Before and After: Colfax Avenue South
We love a good before and after — and we know that you do too!
This kitchen project was just featured in Midwest Home Magazine. Writer Laurie Junker did a great job of telling the story and explaining the changes that we made; we thought it would be fun to illustrate them here.
The impetus for the renovation was getting the refrigerator out of the back hall and into the actual kitchen! We also wanted to open up the connection between those spaces, add function, and make the whole thing as fun as Lisa herself.
We got the fridge in by replacing one of two walls of original cabinetry with floor to ceiling storage. A counter-depth Miele meant that we did not eat up too much of the floor pace or encroach on the back door.
We removed the casing, brought the opening up to the ceiling height in the back hall, and extended the wall behind the range by just a couple of inches—enough to accommodate the range and a a new hood.
In the space gained in the back hall we created an open pantry and cabinetry for hot tub supplies.
The wall of colorful, patterned cement tile from Grow House Grow gives the big dose of fun and pop of color. Open shelves add function to a previously under-used wall, and give Lisa a place to display some favorite kitchen pieces.
Bathroom Transformation
Bonus content! We also updated the main bathroom. While the vintage tile was super charming, the alcove tub with a large window and the pedestal sink were just not functional.
By stealing 6 inches from a neighboring closet, we were able to add a pony wall to accommodate an alcove tub—the vintage corner tub was beautiful but meant that the curtain situation was tricky. We kept a tile wainscoting and used a classic penny tile, but brightened everything in white.
We reduced the height of the window, made it an awning style, and used privacy glass in order to avoid a second shower curtain. We also played up the fun factor with gold plumbing and lighting!
To add storage (and tons of personality) we swapped the pedestal sink for a vintage danish modern dresser—despite the plumbing we were able to maintain function in the bottom two rows of drawers.
Removing the radiator and using in-floor heat made room for the wider vanity.