Wauwatosa Whole Home Remodel
Since purchasing their home in 2011, Joe and Sarah's family grew and so did their vision for their ideal home. With a love for home-cooked meals, holiday baking, and entertaining friends and family, they found that their 1938-built house didn't offer the space or functionality their family needed. Like many Colonial homes from the 1930s, it featured a central hallway, in this case, the kitchen, that led to the living room/patio area, formal dining room, hallway pantry, powder room, basement, and front entry. Despite its quirks, Joe and Sarah were in love with the charm of their home, the Wauwatosa community, and the size of the house, so they decided to remodel rather than move.
Enjoy their remodeling journey and transformation as you walk through their evolved home! If at any time you have questions, don't hesitate to ask one of our team members for assistance.
First Floor
Similar to many families in Tosa, the kitchen was Joe and Sarah’s biggest pain point within their home. The kitchen was the central hallway that had 5 different doors that led to the living room/patio area, formal dining room, powder room, basement, and front entry. Although it connected all the different rooms together, the floor plan felt compartmentalized and disrupted the natural flow. It was also challenging for Joe and Sarah to cook meals together or with the help of their two young sons. The countertops weren’t functional and Sarah commonly laughed at Joe when he stated “The basic ceiling mounted exhaust fan was the exhaust for the gas stove” as they didn’t have a vent above this area from their original construction of their home. It lacked the basic necessities for their family who loved to cook and wanted space to entertain family and friends.
Continue reading to see the transformation that was made within each room on the first floor.
As-Built
Plan Set
Foyer
The old entrance created a segregated appearance not ideal for our client. The door and frame, just inside the area were removed and reframed to create a better flow into the kitchen from the foyer and upstairs. The drywall was repaired with a smooth finish and the base and shoe molding were matched to tie the old with the new. The existing floor was cut back as needed and new 2 1/4" Red Oak hardwood flooring was laced into giving it an authentic look and feel.
Living Room
2 1/4" Red Oak hardwood flooring was carefully laced into existing flooring where the fireplace hearth was removed.
Dining Room
The walls were reframed where there previously was a doorway between the dining room and the hallway leading into the kitchen. A new arched opening was framed between the living and dining room that mimicked the opening from the dining room to the living room. Base and shoe molding was patched in to match the existing millwork. The existing floor was cut back as needed and new 2 1/4" Red Oak hardwood flooring was carefully laced in at the hallway to the kitchen and new opening to the family room.
Family Room
A relocated, wider arched opening was created to connect the family room to the dining room that mimicked the existing archway between the dining room and living room. New double-hung windows were installed and exterior brick work expertly patched in utilizing what was salvaged from the screened-in porch. New 2 1/4” Red Oak hardwood flooring was carefully laced into the existing areas to ensure an original and seamless feel. Recessed lighting was installed throughout and new millwork was installed to match.
Screen In Patio Converted to Mudroom / Drop Zone
Areas of structural framing were removed at the screened porch along with an existing closet to create additional functional living space and allow an appropriate mudroom area as you come in the rear of the home. New engineered headers were installed allowing us to execute the original design as intended. Mechanicals were updated, new double-hung window installed along with a new Oak Textured Fiberglass door, for backyard access. New siding was installed and elegant lighting as well.
Inside, new custom cabinets were installed for a defined space that created the additional storage, place for coats, and the ultimate organized drop zone. New 2 1/4” Red Oak hardwood flooring was installed and laced into the existing flooring within the family room.
Throughout the newly defined area, various details and high-end materials were expertly coordinated to create a unique one-of-a-kind space.
Custom Wood Cabinetry
- Craftsman doors and drawers in Dune.
Cabinet Hardware
- Top Knobs Lydia Pulls in Honey Bronze
Lighting
- Undercabinet Low Voltage lighting for task lighting.
- Flush Recessed Low Voltage lighting in floating shelves at Drybar.
- Hudson Valley wall sconces in Old Bronze at bench window.
- Crystorama pendants in English bronze/antique gold above the peninsula.
Kitchen
The structural framing was removed at the screened porch area to create an open sightline between the newly defined spaces. It was also important to remove the existing laundry chute and pantry areas within the hall to create a functional dry bar perfect for the morning and evening. A large peninsula was designed to give additional storage and an abundance of counter space. Appliances were reimagined and mechanicals updated to accommodate changes; including a new water line for the new fridge location, new pot filler located within a recessed niche, and a new gas line to relocate the gas stove from the center of the peninsula to the new location next to the powder room to create better flow throughout the space. The gas range was no longer the “vent” as a beautiful custom hood was installed. A microwave drawer was placed in the island.
New 2 1/4” Red Oak hardwood flooring was installed in the kitchen and mudroom and expertly laced into the family, dining, living room, foyer, and closet area.
Throughout the newly defined area, various details and high-end materials were expertly coordinated to create a unique one-of-a-kind space.
Custom Wood Cabinetry
- Craftsman doors and drawers in Black Forest on the range wall, peninsula, and island.
- Craftsman doors and drawers in Dune on the sink wall, upper cabinets above the range, Drybar, and mudroom area.
- Birch floating shelves stained in Fruitwood at the dry bar and living room.
Cabinet Hardware
- Top Knobs Lydia Pulls in Honey Bronze
Cambria Quartz Countertops
- Design: Whitehall
- Finish: Polished
- Edge Profile: Double Treeline
Lighting
- Undercabinet Low Voltage lighting for task lighting.
- Flush Recessed Low Voltage lighting in floating shelves at Drybar.
- Hudson Valley wall sconces in Old Bronze were installed above sink window and bench window.
- Crystorama pendants in English bronze/antique gold above the peninsula.
- Hinkley swing arm sconces in heritage brass at dry bar.
- Crystorama three light ceiling mount light in antique gold over the island.
Tiles
- Urbano pure white 4"x12" subway tile brick pattern along sink perimeter and range area.
- Urbano pure white 4"x12" subway tile herringbone pattern at the back of the range niche.
- Mercury Mosaic large triangle Bluegrass tile at dry bar.
Plumbing
- Moen Sleek MotionSense Wave pulldown single handle faucet in black stainless finish
- Elkay Quartz Luxe double bowl under-mount sink along with basket, disposal flange, and stopper in charcoal
- Moen Modern wall-mounted pot filler faucet in black stainless finish.
Dry Bar
The walls were reframed where there previously was a doorway between the dining room and the hallway leading into the kitchen to create a better flow between the spaces. A laundry chute and pantry were removed to create a dynamic dry bar perfect for morning coffee and evening cocktails.
Throughout the newly defined area, various details and high-end materials were expertly coordinated to create a unique one-of-a-kind space.
Custom Wood Cabinetry
- Craftsman doors and drawers in Dune.
- Birch floating shelves stained in Fruitwood.
Cambria Quartz Countertops
- Design: Whitehall
- Finish: Polished
- Edge Profile: Double Treeline
Cabinet Hardware
- Top Knobs Lydia Pulls in Honey Bronze
Tile
- Mercury Mosaic large triangle Bluegrass tile at dry bar.
Lighting
- Flush Recessed Low Voltage lighting in floating shelves.
- Hinkley swing arm sconces in heritage brass.
Powder Room
The ceiling was dropped to create a chase-way and accommodate mechanicals needed for the new kitchen appliances. New drywall was installed and the entire power room painted to carefully camouflage what's going on up above.
Second Floor
As Built
Plan Set
On the second floor, the underused section of the hallway, awkward closets, and tiny bathroom were reimagined to form a master suite with a walk-in closet and ensuite bathroom. This provided the homeowners with the privacy and functionality they desired. Additionally, a full remodel of the second-floor children's bathroom enhanced the overall family living experience by providing double sinks instead of a single sink.
Stairwell
Although no work was done to this area, full-width carpet protection was applied to protect the carpet, and self-cling plastic was applied to the windows for the entire duration of the project. Protective blankets were placed on the handrails during high-traffic periods.
Landing
The carpet was cut back and restretched for the new wall and doorway. The doorways on the landing leading to the closet, bathroom, and master bedroom were reframed to reflect the new floor plan.
Office
No work was done to area.
Hallway
Although minimal work was done to this area, full-width carpet protection was applied to protect the carpet, door slabs were removed and reinstalled, jamb protectors were installed and plastic was installed at the doors to minimize dust transfer.
Master Suite
Master Bedroom
Walk-In Closet
Joe and Sarah disliked having to go into the hallway to access the tiny bathroom next to their bedroom. The underused section of the hallway, awkward closets, and tiny bathroom were reimagined to form a master suite with a walk-through closet and new pocket door leading to the beautiful new ensuite bathroom. This provided the homeowners with the privacy and functionality they desired.
Master Bathroom
Joe & Sarah hated going into the hallway to access the tiny dated bathroom. By utilizing the wasted space they were able to have a substantial walk-in shower with a seat and a new double vanity. The double vanity and linen closet were installed for amazing storage while also exuding luxury design. The large custom shower was thoughtfully designed and expertly installed which included a fully waterproofed Schluter shower system highlighted with intricate and stunning tile work. Throughout the newly remodeled area, various details and high-end materials were expertly coordinated to create a unique one-of-a-kind space including a beautiful Cole & Son Hicks’ Hexagon wallpaper behind the vanity.
Custom Wood Cabinetry
- Craftsman birch doors and solid wood birch slab drawers were stained in fruitwood for both the vanity and linen closet.
Cambria Natural Quartz Surface
- Design: Buxton
- Finish: Polished
- Edge Profile: Double treeline
- Countertop in 3 cm material.
- Niche side walls and shelves in 2 cm material.
Cabinet Hardware
- Top Knobs Lydia Pulls in Honey Bronze
Tile
- Floor: 1x3 Lattice Weave in Suede Gray
- Shower Niche: 1x3 Lattice Weave in Suede Gray
- Shower Walls: Chevron White Gloss Right and Left Wall Tile 2”x7”
- Shower Niche walls & Bench: Cambria Buxton in 2 CM
Lighting
- Flush Recessed Low Voltage lighting in floating shelves.
- Hinkley swing arm sconces in heritage brass.
Plumbing
- Kohler Purist widespread lavatory faucets with cross handles in brushed bronze finish
- Kohler Verticyl 17-1/4” x 13” rectangular undermount sinks in dune
- Kohler Purist Thermostatic valve trim in matte black finish
- Kohler Purist Single Function 2.5 gpm Katalyst Showerhead in matte black finish
- Kohler Mastershower 60” Metal Hose in matte black finish
- Kohler Purist Multi-function 2.5 gpm Handshower in matte black finish
- Kohler Contemporary 12” single function 2.5 gpm rainhead in matte black finish
- Kohler Corbelle Skirted Bowl, Comfort Height, elongated two-piece toilet in dune
Kids/Hallway Bathroom
The kid's bathroom was dated and not conducive for two boys to get ready in the morning. Although the basic layout remained the same, everything was removed and reimagined created a fun and unique design along with great functionality. By removing the linen wall framing, a new linen cabinet and double sink vanity were able to be designed and installed. The shower area was completed a few days after we started the project in order to allow the family to live comfortably throughout the duration of construction.
Custom Wood Cabinetry
Craftsman door style doors with solid wood slab drawer in Pacficia.
Cambria Natural Quartz Surface
- Design: Carrick
- Finish: Polished
- Edge Profile: Double treeline
Cabinet Hardware
- Top Knobs Joleena Pulls in Matte Black
Plumbing Fixtures
- Hansgrohe Joleena single-handle lavatory faucets in Matte Black.
- Kohler Caxton Rectangular undermount sinks in white
- Sterling Accord 32” x 60” right-hand drain
- Sterling Accord 32” x 60” x 55-1/4” Vikrell three-piece wall kit in white
- Hansgrohe Joleena Showerhead in matte black finish
- Kohler Cimarron Skirted Bowl, Comfort Height, elongated two-piece toilet in white
Basement
The basement was a mess. It was a log cabin and not what they were looking for. The area was finished to include a wet bar, bathroom, laundry, storage and living room. With this project taking place many years ago it also was the perfect space for the family to use throughout the duration of their first and second-story remodel!
Thanks for stopping by!
And there you have it! A behind-the-scenes look at our latest Wauwatosa Whole Home Remodel. We hope this journey has not only inspired you but has also ignited your own dreams of creating the perfect home tailored for your family. Don't just daydream about your ideal future home - take action! Reach out to our team, who transformed this Wauwatosa house into a space that Joe & Sarah can truly love. Remember the timeless saying: "The best way to predict your future is to create it." So, happy remodeling and let us help make your dream home a reality!
