WHERE WEST MICHIGAN TURNS TO MAKE THEIR HOUSE A HOME SINCE 2018
CLIENTS LEFT HANGING
We are thrilled to share the captivating story of a kitchen remodel that not only addressed our clients’ concerns but also breathed new life into their living spaces. Colleen and Randy, a vibrant couple with a love for Michigan football and summer entertaining, approached us with a unique challenge – a kitchen dilemma that needed a creative solution from our remodeling team. With a healthy budget, we set out to redefine their home and make it a true reflection of their lifestyle.
- Year Completed
- 2023
- Budget
- 100,000-150,000
- Location
- Rockford, MI
- Space Renovated
- Kitchen, Bathroom, Laundry Room, Living Room
- Key Features
- Relocated Laundry Room
- Sequestered Bathroom
- New Large Island
- Updated Mantle
- Elevated Entry to Kitchen
- Bigger & Updated Pantry
Meet Colleen & Randy
THE CLIENTS
Active parents, Stephanie and Jim, were navigating life with two boys in middle school when their home renovation hit a snag. Their contractor vanished, leaving them with a partially demolished house. For two months, they lived in chaos until fate turned their ordeal into an unexpected opportunity for both the family and our company, Delight in Designs.
Initially hired for our design expertise, we quickly stepped up to handle the entire construction and renovation process after the contractor’s disappearance. This shift allowed us to closely collaborate with Stephanie, a calming presence and yoga instructor, and Jim, who brings a strategic approach from his sales and marketing background.
Since buying their 1996 home in 2016, Stephanie and Jim envisioned transforming it into a modern sanctuary that fits their active and social lifestyle—a place for health, happiness, and hosting. With Delight in Designs at the helm, their story of disruption evolved into one of transformation, making their home a true center for family and friends.
THE PROBLEM
Their journey to revitalize their home was met with significant challenges. Among them was the issue of a cramped and outdated kitchen. This small, confined space was a major bottleneck in their daily lives, hindering their ability to cook and entertain comfortably. The style of the kitchen was frozen in time with the unmistakable style of the 90s that clashed with their modern sensibilities. Furthermore, the house suffered from a closed off layout that segmented the living spaces, disrupting the flow and connectivity that Stephanie and Jim wanted in their home. The outcome of these problems was a living space that felt more like an obstacle course than a haven of comfort and style, prompting an urgent need for a comprehensive and thoughtful overhaul.
THE SOLUTION
With a clear vision and a set of challenges to navigate, our design-build firm stepped in with excitement and expertise to reimagine Stephanie and Jim’s home. The transformation began with the decision to tear down the wall separating the kitchen and dining room, instantly creating a fluid and welcoming space that invited family and guests to come together. Central to this new space was a generously sized island, designed not just for dining but as a hub for interaction and entertainment, echoing the couple’s love for hosting. We introduced a built-in coffee bar and a butler’s pantry, thoughtfully designed to enhance their morning routines and streamline their storage needs.
We relocated the laundry room to the lower level. This move unlocked valuable space upstairs, enabling us to provide them with ample storage and a dedicated area for folding and organizing. The renovation breathed new life into the home with a palette of crisp white and deep navy cabinets, complemented by the elegance of quartz countertops and a stylish tile backsplash. The transformation also extended to the staircase, which received a modern update with new railings and treads, seamlessly integrating with renovation.
The Key Features
The comparison
THE MATERIALS & RENDERINGS
In realizing Stephanie and Jim’s dream, the selection of materials was very important. We opted for Designer’s Choice Cabinetry, renowned for its stylish design and enduring quality, ensuring that the visual appeal would stand the test of time. The countertops were crafted from quartz, chosen for its beauty and resilience, adding a touch of sophistication to the kitchen. To maintain continuity with the existing décor, we carefully integrated the original flooring by supplementing it with additional pieces, ensuring a flawless finish. The choice of tile in a subtle grey offered a modern twist that complemented the overall design, while the addition of playful and vibrant wallpaper infused the space with character and charm. Completing the transformation were state-of-the-art appliances, which blended seamlessly into the design, offering functionality without compromising on style. This project highlighted the power of thoughtful design and quality materials, transforming not just a physical space.
- Cabinetry: Designers Choice Cabinetry
- Countertops: Quartz in Calcutta Gold
- Tile: Bedrosians Cloe 2.5×8 tile in the color grey
- Wallpaper: Selections from Momentum Textiles
- Appliances: Sourced from Bekins
THE DESIGNER'S MAGIC
Leah, a creative designer from Delight in Designs, was introduced to Stephanie and Jim through a contractor they had initially hired. With ambitious plans for their home, the couple knew they needed a strong design vision to guide the project. The contractor could handle the construction, but the soul of the renovation—its design—was yet to be defined. She met with them, listened to their ideas, talked about budget and materials. Leah then came up with a fantastic design that was exactly what Stephanie and Jim were looking for.
Excited to start, they got the green light, but after the first contractor took down the walls and then vanished, Stephanie and Jim were stuck. Seeing their stress, Leah and the team at Delight in Designs decided to do more than just design; they took over the whole project in August. This meant fixing some of the mess left behind but, most importantly, making sure Stephanie and Jim’s home turned out just right.
Leah worked closely with the couple throughout the process. She made sure everything from the choice of tiles to the color of the walls was what they wanted. Even when they had to redo some work, Leah kept things moving smoothly and kept Stephanie and Jim in the loop.
In the end, Stephanie and Jim’s house was transformed into the dream home they always wanted. Stephanie and Jim are thrilled with their new space, showing what can happen when a great designer and a committed team take on a project with heart.
THE village
It stands as a testament to the collaborative spirit and dedication of an entire team behind the scenes. This remodel project, spearheaded by our company, exemplifies the seamless orchestration of various roles essential to its success. From the inspiring design crafted by the designer and the meticulous planning overseen by the project manager, to the skilled craftsmanship of the contracting crew, every individual played a crucial part.
The mechanical sub-contractors ensured precision in every system, while the company owners provided guidance and support. Behind the scenes, the bookkeeper accurately managed finances, the marketing strategist amplified the project’s visibility, and the design assistants lent their creative touch. Each member of this collective effort contributed indispensably to the realization of “The Village,” demonstrating that such ambitious endeavors thrive on the combined efforts of a dedicated team.
Listen to the Journey
Design Process
Mood Board
3d Rendering
Final Product
How it works
This is a quick look at how our client-centered process works.
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