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Wauwatosa Two Story Addition and Interior Remodel
Project Details

Project Year: 2015

Location: Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Updates Included: Remodel and addition

Rooms: Two Story and Interior Remodel

Features:

  • Two-story addition designed to support the needs of a growing family
  • Open kitchen layout with quartz island, cantilevered peninsula, and integrated storage solutions
  • Vaulted primary suite addition with walk in closet and skylit bathroom
  • Dedicated mudroom addition with custom alder cabinetry and durable stone flooring
  • Blended brickwork, Hardie board siding, and custom pergola designed to integrate naturally with the original home

New Foundations for the Moments That Matter Most

The homeowners loved their Wauwatosa home, but as their family grew, the existing layout no longer supported the rhythms of daily life. With two young children and limited living space, the home began to feel crowded, particularly in the areas where the family gathered most often. They needed additional room to comfortably spend time together while also creating spaces that better supported entertaining, storage, and everyday routines.

The new two-story addition reimagined how the home functions from top to bottom. A spacious family room, expanded kitchen, mudroom, desk area, and updated second-floor layout now provide the flexibility and comfort the family had been missing. What once felt constrained now feels thoughtfully designed around the way the homeowners live each day.

Designed Around Comfort, Function, and Everyday Flow

Functionality shaped every aspect of the redesign. The original kitchen layout created several interruptions in circulation, with multiple doorways and tight pathways limiting movement throughout the main level. Opening the kitchen to the dinette and new family room created a more natural flow while allowing the home to feel brighter and more connected overall.

A quartz island and projecting peninsula now provide additional preparation space, integrated seating, and improved circulation for entertaining. Throughout the addition, practical details were carefully considered, from hidden spice and utensil storage within the kitchen to durable stone flooring in the mudroom and laundry areas. Thoughtfully layered lighting, including recessed LEDs, undercabinet lighting, pendant fixtures, and skylights, helps each space feel warm, functional, and adaptable throughout the day.

Blending the Addition Into the Original Home

One of the defining goals of the project was ensuring the addition felt naturally connected to the original structure rather than visually separate from it. Exterior brickwork was carefully blended using custom colored mortar, while the second-floor addition introduced Hardie board siding and trim that transitions softly into the existing architecture. A custom pergola further connects the addition to the garage while reinforcing the character of the home’s exterior.

Inside, red oak flooring weaves throughout the addition and transitions seamlessly into the existing home, helping the expanded spaces feel cohesive and grounded. Pocket French doors improve circulation and allow natural light to travel more freely between rooms, while architectural details throughout the addition were carefully designed to preserve the warmth and character of the original home.

Designed to Feel Like It Was Always There

Much of the project’s success can be found in the thoughtful details woven throughout the addition. Existing and new woodwork were carefully blended to create a cohesive appearance, while structural and mechanical elements were integrated discreetly within walls, cabinetry, and columns to preserve openness without sacrificing functionality.

Custom Alder cabinetry, detailed window trim, and built in family room storage reinforce the character of the original home while supporting everyday living. The result is an addition that feels natural to the home, as though it had always been part of the story.

From Start to Finish

Before

Before

  • The original rear exterior limited the home’s ability to expand while maintaining architectural continuity with the existing structure.
  • Existing rooflines and dormers required significant structural modifications to accommodate the new two-story addition.
  • The rear elevation lacked a cohesive connection between the home and detached garage.
  • The exterior needed a thoughtful redesign that would allow the addition to feel natural to the original home.
A two-story suburban house with brick and siding exterior, white pergola, and a neatly landscaped yard featuring a white fence and green lawn.
After
Cozy brick house with a gray-shingled extension, green lawn, and white fence. Trees in the background, clear sky overhead. No people visible.
After

After

  • Carefully blended brickwork, Hardie board siding, and custom trim help the addition feel seamlessly integrated with the original structure.
  • Updated rooflines, scaled architectural details, and Weather Shield windows reinforce the character of the existing home.
  • A custom pergola creates a welcoming connection between the house and garage while adding timeless architectural interest.
  • The completed addition feels cohesive, balanced, and thoughtfully designed to look as though it had always been part of the home.
Before

Before

  • The original kitchen felt enclosed and disconnected from the surrounding living spaces.
  • Outdated cabinetry, limited prep space, and poor task lighting reduced both functionality and comfort for everyday use.
  • The existing layout lacked the openness and circulation needed to support family gatherings and entertaining.
  • Narrow work zones and segmented spaces made the kitchen feel visually smaller and less inviting.
A spacious kitchen with granite countertops, wooden cabinetry, pendant lighting, and stainless appliances. Cozy living area with a brown sofa in the background.
After

After

  • The remodeled kitchen now opens naturally into the new living spaces, creating a brighter and more welcoming environment for daily life and entertaining.
  • A large central island adds generous prep space while improving circulation throughout the kitchen.
  • Extended seating along the peninsula creates a more casual and interactive gathering space for family and guests.
  • Warm wood cabinetry, layered lighting, and updated finishes bring a timeless character while improving functionality throughout the space.
Before

Before

  • Too many walls and doorways separated the kitchen from the surrounding living spaces, creating poor circulation throughout the home.
  • The closed layout limited visibility to the backyard and made it difficult to keep connected with family activities while cooking.
  • Outdated cabinetry, limited prep areas, and insufficient lighting reduced both functionality and comfort within the kitchen.
A modern kitchen with granite countertops, a double sink, wooden cabinets, dining area, colorful utensils, and wall art, illuminated by natural light.
After

After

  • The remodeled layout opens the kitchen naturally into the adjoining living and dining spaces, creating a brighter and more functional environment for everyday life.
  • A large island introduces additional prep space, integrated storage, and improved visibility throughout the main living areas.
  • Structural elements were thoughtfully incorporated into custom-trimmed columns and surrounding cabinetry to preserve both openness and architectural character.
  • Warm Alder cabinetry, Caesarstone quartz countertops, and layered lighting selections create a timeless kitchen designed for gathering, conversation, and daily family routines.
Warm, inviting kitchen with wooden cabinets, stainless steel appliances, pendant lighting, and a central island. Decorative vase with flowers on countertop.
After

Before

  • The original kitchen lacked the lighting, storage, and workspace needed to support everyday cooking and entertaining.
  • Limited task lighting created darker work areas throughout the kitchen.

After

  • Layered lighting, including Edison pendant fixtures, recessed LEDs, and undercabinet illumination, creates a brighter and more adaptable kitchen environment throughout the day.
  • Expanded quartz countertops and improved workspace layouts support cooking, serving, and everyday family routines more comfortably.
  • A professional-style Wolf range, stainless steel appliances, and warm wood cabinetry establish a timeless focal point within the remodeled kitchen.
Cozy living room with a brown sectional sofa, armchair, TV on white cabinets, and decorative shelves, highlighted by soft green walls.
After

Before

  • The original layout lacked a dedicated family gathering space connected to the kitchen and main living areas.

After

  • The new family room creates a comfortable gathering space that connects naturally to the remodeled kitchen and dining areas.
  • Custom built-in cabinetry and detailed White Dove millwork add storage, architectural character, and a cohesive focal point.
  • Appalachian red oak flooring, expanded windows, and recessed lighting help the addition feel bright, open, and seamlessly integrated with the original home.
Wooden cabinets and a matching bench line the tiled room, with a window offering a view of greenery outside. Neutral beige walls.
After

Before

  • The home lacked a dedicated transition space between the garage and the main living areas.
  • Storage for coats, shoes, and everyday family items was limited and created clutter throughout the entry points of the home.

After

  • A new mudroom addition creates a functional transition space between the garage and the main living areas.
  • Custom alder cabinetry, integrated cubbies, and quartz bench seating provide durable storage designed for daily family use.
  • Stone flooring and built-in organization features help the space stay clean, practical, and visually connected to the rest of the remodel.
Modern bathroom with dual sinks, granite countertop, blue walls, white cabinetry, and gray tiled shower. Elegant lighting and patterned shower curtain enhance decor.
After

Before

  • The original bathroom felt dated and lacked the storage and functionality needed for a busy family.
  • A single sink and cramped layout made shared daily routines more difficult.

After

  • The former primary bathroom was transformed into a spacious children’s bath with a dual vanity, expanded storage, and improved lighting throughout.
  • Quartz countertops, undermount sinks, and white cabinetry introduce a cleaner and more timeless aesthetic while maintaining durability for everyday use.
  • Hexagon floor tile and layered lighting details balance classic character with a brighter, more functional layout for the family.
Before

Before

  • The original primary bathroom felt outdated and inefficient for everyday use.
  • A single pedestal sink and limited storage created clutter and made shared routines difficult.
  • The aging shower and older finishes lacked the comfort and functionality the homeowners wanted for the new primary suite.
  • The layout did not provide the openness, lighting, or organization needed for a more relaxing daily experience.
Modern bathroom with wooden cabinets, granite countertops, large shower with glass doors, and elegant lighting. Neutral tones create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
After

After

  • The remodeled primary bathroom introduces a spacious dual vanity, expanded storage, and a more functional layout designed for everyday comfort.
  • A large walk-in shower with a built-in bench, porcelain tile, and mosaic detailing creates a cleaner and more refined atmosphere within the space.
  • Heated tile flooring, mocha quartz countertops, and warm wood cabinetry add durability while reinforcing the timeless character of the home.
  • Added skylights, layered lighting, and improved organization help the new bathroom feel brighter, calmer, and thoughtfully designed around daily living.
Before

Before

  • The original primary bedroom felt undersized and lacked the comfort expected from a dedicated primary suite.
  • Lower ceilings and limited floor space made the room feel constrained, especially with larger furniture.
  • The room lacked the openness, natural light, and architectural character the family envisioned for their new addition.
A cozy bedroom with a patterned bedspread, wooden furniture, soft lighting, ceiling fan, green walls, hardwood floor, and window blinds.
After

After

  • The new primary bedroom addition introduces vaulted ceilings, expanded floor space, and a more open layout designed for everyday comfort.
  • Red oak flooring extends through the suite to create warmth and continuity with the surrounding spaces.
  • Recessed LED lighting, additional windows, and a ceiling fan improve both natural light and daily functionality.
  • The redesigned suite now feels bright, spacious, and connected to the overall character of the remodeled home.
Before

Before

  • The original second-floor bathroom felt outdated, cramped, and no longer supported the needs of the growing family.
  • Laundry access in the basement created an inconvenient daily routine, particularly for a busy household with young children.
  • Older finishes and limited functionality prevented the space from being used efficiently.
  • The homeowners wanted a more practical second-floor solution that better supported everyday living.
A laundry room with a washing machine, dryer, white cabinets, granite countertop, and a stainless steel sink against a beige wall.
After

After

  • The former bathroom was transformed into a dedicated second-floor laundry room designed for convenience and everyday ease of use.
  • High-efficiency appliances, durable stone flooring, and low-maintenance finishes create a practical space built for long-term functionality.
  • Quartz countertops, integrated cabinetry, and additional storage improve organization while maintaining a clean and cohesive appearance.
  • Relocating the laundry closer to the bedrooms helps simplify daily routines and better supports the needs of the growing family.
Start planning a home transformation designed around the way your family lives, gathers, and grows together.
Outcome & Client Impact

What began as a home that no longer fit the family’s needs became a seamless two-story addition designed for connection, comfort, and everyday functionality. From the open kitchen and new family room to the vaulted primary suite and practical mudroom, every space was carefully crafted to feel integrated with the original character of the home while supporting the rhythm of modern family life.

A cozy bedroom with a patterned bedspread, wooden furniture, soft lighting, ceiling fan, green walls, hardwood floor, and window blinds.
A two-story suburban house with brick and siding exterior, white pergola, and a neatly landscaped yard featuring a white fence and green lawn.
Cozy brick house with a gray-shingled extension, green lawn, and white fence. Trees in the background, clear sky overhead. No people visible.
A spacious kitchen with granite countertops, wooden cabinetry, pendant lighting, and stainless appliances. Cozy living area with a brown sofa in the background.
A modern kitchen with granite countertops, a double sink, wooden cabinets, dining area, colorful utensils, and wall art, illuminated by natural light.
Warm, inviting kitchen with wooden cabinets, stainless steel appliances, pendant lighting, and a central island. Decorative vase with flowers on countertop.
A laundry room with a washing machine, dryer, white cabinets, granite countertop, and a stainless steel sink against a beige wall.
Cozy living room with a brown sectional sofa, armchair, TV on white cabinets, and decorative shelves, highlighted by soft green walls.
Modern bathroom with wooden cabinets, granite countertops, large shower with glass doors, and elegant lighting. Neutral tones create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Wooden cabinets and a matching bench line the tiled room, with a window offering a view of greenery outside. Neutral beige walls.
Modern bathroom with dual sinks, granite countertop, blue walls, white cabinetry, and gray tiled shower. Elegant lighting and patterned shower curtain enhance 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 suburban house with brick and siding exterior, white pergola, and a neatly landscaped yard featuring a white fence and green lawn.

Dream Big. We’ll Handle the Rest.