Having purchased his parent's split level house, this family needed to make it their own.  The homeowners wanted to personalize the house to work with their family's specific needs with a focus on function, space, style and color.  The family enjoyed entertaining, so each area needed to have open space with flexibility without losing its warmth and coziness.

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  Proposed Front Elevation of New Second-Story Addition

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   New Exterior of Home

With the addition of a second story to the right side of the house, the new front elevation now has balance and symmetry.  By widening the front porch, removing the hedge and small tree, changing the roof line and columns, the new porch offers a relaxing open area.  The second story has contrasting shutters to add color to the home's neutral exterior.

  New Dining Room
As you enter the home where once a wall separated an average living room in the front and a smaller dining room in the rear, there is now one large, vibrant space.  The new dining room is large and inviting for everyday family dinners while the smaller living room provides a formal sitting area.  By painting all of the walls a bold red each area has a warm cozy feel but can be merged into one very large space allowing the dining room to comfortably seat twelve when entertaining.

   Kitchen Before Remodeling
The kitchen desperately needed to be remodeled.  The cabinets, countertops, appliances and flooring were dated.  The location of the breakfast nook acted as a divider between the kitchen and the family room's split levels and the space could be better utilized.  The family wanted a Kosher kitchen which requires separate cooking, serving and storage areas.  Multiple work stations and additional storage were needed without taking space from adjoining rooms.  The kitchen had a garden window that offered natural light with no open air circulation.

The original sink was moved to the adjoining wall to provide room for a cooktop and microwave oven with lots of upper and lower cabinet storage.  A new refrigerator and wall oven complete the work triangle by offering a second cooking station, which simplifies Kosher cooking.  Additional shelving for cookbooks and a wine rack were installed above a small kitchen computer station.  The original pantry closet was relocated and expanded making every inch of storage space count in this busy kitchen.

The kitchen has light maple cabinets with brushed nickel accents, dark granite countertops and sleek black appliances balanced by a neutral ceramic tile floor.  New recessed and pendant lights in addition to a warm sunny yellow wall color make this kitchen shine.

   New Kitchen Breakfast Bar
A dual purpose countertop was created to fit the family's needs.  From the family room, the countertop serves as a breakfast bar with seating for four.  From the kitchen, the countertop is at table height, perfect for seating younger children.

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    New Kitchen with Island
A center island with a sink gives this Kosher kitchen two separate sinks for food preparation and clean up.  Shelving was installed in the island for cookbook storage as well as double trash bins for refuse and recycling.

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  Proposed Floor Plan of New Master Suite

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   New Master Bedroom
They wanted a master suite with a large bedroom, space for a home office, more closet space and a bathroom for two.

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   New Master Bath
The suite is complete with a large master bath.  A privacy wall conceals the toilet and provides a tall back splash for the whirlpool tub.  Frosted glass offers privacy in the large shower which is finished with a light decorative tile.

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   New Master Bath
The vanity has his and her sinks with lots of storage. 

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  Exterior of House Before Remodeling

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   New Exterior of Home
From the welcoming front porch to the modern kitchen with an abundance of storage, this family's living space is uniquely theirs.  A bold red living room and dining room is perfect for lots of guests or small, cozy get togethers.  The old master bedroom and bath now welcome overnight guests while the new master suite welcomes this couple at the end of the day.

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