Great Room Metamorphosis

The clients really enjoy cooking and this new kitchen includes their dream appliances and special storage features.

We have helped this family with several projects over the years. The first project was a large new deck in the back yard, which has transformed their outdoor living area.

The second project was a basement renovation, which started the process that led to their current renovation. At that time, we moved their laundry machines downstairs and created a laundry / bathroom off a new mudroom area. We also freshened up the finishes in the basement family room and bedroom.

This third project included a new pantry / kitchen / dining area with new wood flooring throughout the main level. We removed a structural wall and added a new wood-clad post and beam to open up the space. The clients really enjoy cooking and this new kitchen includes their dream appliances and special storage features. We removed an unused patio door in the dining room which compromised their privacy, and added a built-in buffet and a dining bench with storage underneath to maximize floor space and storage. The space was already very bright, so the loss of the door wasn’t an issue. New lighting provides layers of illumination to suit various uses and moods.

A possible fourth renovation was planned along with this great room re-design. That work will include improved lighting at the entry / living room / hall and the removal of the stippled ceiling finish. We pre-framed the space for a new shower in the ensuite bath as part of the third project’s pantry upgrade. Project 4 is also planned to include a new media center in the living room and new closet fittings throughout. Stay tuned for the next chapter in this home’s transformation!

 

Before & After

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Over 8 years ago, a friend of ours recommended Lara Ellenwood to help with the re-design of our newly purchased home. Since then we have relied on Lara for her amazing design sense and style. After talking to Lara we always know exactly what to do -- everything becomes so clear. We have complete confidence in Lara's ability to provide us with design solutions that suit our style and budget. She has really helped us make our house a home that we love.
Michelle and Dave W.
Over 8 years ago, a friend of ours recommended Lara Ellenwood to help with the re-design of our newly purchased home.  Since then we have relied on Lara for her amazing design sense and style.  After talking to Lara we always know exactly what to do -- everything becomes so clear.  We have complete confidence in Lara's ability to provide us with design solutions that suit our style and budget.  She has really helped us make our house a home that we love.
Michelle and Dave W.
Nancy and Mike B., Harrop

Our newly-purchased home was built in '93 and when the realtor arranged a first showing in late 2016, my wife said, "This place has potential value but it needs a serious updating".  At the same time, I kept thinking, "I think this house has good bones".  So we bought it, moved into it and embarked on updating it with the help of Lara and Marc from Ellenwood Homes. All excellent decisions.

Lara is educated and experienced in building and furniture design; Marc in construction and budgeting.  Add to that the varied skills of their main onsite contractors, Corey and Scott.  What a team!  We've never known better and if we were to tackle another job like this we'd choose these folks again...in a flash!

After a winter of renovating and selecting of new furniture - all guided by our team, we are totally thrilled with the outcome.  On top of that, we've gained very good friends in the process...

Nancy and Mike B., Harrop
Ellenwood Homes did renovations of approximately $120 ,000 for us, which included completely redoing the 3-bedroom main floor (including the kitchen and bathroom), structural changes in the basement (including the addition of a legal suite), and some exterior and garage work. We were extremely happy with the quality of the work, the process, and the pricing. When we were initially getting quotes, some contractors would tell us what we wanted was very complicated, but Marc Brillon told us it was do-able. We were very impressed by how he was able to handle any problems with ease. Ellenwood's pricing was very competitive. Throughout the project Marc was very conscious of costs and would provide options for more cost-effective solutions. Marc was also an excellent project manager - he handled the acquisition of materials and the management of subcontractors extremely well! In addition to doing excellent quality work cost-effectively, Marc was very helpful in accommodating our family's needs as we lived through the renovations. It was a real pleasure to have Ellenwood Homes do our renovations! Not only are we extremely happy, we are constantly getting compliments.
Shahir P.
Ellenwood Homes did renovations of approximately $120,000 for us, which included completely redoing the 3-bedroom main floor (including the kitchen and bathroom), structural changes in the basement (including the addition of a legal suite), and some exterior and garage work.  We were extremely happy with the quality of the work, the process, and the pricing.  When we were initially getting quotes, some contractors would tell us what we wanted was very complicated, but Marc Brillon told us it was do-able. We were very impressed by how he was able to handle any problems with ease.  Ellenwood's pricing was very competitive. Throughout the project Marc was very conscious of costs and would provide options for more cost-effective solutions.  Marc was also an excellent project manager - he handled the acquisition of materials and the management of subcontractors extremely well!  In addition to doing excellent quality work cost-effectively, Marc was very helpful in accommodating our family's needs as we lived through the renovations. It was a real pleasure to have Ellenwood Homes do our renovations! Not only are we extremely happy, we are constantly getting compliments.
Shahir P.
We recently moved into our new home which was completed with help from Marc and Lara of Ellenwood Homes. There are so many variables and questions that arise when building and it was invaluable to have their help, especially when it came to what products were available and what would fit with our plan. Their design considerations and finishing details helped us achieve a “mountain modern ” home that perfectly suits our lifestyle. I would not hesitate to recommend that you contact Ellenwood Homes for help with any/all stages of the construction process. You will find Marc and Lara easy to get along with and they can help you achieve your vision.
Mike N. and Michelle M.
We recently moved into our new home which was completed with help from Marc and Lara of Ellenwood Homes. There are so many variables and questions that arise when building and it was invaluable to have their help, especially when it came to what products were available and what would fit with our plan. Their design considerations and finishing details helped us achieve a “mountain modern” home that perfectly suits our lifestyle. I would not hesitate to recommend that you contact Ellenwood Homes for help with any/all stages of the construction process. You will find Marc and Lara easy to get along with and they can help you achieve your vision.
Mike N. and Michelle M.
I had a complete kitchen renovation done by Ellenwood Homes. Lara oversaw the design and Marc the construction. I had an idea of what I wanted, along with some pictures. Lara was able to bring together these threads and help me put together a fabulous modern kitchen. Not only did she do a lot of leg work [materials sourcing] and construction drawings, she also did construction supervision along with Marc. Lara is a very experienced designer. She was easy to work with and came up with great options and sensible solutions. My job was small, but both Marc and Lara gave it top-notch attention. I love my new kitchen! The work was very good quality and we stayed within budget. I would happily hire them again for my next project.
Colleen B.
I had a complete kitchen renovation done by Ellenwood Homes. Lara oversaw the design and Marc the construction. I had an idea of what I wanted, along with some pictures. Lara was able to bring together these threads and help me put together a fabulous modern kitchen. Not only did she do a lot of leg work [materials sourcing] and construction drawings, she also did construction supervision along with Marc. Lara is a very experienced designer. She was easy to work with and came up with great options and sensible solutions. My job was small, but both Marc and Lara gave it top-notch attention. I love my new kitchen! The work was very good quality and we stayed within budget. I would happily hire them again for my next project.
Colleen B.

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