The 2019 Spring Remodelers Home Tour is April 13-14. Times for Saturday are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Times for Sunday are noon to 5 p.m. For more information, call 734-996-0100 or log onto BRAGAnnArbor.com|
Here is a look at the eight homes featured on this year’s tour:
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Cowdin Design + Build
1419 Carol Avenue, Plymouth
About the Project
The owners of this 1959 tri-level home were looking to fix some bad previous remodeling, upgrade the look, and increase the size of their home for their growing family. Our in-house design team answered the challenge with a glamorous kitchen and bathroom renovation, along with a new master suite, second floor office, attached garage and rear covered deck addition. In the basement, we took an unfinished storage space and created a functional, finished laundry-room and transition space.
Entering through the garage is the new mudroom “lobby”. This connects the new addition to the existing main level. The new private master suite is an oasis with custom exposed trusses, high windows to the backyard, and access to the covered rear deck that would make anyone enjoy being outdoors.
This truly is a gem of Plymouth. We are happy to have converted this typical tri-level house to a mid-century modern themed prairie-style home. We thank our clients for this opportunity!
About Cowdin Design + Build
Celebrating 10 years in business, we specialize in custom new homes, additions, renovations, remodels and finished basements. Our team approach blends in-house architectural design staff directly with production/construction for a truly cohesive all-in-one client experience. Every client and home is unique, which is why at Cowdin Design + Build, every design is custom tailored to fit your specific needs.
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Sharer Design Group
11053 Sandalwood Court, Plymouth
About the Project
Sharer Design Group’s most recent renovation transformed a very basic Plymouth kitchen into a functional and contemporary space, uniquely designed to fit the specific needs of our clients. Eager to part ways with their dated cabinetry, basic granite countertops, and non-functional layout, our clients sought a refreshed space that would meet their needs and design style.
Our signature Sharer Cabinetry cabinet line set the tone for the design, featuring a flat paneled door style painted Bright White. The custom cabinetry line also offered plenty of opportunity to incorporate exciting custom details throughout, such as adding ample storage and plenty of space for gathering. The updated design features a sleek wet bar with a trough sink and an eye-catching oversized island with seating for six. The large cascading Sharer wood countertop on the center island creates a dramatic and unique statement piece.
Professional series appliances were selected by our clients and designed into the space, being mindful of our client’s needs and style. Two single ovens were integrated into a unique demi-tall multi-height custom design. Marble-look quartz countertops were used throughout the space further establishing the contemporary design style, as well as offering functionality. The same quartz material was also used for the backsplash, creating a subdued drama to the design. The original hardwood flooring remained, but was refinished for a lighter, refreshed look. Two modern/stylish circular LED pendants are featured above the island, which add the perfect finishing touch to this contemporary space. Our clients are thrilled with their kitchen’s transformation, designed to fit their unique style and needs. Designed by Sharer Design Group Senior Designer Bethann McCague.
About Sharer Design Group
Sharer Design Group is an award-winning full service design-remodel firm, located in downtown Plymouth, servicing metro-Detroit, Ann Arbor and Northern Michigan. Specializing in home remodeling and custom design, Sharer Design Group blends experience and creativity with high quality products to create spaces that allow you to live in practical luxury.
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Better Shelter
911 Robin Road, Ann ArborAbout the Project
This relaxed mid-century modern home, designed by Huron High architect Charles Lane, has been updated to be as fabulous today as it was in 1957, through a careful interior restoration with select modernization. A meticulous remodel saw every window, door, floor, trim piece, and light replaced or refurbished. A striking new kitchen with quartz counter tops maintains the MCM spirit, and the owner’s suite includes a sleek, slightly-expanded new bathroom with zero entry shower. The guest bath has been restored to its vintage ‘50s charm. A spectacular floating staircase, newly refinished, leads to a bright lower level with family room, stylish bath, and office.
New hardwood flooring was installed throughout the main living spaces to replace extensive wall-to-wall carpeting, and leveled to seamlessly match existing hardwood in the children’s bedrooms and staircase. The use of black as a primary design color throughout the interior and exterior highlights the classic MCM lines and brickwork.
About Better Shelter
Better Shelter is an Ann Arbor-based remodeling company that began as a family-owned painting company in the 1980s, working on countless Showcase of Homes projects in Washtenaw County. Better Shelter offers superb communication, tight timelines, and relentless attention to detail on every project, big or small.
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Forward Design Build Remodel
2217 Hilldale Drive, Ann ArborAbout the Project
Our clients loved their neighborhood, but their home’s features were not exactly everything they’d dreamed. A common problem in Ann Arbor homes, this one had a small, closed-off kitchen. It lacked function, efficiency, and personality! The bathroom and exterior were also in need of updating.
The Forward team created a more open floor plan that improves the flow of both light and traffic in the kitchen and dining area. This home’s new quirky contemporary look features several custom pieces, including a banquette and built-in shelving.
About Forward Design Build Remodel
The team of in-house designers and craftsmen at Forward Design Build. Remodel provide a full-service approach to residential remodeling and custom homes. We have enjoyed helping people live better in their Ann Arbor-area homes for over 20 years. Give us a call to start your project today!
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Forward Design Build Remodel
1309 Lutz Avenue, Ann ArborAbout the Project
Our clients had been looking a home in the Eberwhite neighborhood of Ann Arbor for years! When this house became available, they jumped at the chance to own it; at the same time, they understood that it would take work to make this a livable home. Our primary goal for this project was to turn this small house into a more comfortable home that serves the family for years to come.
To begin, the existing house suffered from a failing foundation. Our new design replaced and deepened the foundation for a more functional basement. With a two-story addition, we are able to create a four-bedroom home, including a full master suite. The first floor has been opened up to create a larger front living room with visually connected dining room and kitchen. Architectural detailing aids the transition between spaces with a visual layering effect. The rear of the home now features a large mudroom entry with a connected laundry room; a spacious new office opens onto a large front entry porch with a view of the neighborhood.
About Forward Design Build Remodel
The team of in-house designers and craftsmen at Forward Design Build Remodel provide a full-service approach to residential remodeling and custom homes. We have enjoyed helping people live better in their Ann Arbor-area homes for over 20 years. Visit planforward.net to learn more!
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Giraffe Design Build
1309 Baldwin Avenue, Ann Arbor
About the Project – A suite for productivity, reflection, and retreat.
The Edelmans blend it all with grace: careers, family, and personal growth. But their living space wasn’t helping. With isolated resting and working areas that created barriers instead of inviting flow, they experienced conflict between how they wanted to live, and what their environment could provide.
To reinvent their environment to fit the way they experience life, the Edelmans envisioned a flexible and cohesive sanctuary to facilitate their productivity, reflection, and retreat. This meant resolving the isolation between their bedroom and study to allow the fluid transitions between work, rest and reflection without walls and disconnected doors boxing them in. And of course, it needed to harmonize with the level of fine detail exemplified throughout the rest of their home.
Their answer? A unified, collaborative, comfortable space with grand sliding transitional doors which, when fully opened on both sides, create a grand suite. Or close completely for restful retreat and reflection. A centralized refreshment bar revitalizes and refreshes, providing morning coffee without a trip to the kitchen, or an evening drink while starting to unwind. And finally, a new second story deck to fling open the French doors and welcome in the fresh air and sounds of the backyard or invite some quiet moments of reflection outside.
About Giraffe Design Build
Giraffe Design Build is a client centric, design driven company motivated by the belief that the built environment profoundly affects people’s lives. Together with our clients, our collaborative team of designers and craftsmen transform existing spaces into healthy, joyful sanctuaries where families celebrate daily life. Giraffe Design Build: Inspired Design. Excellent Craftsmanship. Delighting People and Planet.
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Meadowlark Design+Build
414 Felch Street, Ann Arbor
Water Hill Wonder
Nestled on a Hillside in the Water Hill neighborhood, this home had the location (they love to walk downtown) and space that our clients were looking for. Although relatively new construction, our clients wanted to put their mark on the home and complete the unfinished spaces and to make the home work better for their needs. This included a customized architectural design for the basement and attic space above the garage.
They also wanted to give this spec home the character that can only be found through custom craftsmanship. The result is a stunning new master suite over the garage that is quiet and private, and a warm finished basement that accomodates relaxed living (to watch Michigan football and basketball games) and a dedicated space for the homeowner’s love of arts and crafts. Finally to top it all off – custom features added throughout the home have turned it from standard to stunning!
Our clients worked with Betty Swenson at Ethan Allen Furniture to come up with furniture and art that not only reflect their personal style, but also complement Meadowlark’s design.
About Meadowlark Design+Build
Meadowlark Design+Build is and award-winning full-service residential contractor. With a talented design staff of architects and design professionals, we produce inspired designs in-house, as well as collaborating seamlessly with the area’s best architects. No design-build company is complete without a construction department, and Meadowlark’s is one of the best. Our own field crews, 28 strong, make designs come alive with an expertise that only in-house craftsmen can possess. On time and on budget, our work is backed up with a complete three-year warranty. Make your house a Meadowlark home!
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Rochman Design-Build
2634 Devonshire Road, Ann Arbor
Project Description
A warm and open Japanese inspired kitchen is awaiting your visit. This Ann Arbor Hills mid-Century home was built in 1955 and originally had quite a small kitchen.
The previous homeowners added a breakfast room onto the front of the house, but were unable to open it to the kitchen properly. Our team solved the floor plan for the new owners by accepting the structural challenges. We raised part of the roof and ceiling and raised the floor of the old addition to match the level as the main house, thus turning it into one contiguous space. The resulting floor plan is gracious and inviting. Come see the warmth of our custom cabinets, the pillowed edge doors, the custom dining table, the tile work, and the wonderful ergonomic features of this beautifully designed kitchen.
About Rochman Design-Build
At RDB, we have a core philosophy that the remodeling journey is as important as the final destination. Our in-house designers start with inspirational designs that harmonize, enhance, and enliven each home’s existing style. Our in-house carpentry staff then brings those visions to life with the utmost care, ensuring a predictable and dependable process. In addition, our owner and design director, Gary Rochman, is personally involved with every project. The best of both worlds – fresh and young ideas combined with 30 years of experience and knowledge.
