One of the best feelings as a designer is creating a space that a family truly loves. When it came to the design hopes and dreams of homeowners in and outside of Charlottesville, we couldn't be happier with the improvements made to these spaces.
Working through high traffic area renovations, these homes became places the families want to not only use, but that they now admire: (*names changed for privacy)
ONE
A gathering place
The lower level of this Charlottesville two story custom home, having gone through several small renovations, still continued to really bother the owners. Darby* and her husband were ready for a complete update, which included allocating space for a new office and dining room addition.
The house's existing layout was awkward and lacked a good flow. The front room by the entry lacked seating for the many gatherings the family hosted, and the kitchen was poorly laid out and awkward to use. Ultimately, the original design led to a disruptive family dynamic with the equivalent of two distinct gathering spaces.
These stairs at the entry of the home, the dining room and the large refrigerator, floating by itself and located just outside this photo, became a focal point upon entering the house:
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6b1c27_89736583a80543ebb92f578137cab1bd~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_740,h_770,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/6b1c27_89736583a80543ebb92f578137cab1bd~mv2.jpg)
After several meetings and design options, the existing dining room, which was right next to the front door, became a new living room, and the kitchen got a complete design overhaul.
Darby decided to split the 30' long living room into a dining room and office:
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6b1c27_b18f54a9582440c78a5719ae3534bb74~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_980,h_551,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/6b1c27_b18f54a9582440c78a5719ae3534bb74~mv2.png)
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6b1c27_4f8fe570cdd84e0e8fce74d593bd91cd~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_980,h_551,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/6b1c27_4f8fe570cdd84e0e8fce74d593bd91cd~mv2.png)
The horribly awkward pantry located under the stairs became a series of built-ins accompanied by a wet bar, and the stairs themselves were completely redesigned:
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6b1c27_d52a9e689944468e85dbe4a140f7db2c~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_980,h_551,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/6b1c27_d52a9e689944468e85dbe4a140f7db2c~mv2.png)
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6b1c27_5f7a7d78757b4d14a7c7b4e119726660~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_980,h_551,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/6b1c27_5f7a7d78757b4d14a7c7b4e119726660~mv2.png)
TWO
A kitchen to live in and love
The Moore's* faced a similar dilemma. Their kitchen was dark, poorly laid out, and was something they begrudgingly lived with instead of enjoying making memories in.
As seen in the photo below, the kitchen is dated and dark with no space for storage or to do kitchen prep work:
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6b1c27_a47472c958484652aaa30af45038d60e~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_735,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/6b1c27_a47472c958484652aaa30af45038d60e~mv2.jpg)
After a lengthy round of design, the new warm, inviting kitchen area has become a hangout spot for the entire family, and a focal point for entertaining guests. Thomas*, the homeowner, has even said that he will still sometimes stand and stare at the kitchen, thinking, "wow, I live here" - and this is months later after completion.
The newly designed kitchen, courtesy of Lamplight Design Studios:
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6b1c27_c2568bd156da493685649174e745fac2~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_824,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/6b1c27_c2568bd156da493685649174e745fac2~mv2.jpg)
A newly renovated life
This is how it feels to a family who had to make do with a lackluster home for so many years. Their entire life feels rejuvenated, and they're proud to show off the redesigned spaces. Whether a kitchen, dining, or living area, the owners are now making cherished memories in a place they once avoided. As designers, we live to bring this experience to our clients.
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