From light-filled kitchens to handsome fireplaces, find your next renovation inspiration in these before and afters
By Avery Householder
CQC Home
Looking to turn unused attic area into a comfortable and spacious entertainment room? With its unique architectural support beams, natural hardwood flooring and retro arcade gaming systems, this attic remodel should serve as your next renovation inspiration. “Transforming underused attic space into a vibrant living area, this CQC Home remodel in Chapel HIll not only enhanced the aesthetic appeal of the home but significantly increased its functionality,” CQC Home’s Kayla Davenport says. “The family now enjoys a beautifully designed, versatile space that meets their evolving needs, adding immense value to their everyday life and to their home.”
Grant Group Architecture
With outdated fixtures and a closed floor plan, this quaint 1950s home in the historic Gimghoul neighborhood needed a refresh fitting for a spacious retirement residence. With the help of Grant Group Architecture and work by Hopper Construction, the home was transformed from a dark and cramped house to a bright, open one suited for luxurious living and hosting. “The design included a new broad dormer above the front door to bring generous light into the inviting foyer and the second-floor balcony. Adding French doors from the formal living room onto the rocking chair front porch provided airy charm,” says Katie Wakeford of Grant Group Architecture. “A beautifully crafted curved wood ceiling now leads to the dining room with its own handsome fireplace. The light-filled kitchen was outfitted for the resident gourmet cook and wine enthusiast. A new screen porch and elevated deck overlook a secluded backyard.” Years later, the owners report they just are as pleased with the renovations.
BuildSense
After
From a dark and outdated lower level to a light-filled, warm oasis, this kitchen and bathroom renovation converted the space into a welcoming retreat for family and friends. “The custom rift-sawn wood cabinets, natural limestone tile floor and warm wood windows help create a beautiful and welcoming environment,” says Kendall Glaze, builder and business lead at BuildSense. “The new balanced and high-performing mechanical system, hybrid tankless water heater and high-efficiency lighting and plumbing fixtures are the behind-the-scenes workhorses that quietly keep their guests warm and comfortable – and save energy in the process.” The renovation’s bright features and wood tones bring a luxurious, spa-like feeling to the space.
Bold Construction
With high ceilings, an open floor plan and beautiful natural landscaping, this Greenwood home renovation is an example of maintaining the character of a home despite a complete rebuild. The owners remodeled the house several times over the last few years but eventually realized they needed more comprehensive changes this time. “As they worked through the process [of remodeling], it became apparent to them that the entire house should be rebuilt to account for their current needs,” says Chris Ehrenfeld, owner of Bold Construction. The owners worked closely with architect Abbie Lee Roehm to achieve their goals for the new home, the most important being bringing more natural light into all of the high-use rooms like the kitchen, living room and primary bedroom. With an open floor plan featuring tall ceilings and vast windows, they were able to achieve this goal. Despite the complete teardown of the original home, Chris says the owners’ goal was to preserve the original home’s connection with nature, which they chose to emphasize through landscaping.
True Design
This Booker Creek renovation opened up this outdated kitchen while adding fun pops of color. “Our homeowners came to us with a new home purchase that needed an update that suited their family’s needs, specifically the kitchen, which was small and closed off to the rest of the living spaces,” says Liz Scisco of True Design. “We wanted to pay tribute to the simple style of the home while updating it with bright and fresh colors that added more dimension to the space.” With its glossy teal backsplash and island and also the mustard-yellow accents, this renovation made the room perfect for family meals or parties with friends.
Cat French Design
Dark wood dominated the space that Market and Moss inherited in Southern Village. Before the eatery could open in the fall of 2020, it needed an update that reflected the sophisticated yet playful nature of the budding restaurant, a place meant to be a relaxing meeting point to connect and unwind. “This space had stellar bones,” says Cat French, owner of Cat French Design. “Our goal was to create a place that was warm and conversational – truly a place you wanted to spend time talking and lingering over a great meal. The warmth and light in the wall color allows the deep jewel-toned blues and greens at the bar to add both comfort and interest to the palette – inviting you in for a meal, a celebration or just a place to simply enjoy.”
