Office

Features:

  • 18’ x 31’ custom addition that created both a private home office and a light-filled workout and sunroom space.
  • Moody Blue custom cabinetry in the office for refined storage and a professional, polished look.
  • Cathedral ceiling in the workout and sunroom, adding natural light and dramatic height.
  • Custom fireplace surround with a wood mantle and tiered cap, blending craftsmanship with elegance.
  • Multiple gables and a centered entry for balanced curb appeal that feels true to the home’s architecture.

A Space That Balances Work, Wellness, and Beauty

For these River Hills homeowners, more space wasn’t just a luxury; it was a necessity. They wanted a place to work, a place to move, and a place to breathe. The solution was a custom 18’ x 31’ addition that brings both beauty and balance to their Cape Cod-style home. This thoughtful remodel introduced a new front entry, refinished floors, a custom fireplace surround, and, most importantly, a sunroom and home office that reflect the rhythms of modern life.

A Place to Work, a Place to Move

This project was designed around two distinct but equally important needs. The husband wanted a professional space to work from home and host clients, one that could be both private and refined. The wife longed for a workout room away from the basement’s low ceilings and lack of light, a space tall enough for trampoline workouts and open to natural sunlight. Together, these two rooms now provide areas tailored to both productivity and wellness, with the flexibility to evolve into a guest suite or in-law space in the future.

Design That Balances Beauty and Function

The addition not only enhanced daily life but also improved the home’s overall flow. The office was finished with Moody Blue custom cabinetry that adds elegance while providing abundant storage. The workout and sunroom features cathedral ceilings and expansive windows that fill the space with light, mirrors that create the feeling of more room, and the flexibility to change use over time. The family room was also elevated with a custom fireplace surround, a tiered cap, and floor-to-ceiling built-ins that replaced the old soffits, blending craftsmanship with everyday function.

A Seamless Transformation, Inside and Out

Architecturally, the addition resolved an imbalance in the home’s exterior by creating symmetry across from the oversized garage wing. Multiple gables soften the massing and add charm, while the new front entry anchors the home with a welcoming focal point. Inside, refinished hardwood floors with a custom-stained finish tie the old and new spaces together without interruption. The project faced challenges, including relocating the gas meter and managing water-heavy soil, but the finished addition feels as though it has always been part of the home.

From Start to Finish

Before

  • The homeowners needed a professional office space that felt separate from the main living areas.
  • The existing layout offered no private retreat for work or client meetings.
  • Limited natural light and storage made the available spaces feel uninspiring and cluttered.
Before
Cozy home office with a vibrant red rug, fireplace, wooden desk, armchair, and bookshelves. Bright decor and artwork enhance the warm atmosphere.
After

After

  • Double-hung windows now flood the new office with light, creating a bright and energizing workspace.
  • A wood-burning fireplace with a marble hearth and surround adds warmth and elegance.
  • Shaker-style cabinetry finished in Moody Blue provides abundant storage and a regal, refined touch.
  • The space now balances sophistication and function, perfect for both professional meetings and personal retreat.

Before

  • The rear exterior felt flat and lacked depth or architectural interest.
  • The back of the house appeared unbalanced and disconnected from the Cape Cod style.
  • The entryway was uninviting and offered little design presence
A two-story suburban house with white siding, surrounded by trees and a green lawn. Features a hammock stand and wooden slide.
Before
Charming white house with a brick chimney, modern windows, a sunny patio, and well-maintained garden, under a clear blue sky.
After

After

  • LP SmartSide siding, soffit, and fascia provide a crisp, low-maintenance finish.
  • Marvin French doors and multiple gables add depth, charm, and balance to the exterior.
  • A new brick-veneer chimney with a wood-burning fireplace enhances authenticity and warmth.
  • The covered porch, featuring integrated LED lighting, creates a welcoming focal point and shelter.

Before

  • The entryway felt dated, with mismatched finishes that disrupted the home’s flow.
  • Busy wallpaper and a dark light fixture made the space feel cramped and heavy.
  • Flooring changes between rooms created a disjointed look instead of cohesion.
Decorated hallway featuring patterned wallpaper, framed Milwaukee map, wooden flooring, small black table, adjacent dining area with chairs, and laundry room in view.
Before
A cozy dining room with floral wallpaper, a round table, elegant chairs, and vibrant decor visible through an arched doorway and wooden floor.
After

After

  • A new foyer light fixture brightens the space and sets a welcoming tone
  • Updated wallpaper adds character while maintaining a refined aesthetic.
  • A leopard-patterned carpet runner adds personality to the staircase.
  • Refinished hardwood flooring now flows seamlessly from the dining room through the foyer into the living room and office.

Before

  • The living room felt cramped, with limited seating and little flexibility for entertaining.
  • Dark furnishings and layout made the space feel heavy and closed-in.
  • The flow between the living room and adjacent rooms was restricted.
A cozy living room with a patterned rug, dark sofa, wooden furniture, artwork, and soft lighting. Books and plants enhance the decor.
Before
Warm, inviting living room with a stylish bar, elegant armchairs, vibrant red rug, and decorative plants, creating a cozy, sophisticated ambiance.
After

After

  • The updated living room features a wet bar and abundant seating, creating a comfortable gathering space.
  • Refinished hardwood flooring and lighter finishes brighten and visually expand the room.
  • French pocket doors allow the room to open seamlessly into the office or be closed off for privacy, enhancing flexibility.

Before

  • The wet bar setup felt makeshift and lacked integration with the living space.
  • Open shelving and dark cabinetry gave the area a heavy, cluttered look.
  • Guests often had to travel back and forth to the kitchen, making entertaining less convenient.
A home bar with black furniture, framed artwork, bookshelves, and potted plants on a wooden floor with ambient lighting.
Before
After

After

  • A formal wet bar was created with built-in cabinetry, glass-front uppers, and integrated lighting to showcase glassware.
  • Bright white finishes and sleek countertops provide a crisp, refined backdrop.
  • The original bar was reimagined as the centerpiece, now anchored by functional storage and a stylish design that elevates entertaining.

Before

  • The wife’s office marked the end of the home’s footprint, limiting functional space.
  • The setup felt cramped, with little room for growth or flexibility.
  • The design lacked the cohesion and warmth of the rest of the home.
A home office features a wooden desk with computer, task lamp, and printer. Artwork and plants decorate the space, enhancing its cozy ambiance.
Before
After

After

  • A redesigned office with dual workspaces now supports both productivity and comfort.
  • Built-in cabinetry and shelving create storage and organization.
  • Refinished hardwood flooring seamlessly blends the existing home with the new exercise room addition beyond.
  • The sitting area adds versatility, making the space both practical and inviting.

Before

  • The basement workout space lacked natural light and had low ceilings that limited comfort and functionality.
  • The setup felt disconnected from the rest of the home and uninspiring for daily exercise.
  • No flexibility existed for the room to serve other purposes in the future.
A sunlit room features a cozy seating area, exercise bike, wooden floor, vibrant plants, and large windows opening to a lush green garden.
After
Bright home gym with exercise equipment, large mirror, plants, and colorful artwork. Hardwood floors and window view create an inviting atmosphere.
After

After

  • A new exercise/sunroom addition with cathedral ceilings creates an airy, open environment filled with natural light.
  • French doors open directly to the patio, seamlessly connecting the indoors and outdoors.
  • A large wall mirror enhances the sense of space, while recessed LED lights add dimension and flexibility.
  • The versatile design supports workouts, relaxation, or conversion into a sunroom or guest suite in the future.

Before

  • The family room felt dated and in need of a refresh.
  • The brick fireplace and mantle were darkened with soot, giving the space a tired appearance.
  • The hardwood floors showed wear and had lost their original luster.
Before
After

After

  • A white-painted fireplace with a rich oak mantle creates a striking new focal point.
  • Freshly painted walls and ceiling brighten the entire room.
  • Refinished hardwood floors restore warmth and continuity, tying the family room into the rest of the remodel.

Before

  • The family room soffit wasted valuable space that could have been used for additional shelving.
  • The dated built-ins felt underutilized and lacked character.
  • The hardwood floors showed wear from years of use and needed refinishing.
Cozy living room with built-in shelves, bay window seat, colorful cushions, and pet crate. Books and decor items adorn shelves.
Before
Cozy living room with a lit fireplace, a plush sofa, shelves, and a window seat. Decorated with plants, colorful pillows, and art.
After

After

  • Custom built-in shelving maximizes storage and frames the large picture window with balance and style.
  • A white-painted fireplace with a rich oak mantle creates a striking new focal point.
  • Refinished hardwood floors and refreshed décor bring warmth and brightness, transforming the room into a light, welcoming retreat.
Ready to reimagine your home? Let’s create a space that fits every chapter of your life.
Outcome & Client Impact

This remodel didn’t just add square footage; it redefined how the home supports daily living. The husband now has a professional office that doubles as a private retreat, while the wife enjoys a light-filled workout room designed for both energy and calm. Together, these spaces enrich family life, welcome guests with comfort, and provide flexibility for the future. By choosing to remodel, the homeowners created a home that is more functional and more joyful, one that will serve their family for years to come.

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