RESIDENTIAL
2023
Home Renovation
| Architecture |
In 2012, I purchased this 1965 split-level ranch home in Atlanta, Georgia. The house resides on a beautiful 0.6 acre lot and is home to my husband and I, our German Shephard, 2 cats, 3 chinchillas, and 3 backyard chickens. We are currently undergoing a ~900 SF renovation on the main level that includes the entry, kitchen, living, and dining areas. My husband and I are doing most of the work ourselves with the help of our incredible friends and family. I subcontracted the labor for the roof, drywall, and plumbing.
When I purchased the house, I was very pleased with the bones of the structure: it had nice flow and was well built. The entry, kitchen, living room, and dining room resides on the main floor, while there are 3 bedrooms and 2 baths upstairs, and a den, guest room, and bath downstairs. The rooms at the front of the house had very nice light and were very bright. The rooms on the rear of the house were covered in dark 1960's wood paneling and were very dark.
Before & During Construction
My first move in designing the renovation was to remove the wall that ran the length of the main level, allowing the light from the front rooms to brighten the entire level. This opened up the space to an open-living style plan, which is more suitable for my family. I included a very large kitchen peninsula in order to maximize counter space and provide multiple work zones. This also allows for bar seating- we like to cook and entertain our friends, so this is the perfect spot for them while we are cooking. I also included drawer-style cabinets, full-height cabinets, and a flexible desk area for meal planning, writing bills, or extra counter space for baking.
At this point in the renovation, it is about 90% complete- the kitchen is functional; the structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing is complete; and the flooring and walls are finished. We need to add cabinet pulls, tile the fireplace and lay the hearthstone, finish trimming out the windows and accent wall by the front door, paint the doors, and finish out the space under the bar. Future projects will include adding buffet cabinets and a mudroom bench in the niches (blue walls) and refinishing the stairs and upstairs flooring to match the main level.
(Mostly) Finished Product
