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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"I asked Ellenwood Homes to change my kitchen / living area and turn it into an open concept situation. It looked like a fairly easy job but the walls that needed to come down were stuffed with plumbing, ducting and wiring for the whole house and no detailed drawings were available. Instead of starting a project without knowing if it would go way over my head, Marc conducted a very thorough investigation, suggested opening up part of the walls and he had the trades people who originally built the house come out to talk about what was there. I felt safe when we decided to go ahead with this. Lara is a wonderful designer, aware of tiny details and she came up with materials that I really liked. She seemed to understand exactly what I was looking for. These two people are a wonderful team, very professional and complementary to each other. And such pleasant personalities to work with. Budget and planning worked out fine, I love my new kitchen/living room and I would recommend Lara and Marc to anyone considering a renovation."
Birgit T.
"I asked Ellenwood Homes to change my kitchen / living area and turn it into an open concept situation. It looked like a fairly easy job but the walls that needed to come down were stuffed with plumbing, ducting and wiring for the whole house and no detailed drawings were available. Instead of starting a project without knowing if it would go way over my head, Marc conducted a very thorough investigation, suggested opening up part of the walls and he had the trades people who originally built the house come out to talk about what was there. I felt safe when we decided to go ahead with this. Lara is a wonderful designer, aware of tiny details and she came up with materials that I really liked. She seemed to understand exactly what I was looking for. These two people are a wonderful team, very professional and complementary to each other. And such pleasant personalities to work with. Budget and planning worked out fine, I love my new kitchen/living room and I would recommend Lara and Marc to anyone considering a renovation."
Birgit T.

We are very happy with our renovation and addition. Lara's design ideas shine through the finished project, as does the quality of the carpenters involved. A considerate, kind and professional team. Our guests this summer have been left speechless with the transformation to our living space. We highly recommend Lara, Marc and the Ellenwood team.

Lorraine K.

We are very happy with our renovation and addition. Lara's design ideas shine through the finished project, as does the quality of the carpenters involved. A considerate, kind and professional team. Our guests this summer have been left speechless with the transformation to our living space. We highly recommend Lara, Marc and the Ellenwood team.

Lorraine K.
Marc and Lara provided a top notch product and I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone considering a minor or extensive renovation. Initially I was provided with a very detailed cost analysis and later, if costs differed, there was always a consultation. What also impressed me was when the tradespeople commented that Marc and Lara are some of the best and most professional people they've ever worked for. Any issues which came up after completion were promptly addressed by Marc and Lara. A great team, providing a great product!
Ruth B.
Marc and Lara provided a top notch product and I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone considering a minor or extensive renovation.  Initially I was provided with a very detailed cost analysis and later, if costs differed, there was always a consultation.  What also impressed me was when the tradespeople commented that Marc and Lara are some of the best and most professional people they've ever worked for.  Any issues which came up after completion were promptly addressed by Marc and Lara.  A great team, providing a great product!
Ruth 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.
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 have completed three high-end, successful and significant residential renovations with Lara Ellenwood during the past 11 years. Lara is a uniquely talented Interior Designer. She is a pleasure to work with - quiet, thoughtful, pleasant and sensitive. She is very well trained, professional and highly organized. I met her initially as a client of Ledingham Design, where she handled their interior design. She excels in design and in liaising with suppliers and trades whom she knows well and who hold her in very high regard. I understand why! She is more than willing to listen to her clients and their personal needs, and bend her choices in their direction. Additionally, she enriches their choices, adds new ideas, presents fine concept sketches, then detailed plans, and absolutely aces the colour palette after the required contemplation work. She then supervises the actualization process from beginning to end, has the best resources at her disposal, and brings together all the disparate elements together, successfully. Whoever you are, you are fortunate to be able to consider working with her.
Joyce C.
I have completed three high-end, successful and significant residential renovations with Lara Ellenwood during the past 11 years.  Lara is a uniquely talented Interior Designer. She is a pleasure to work with - quiet, thoughtful, pleasant and sensitive. She is very well trained, professional and highly organized. I met her initially as a client of Ledingham Design, where she handled their interior design. She excels in design and in liaising with suppliers and trades whom she knows well and who hold her in very high regard.  I understand why! She is more than willing to listen to her clients and their personal needs, and bend her choices in their direction. Additionally, she enriches their choices, adds new ideas, presents fine concept sketches, then detailed plans, and absolutely aces the colour palette after the required contemplation work. She then supervises the actualization process from beginning to end, has the best resources at her disposal, and brings together all the disparate elements together, successfully.  Whoever you are, you are fortunate to be able to consider working with her.
Joyce C.

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