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Wauwatosa Two Story Home Addition
Project Details

Project Year: 2016

Location: Wauwatosa

Updates Included: Home Addition and Remodel

Rooms:  Two Story and Master Suite

Features: 

  • Open-concept kitchen and family room for better flow and light

  • Custom kitchen island with smart design for traffic flow and seating

  • Five-tier mudroom locker system with durable porcelain tile

  • Vaulted master bedroom ceiling with beams and transom windows

  • Dual vanity master bath designed for shared functionality

Designing for Family, Function, and the Future

This Wauwatosa family loved their home’s location, but as their needs grew, their space needed to evolve. They envisioned a warm, functional layout that supported daily life, hosted large family gatherings, and offered long-term flexibility. Our team designed a two story home addition that not only expanded the footprint but also elevated the flow, storage, and comfort of the entire house.

A First Floor Built for Gathering

The remodeled first floor reflects both purpose and personality. The new open-concept layout connects a fully reimagined kitchen to the expanded family room, with sightlines that bring people together while maximizing natural light. A built-in banquette offers overflow seating and hidden storage, while the oversized island supports cooking, conversation, and entertaining with ease.

A Master Suite with Space to Breathe

Upstairs, the second story addition transformed the existing master bedroom into a spacious, light-filled retreat. Vaulted ceilings with exposed beams and transom windows open the room visually, while a new walk-in closet and built-in desk area add daily function. The master bathroom alleviates prior bottlenecks with a dual vanity setup, thoughtful lighting, and a calm, clean aesthetic that reflects the home’s character.

Cozy living room with leather couch, wooden coffee table, bookshelves, and kitchen barstools. Warm lighting creates an inviting ambiance for relaxation.

Thoughtful Details, Seamless Transitions

Throughout the home, design decisions were made to preserve the original charm while enhancing livability. Hardwood flooring was carefully matched and custom stained to flow from the original rooms into the addition. Stained oak crown molding, painted cabinetry trim, and period-appropriate millwork all reinforce the feeling that the home has grown gracefully over time.

From Start to Finish

Before

  • The original home had just one full bath, creating daily congestion for a family of five.
  • The second floor lacked space for a dedicated master suite or functional storage.
  • The enclosed porch below was uninsulated and rarely used. It was cold in winter and disconnected from the rest of the home.
A suburban house with a spacious backyard, patio table, and chairs under clear blue skies. Trees and shrubs surround the well-manicured lawn.
Before

After

  • A two story addition expanded the home vertically and functionally, creating a new master suite with a walk-in closet and private bath.
  • Composite siding and brick veneer were chosen to balance cost, durability, and aesthetics, bringing fresh contrast to the updated exterior.
  • Low-maintenance materials help preserve curb appeal and simplify upkeep long-term.
  • The thoughtful layout also incorporates a full basement under the addition, making the home future-ready for even more usable space.
A two-story gray house with a chimney, surrounded by bushes and trees on a clear day, with neighboring houses in view.
After
A two-story house with gray siding and brick detailing, featuring multiple windows. It’s situated next to a concrete driveway and small garden.
After

Before

  • The original space was a three-season porch that lacked insulation and everyday functionality.
  • With limited year-round use, it acted more as a pass-through than a purposeful part of the home.
  • It offered no organized storage, heating, or lighting, which made it impractical for a family of five.
A sunroom with sliding glass doors opens to a backyard featuring children's play furniture and a detached garage. Shoes are on the floor.
Before

After

  • The former porch was fully enclosed and transformed into a highly functional mudroom with built-in cubbies and bench seating.
  • Rich wood cabinetry provides individual storage zones for each family member, complete with hooks, overhead cabinets, and open shoe shelves.
  • A transom window and new energy-efficient double-hung windows bring in natural light while maintaining warmth and privacy.
  • Durable porcelain tile flooring stands up to wet boots and muddy shoes, turning this once-unused space into the home’s new organizational hub.
A tidy mudroom with wooden cubbies, coats, shoes, a pink umbrella, and pillows. Large windows overlook an outdoor scene with trees.
After
A cozy kitchen with wooden cabinets, island, clock, and adjacent dining area featuring large windows, wooden table, and chairs. Bright, inviting space.
Before
A kitchen with wooden cabinets, a breakfast bar, bar stools, and various kitchen items. Light yellow walls create a warm ambiance.
Before

Before

  • The original kitchen featured a traditional range that visually dominated the space and restricted layout flexibility.
  • Upper cabinets and soffits made the room feel closed in and disconnected.
  • The design lacked visual contrast and overall refinement.
Modern kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and wood flooring. Elegant dining area includes a vase of flowers on the table.
After
Modern kitchen with white cabinets, granite countertops, island with barstools, dining nook, pendant lighting, and wooden flooring. Decor includes flowers and fruit.
After

After

  • A clean, modern cooktop was selected for safety and simplicity, making it ideal for a home with young children.
  • White cabinetry and trim provide a fresh, timeless backdrop with a crisp architectural look.
  • A dark granite countertop anchors the space, offering both contrast and durability.
  • A stainless steel vent hood adds a sleek, professional touch that blends with the surrounding finishes.
  • Soft undercabinet lighting enhances safety and adds ambient warmth to the cooking station.

Before

  • The previous kitchen featured a traditional range setup that visually dominated the space and restricted layout flexibility.
  • Wall cabinets and soffits crowded the ceiling, making the room feel boxed in.
  • The layout lacked a strong focal point and cohesive detailing.

After

  • A sleek cooktop and stainless steel hood create a modern focal point with clean lines and open sightlines.
  • Crisp white cabinetry with crown molding and undercabinet lighting enhances both function and timeless style.
  • A detailed tile backsplash with herringbone framing adds subtle texture and elevates the space without introducing visual clutter.
Modern kitchen with white cabinets, black countertop, stainless steel hood, and electric cooktop. Wooden floor adds warmth; vase with tulips decorates.
After

Before

  • Beige carpeting and tile divided the spaces visually and made the rooms feel disjointed.
  • The walls were flat and neutral, lacking architectural character or material warmth.
  • Dim lighting and low contrast finishes left the space feeling underwhelming and dated.
Cozy living room with brown leather sofas, a colorful pillow, and view into kitchen with bar stools. Warm lighting and framed art.
Before

After

  • New red oak hardwood flooring was installed in the kitchen and woven into the existing floors in the family and dining rooms, creating a seamless transition.
  • The original brick masonry was preserved and transformed into a feature wall, bringing texture, warmth, and historic charm to the space.
  • Recessed lighting and updated pendants improve brightness and add a modern touch to the traditional palette.
  • The improved layout and materials blend modern functionality with the home’s original character, making the space feel timeless, warm, and welcoming.
Cozy living room with leather couch, wooden coffee table, bookshelves, and kitchen barstools. Warm lighting creates an inviting ambiance for relaxation.
After

Before

  • The original bedroom felt dated and lacked intentional design details.
  • White walls, a basic light fixture, and mismatched furniture contributed to a cold, impersonal atmosphere.
  • The vaulted ceiling provided architectural height, but it wasn’t fully utilized to enhance the space.
  • The room lacked ambient lighting and a functional layout, making it feel underwhelming despite its size.
A cozy bedroom with a quilted bed, wooden furniture, and a ceiling fan. Sunlight streams through the window, brightening the space.
Before

After

  • A calming color palette and layered lighting transformed the space into a warm, restful retreat.
  • A stylish ceiling fan replaced the outdated fixture, drawing the eye upward and highlighting the vaulted ceiling.
  • Built-in wall sconces and transom windows behind the bed add symmetry, warmth, and natural light.
  • Cohesive finishes and thoughtful details now make this primary suite feel both elegant and inviting.
Cozy bedroom with elegant decor, featuring a large bed, patterned chairs, wooden furniture, ceiling fan, and natural light from windows.
After

Before

  • The original layout included a basic open closet and an unused bedroom wall, with no attached en suite.
  • The space felt underutilized and disconnected from the rest of the home’s potential.
  • Lighting was minimal, and finishes lacked warmth and personality.
  • The design didn’t support the family’s evolving needs for privacy, storage, or daily function.
A cozy bedroom with a wooden closet, open door to a closet with hanging clothes, and a bed beside a small lamp on a nightstand.
Before

After

  • A full en suite bath was added, turning a former closet into a spacious spa-inspired retreat.
  • A walk-in shower with full-height tile, a built-in bench, and a recessed niche blends luxury with everyday usability.
  • Rich espresso cabinetry with granite countertops adds contrast and warmth while offering generous storage.
  • Dual sconces and recessed ceiling lights provide layered illumination for both ambiance and practicality.
Modern bathroom with glass shower, granite countertops, dark wood cabinets, mirror, and warm lighting. A window provides natural light, enhancing the space.
After
Ready to reimagine your space? Partner with a team you can trust to bring it to life
Outcome & Client Impact

What began as a home with limited space and dated flow has become a future-ready family residence filled with light, purpose, and connection. Every detail of this two story home addition was crafted to support the homeowners’ lifestyle today while preparing for the years to come.
The result is a thoughtful blend of old and new, where architectural character meets modern-day functionality in every room.

A grey two-story house with a chimney, surrounded by small trees and a concrete driveway, under a cloudy sky.
A modern kitchen with white cabinets, dark countertops, and wooden flooring, featuring a dining area with a table, chairs, and floral decorations.
A cozy living room with leather sofa, brick wall, bookshelf, and open kitchen. A dining area is visible through glass doors.
Modern bathroom with glass shower, beige tiles, wooden cabinets, and granite countertop. Decorative plants and towels on the counter. Large wall mirror above sink.
A cozy mudroom features wooden cubbies, jackets, shoes, and an umbrella. A window overlooks a brick building and a wooden fence.
Modern kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, pendant lighting, and a dining area set against a teal accent wall. Bright and inviting space.
Cozy bedroom with a large bed, elegant chairs, wooden furniture, ceiling fan, decorative pillows, and soft lighting. Peaceful atmosphere with natural light.
Modern kitchen with white cabinets, stainless steel range hood, black countertop, and induction cooktop. Knife block and flower vase for decor.

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 two-story house with light gray siding, brick foundation, and multiple windows. No people or landmarks are visible in the scene.

Dream Big. We’ll Handle the Rest.