Kitchen and Bath Makeovers

Fabulous facelifts for Atlanta-area homes

Kitchens and bathrooms are the most commonly remodeled—and widely used—rooms in the home, lending themselves to unique and functional floorplans, fixtures, amenities and decor. Whether you’re entertaining the idea of a modest makeover or you’re considering a full-fledged overhaul, these before-and-after kitchen and bathroom projects are sure to offer some inspiration.

Makeover by: WicksteadWorks, (404) 315-1995, www.wicksteadworks.com, and Jones Pierce Design + Build, (404) 688-1050, www.jonespierce.com
Photos by Nate Dorn

According to the contractors of this Atlanta-area kitchen renovation, the mission of the project was to “turn lemons into lemonade.” This original 1890s farmhouse had partially burned, a travesty to the owners who had considered the home their pride and joy. “We had a budget that had been dictated by the insurance company,” says Frank Wickstead, owner of WicksteadWorks, “and we were determined to turn a bad situation into a dream home.”

The owner always wanted a red kitchen, and that’s exactly what she got. Using affordable appliances and fixtures, the renovation team was able to create a bold, contemporary space and still stay within their budget. The room’s teacup pendant lights add a contemporary feel to the space, while the countertop is more reminiscent of the home’s bygone years. The owners were not crazy about traditional granite, so leathered granite was installed, which adds a matte finish and interesting texture.

The kitchen now boasts a nice mix of contemporary and traditional styles and offers a comfortable space for the owners to create a new beginning.

FEATURES:
Cabinets: Leonard Cabinet Company  •  Cabinet hardware: Restoration Hardware  •  Tile: Specialty Tile
Appliances: GE   • Counters: Leathered granite  •  Plumbing fixtures and sink: Kohler •   Pendant lights: Laura Ashley

Makeover by: Northside Remodeling, (770) 928-4000
Photos by Scott McKibben

After 8 years of what she calls “contemplation and procrastination,” the owner of this Marietta home decided to take the plunge and remodel her outdated kitchen. “My drab, white kitchen was semi-functional and did not allow for reconfiguration,” she says, “so I worked with what I had.” Her primary goals were to eliminate the rarely used desk and cabinet area and create a built-in space for buffet serving and entertaining with extra cabinet space, all while creating height and increased functionality in the room.

With the help of Northside Remodeling, the owner’s drab kitchen became her dream kitchen. The down-draft stove, which occupied a generous amount of space, was removed and replaced with a new cooktop that features an up-draft hood and offers additional drawers for storage. The room’s crown molding and under-cabinet lighting was also replaced and now offers a more modern, polished look.

The owner’s new, handcrafted hutch/buffet cabinet is her favorite feature in the updated space and includes a solid maple face frame with maple veneer plywood sides and backs. The drawers feature full extension runners for easy access, and the cabinet includes a built-in, custom-fit TV. “I now entertain constantly and practically live in my kitchen,” the owner says. “It seems like I’m a better cook, too!”

FEATURES:
Hutch/buffet cabinet: Custom made by B.L. Wilson Company  •  Cabinet construction and modification: Creative Cabinets and Faux Finishes
Under-cabinet lighting: Progressive Lighting  •  Tile backsplash and accent features: Interceramic Tile  • Faucet installation: Ronald Fouts Plumbing
Dishwasher: Bosch  •  Double ovens, gas cooktop and warming tray: Dacor  •  Flooring: Junior’s Hardwood Floors

Makeover by: Portis Building & Interiors, (770) 455-4319, www.portisbuilding.com
Photos by Sue Buxton Photography

This bathroom remodel was inspired by two iridescent vanity basins that the homeowners found. They consulted the team at Portis Building & Interiors, requesting they design the new bathroom around the basins, and the talented staff happily rose to the challenge. On a strict budget, the pros at Portis were able to transform this master bathroom into a spa-like wonder.

The husband wanted a walk-in shower, but the wife was not willing to give up her luxurious jetted tub. The solution? Get both! A walk-in shower with glass walls was installed, which led the way to the jetted soaking tub and a brand new closet. Double vanities were added to accommodate the new sinks, as were iridescent tile accents to complement the overall look. Mosaic tiles that offer a mirror effect run up the wall behind each vanity basin, creating a striking appearance that is truly spectacular.

Custom-made, espresso-colored cabinets round out the luxurious look, offering a rich and elegant appearance.

FEATURES:
Sinks: Glass vessels by Oceana   •   Cabinets: Custom-made alderwood with espresso-look finish
Faucets: Moen Icon collection   •   Toilet: Adelaide by Caroma   •   Vanity lights: Hudson Valley

Makeover by: Kandrac & Kole Interior Designs Inc., (770) 514-9699, www.kandrac-kole.com
Photos courtesy of Kadrac & Kole

The goal of this Roswell master bathroom renovation was to create a spa-like environment reminiscent of the tranquility in Atlanta’s Serenbe community. The owners wanted a luxurious, peaceful bathroom that focused on using sustainable products. In addition to the serene ambiance, the owners specifically asked for a significantly larger shower and toilet space, a surround sound stereo system, heated tile floors (the bathroom is over the garage and gets very cold), considerably more storage space, a low tub with a ledge that provided ease for entering and exiting, and redesigned closets.

To accomplish the owners’ dream bathroom, contractors took advantage of unused cavities in the walls. Now, the shower is three times the size of the original one, as is the water closet. Added luxuries, such as the towel warmer, built-in cabinet linen hamper, task lighting, a shoe closet and custom-made art, have made the bathroom a one-of-a-kind retreat for the owners.

To create a custom bathing space, a combination of glass and stone was used in the shower and tub in shades of blue, gray and cream. Because the tub is situated directly beneath a window, sunlight reflects on these tiles, creating a glistening and inviting space. Now, the owners have their own spa-like retreat that they can visit anytime—without an appointment.

FEATURES:
Cabinetry: Shiloh from Insidesign   •   Countertop: ECO Silestone in Riverbed
Plumbing fixtures: Kohler and Hansgrohe in Brushed Nickel   •   Tile and stone: MODA Floors & Interiors
Paint: Sherwin Williams, 6219 Rain   •   Closets: Closets and More

Makeover by: Sweeny & Son, (678) 699-7197, www.sweeneyandson.com and
Brooks Kitchen and Bath Design, (770) 844-8299, www.brookskb.com
Photos by Jason Brooks, Camera Eye Photo

When approached to transform this early ‘90s kitchen in the East Cobb area, Lisa Brooks and Rob Sweeney of Sweeney & Son Contracting devised a plan to update the burning builder oak kitchen into a state-of-the-art, custom space. Their goal was to add a warm and inviting feel to the area, which was achieved by fusing soft, cream-painted cabinetry with a contrasting custom moss maple-stained island.

Brand new, state-of-the-art appliances were installed, including a dishwasher, refrigerator, microwave drawer, range and ventilation hood liner, giving the kitchen a contemporary look that seamlessly blended with the new design. One of the most unique installations, however, is the serving bar that is tucked beneath the staircase and houses a beverage cooler and storage bar cabinetry.

To “add” space to the area, Sweeney and Brooks created the illusion of a higher ceiling by building glass, lighted cabinets on top of the cream cabinets. To add warmth, they selected textured accents, such as natural, stacked stone that was placed around the fireplace and hand-cut pillowed tile for the backsplash.
From boring, builder-grade quality to European-style custom elegance, this new kitchen is not only warm and inviting, but aesthetically pleasing, as well.

FEATURES:
Cabinets: Geppetto Custom Cabinetry  •  Range, dishwasher, ventilation system and refrigerator: GE
Backsplash: Traditions in Tile  •  Plumbing fixtures: European Sink  •  Granite countertops: Marmi Stone

Makeover by: Distinctive Remodeling Solutions Inc., (770) 668-9393, www.distinctiveremodeling.net
Photos courtesy of Distinctive Remodeling Solutions Inc.

Although the master bathroom in this Marietta home had a solid framework, it had become dated over the years, and the homeowners wanted Distinctive Remodeling to help them create a fresh look for this important space in their home.

The owners were comfortable with the existing floorplan, so by making only minor adjustments they were able to focus their budget on choosing just the right materials. There were three key objectives for the project design: a larger shower, maintaining space for a new tub and sticking within a moderate budget.
To accommodate these goals, the wall between the shower and tub was removed (making the shower feel much larger), and the new tub was repositioned to allow for a larger, frameless shower enclosure. The tile—in warm, neutral shades—was expertly designed to define both the tub and shower, then blend into the flooring, creating a seamlessly integrated bathing area. The vanity, in cherry with a deep mink stain, balances the softer neutrals of the tile.

Cabinet knobs and pulls, as well as towel holders in bronze, add a subtle sheen. Accents of color come from the vanity sconces and chandelier, and thoughtfully selected plumbing fixtures lend added sophistication. The result is an expertly executed facelift that invites the owners to linger and relax.

FEATURES:
Tub: Ferguson Enterprises Inc.  •  Frameless shower enclosure: CHC Glass and Mirror  •  Tile: Moda Floors and Interiors
Vanity: MasterBrand/Decora  •  Cabinet knobs, pulls and towel holders: Top Knobs
Lighting: Masterpiece Lighting  • Faucets and shower fixtures: Kohler  •  Toilet: European Sink