Behind the Design

Behind the Design: From Traditional to Modern and Functional

Design by Kandrac & Kole Interior Design | Written by Joann Kandrac and Kelly Kole | Photography by Lauren Rubinstein

Our client’s traditional home was in the heart of the suburbs. They wanted to update it to become their “forever” dream home and envisioned transforming it into a place that would reflect their unique style to provide better functionality for everyday living for their family of five.

It was crucial to understand our client’s lifestyle, daily routines, and preferences in each space. Our initial goal was to rethink the entire layout of the first floor of the residence by completely gutting and remodeling it to achieve a more modern aesthetic while ensuring optimal functionality in every space.

What set this project apart was the homeowners’ willingness to think outside the box.

Innovative Modern Design Concepts

In the kitchen, we opted for a clean “European look” with high-end laminate cabinetry, a book-matched quartz backsplash, and a custom-fabricated brass and zinc range hood. We selected a long galley sink with two faucets as our clients love to cook together. Another special addition for function was a pantry that serves as a small butler’s kitchen pantry hidden with pocketing doors.

The family room had the dated builder’s white cabinetry on either side of the fireplace, which we removed and replaced with commissioned artwork that represents each family member and their two dogs. The traditional fireplace and surround were replaced with a floating fireplace insert into floor-to-ceiling tiles along with a floating concrete hearth that extends over the entire room width.

Family- and Dog-Friendly

The clients are a tight-knit family, so we incorporated cozy spaces where they could gather. The family room boasts a large sectional in a performance fabric (with built-in USB ports), a chaise for lounging, and ample lighting for reading and snuggling in front of the fire.

The dining area serves many needs because the table and chairs are in the center of the home. All chairs are on casters for easy movement with power under the table for laptop plug-ins. It’s a beautiful space to hold special meals, get some work done, or play games.

The porch has two custom-designed bed swings that hold full-size mattresses (covered in outdoor performance fabric) along with custom drink and iPad holders. The screens are motorized, hidden inside the ceiling, and barely noticeable whether up or down. The outdoor space was important to the homeowner, who spends her mornings and evenings with her two black Labrador retrievers. Her small herb garden sits on the sills right outside the porch door. The pièce de résistance is the pocketing sliding doors that open completely to the outside from the inside.

Pro Tip: Bringing “the outdoors in” with oversized sliding pocket doors is the ultimate entertainment upgrade.

Hidden Gems

The kitchen boasts a clean, uncluttered look, but behind the cabinetry, you’ll find a coffee station and pull-out drawers completely organized for knives, pots, and pans. On either side of the stove are hidden spaces for spices at eye level.

The home office, also known as the “Zoom room,” has a pocket door, a mounted TV, and four chairs around it for the facilitation of meetings. The wallpaper and original art make it a welcoming space to both work and relax in.

The client’s original dining room became the laundry room with ample storage. A dog crate is hidden underneath a portion of the countertop, perfect for their black Lab puppy. Other areas were created for two rolling laundry bins and dog food storage. The accent tile is a great partner to the custom laminate cabinetry, adding a playful atmosphere to the laundry room.

Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to infuse color. As you can see, the main furnishings are neutral, but we added interest with pattern and color. Art, pillows, lamps, and wallpaper are great ways to do this.

A Labor of Love

The success of this project was due to great communication and the freedom to think unconventionally. Our clients were quick to make decisions and trusted our vision throughout the entire process. Although they had opinions and specific needs, they placed their trust in us, giving us free reign to defy the status quo and do our best work.