A Bright and Family Friendly First Floor Refresh

Some homes are full of quiet potential, and it only takes a few thoughtful changes to bring that forward.

This month, I'm excited to share a project for a family of five who wanted more space to connect, entertain, and enjoy being together. We reimagined their first floor to feel open and bright, as well as durable enough for real life.

What We Started With

Their original layout felt a little closed-off, especially in the kitchen. Our first move was to open things up by removing the wall between the kitchen and living room. We then expanded the kitchen into previously underused space to help make it more functional and inviting.

How the Plan Evolved

Like many projects, this one shifted along the way, but the core goals stayed the same; create a smooth flow, make smart use of space, and design something that feels as good as it works! We moved a sliding door, added a window for balance, and thought through everyday traffic patterns to make life easier.

The New Kitchen

Now light-filled and airy, the kitchen features a large custom white oak island, durable quartz counters, and handmade tile. Every choice was made to hold up beautifully to a young, active family — and still feel timeless years from now.

Mudroom, Bathroom, and Bonus Details

We added built-in storage in the mudroom, a cubby for each family member, plus a wall of closed storage to keep clutter out of sight. We then gave the adjacent bathroom a fun and quick facelift, with pretty wallpaper, new lighting, and a custom vanity for a fresh feel.

Living Room Refresh

We built in custom cabinetry around the fireplace and updated the surround in natural stone. A vent hidden near the ceiling allowed us to lower the mantel for better proportions and more comfortable TV viewing. We then added a super cozy sectional with a seat for everyone and this room instantly became the new favorite spot in the house!

We carried the updates through the rest of the first floor, refinishing the floors, adding fresh paint, and giving the dining room and foyer a light refresh. These finishing touches really helped everything come together to create a welcoming feel that fits their family life just right.

If this project has you thinking about how your own home could feel brighter, or more functional; whether it's a full renovation or a few thoughtful changes, I'd love to help you bring that vision to life!