Davidson Home: A remodel done right...

Twenty-three years ago, Dick and Andrea purchased their split-level home in the Connor Sub-division. "We loved the location and the views and the house was large enough for our family," said Andrea. "However, the living area was always dark and congested and I hated the cabinets."

When they decided to remodel, they called Brenda Larson of Creative Solutions. Knowing the layout of the house, Brenda knew what had to be done. The kitchen that was directly at the top of the stairs was always the main source of the congestion problem and the u-shaped cabinet layout created a small kitchen and even smaller dining room. To solve this dilemma, Brenda and carpenter, Jesse Thom flipped the kitchen and dining rooms to create a completely open-concept living area. "This is such an easy solution to this common problem with a split level home," said Larson. "By using this design, it seems like the homeowners added on, but instead they are just making much better use of the existing square footage."

"I waited many years to do this," Andrea said, "So I wanted to do it right! Jesse and Brenda and all of the sub-contractors worked together well to open this whole area up and make it just what we wanted." Now, when one walks up the stairs they first feast their eyes on a beautiful dining area that is perfect for entertaining. Just to the right of the dining area is the kitchen featuring Dura Supreme Cabinets and Cambria Quartz countertops from Creative Solutions. The perimeter of the kitchen has soft-colored maple cabinets that are accented with a chocolate glaze and the massive island, that has become the hub of the home, is done in the same South Haven door style, but is finished in a dark brown cherry that contrasts perfectly with the other lighter cabinets. The Brownhill quartz countertop by Cambria unifies the cabinetry and creates a superb working surface. (The same quartz was also used on the ledge of the stairway wall.) Andrea got all of the modern conveniences that she wanted, including roll-outs in the base units, a pantry, roll-out garbage that has a hands-free pull, built-in ovens, an undermount sink, a pot-filler and a custom wine-rack. "The wine rack was really difficult to get done," said Brenda. "Each piece had to be specially fabricated by using normal cabinet parts, but Jesse did a great job. We also had to figure out a special molding application for the top of the cabinets." A custom made message center from Creative Solutions has just recently been added to increase the efficiency of this area. "This layout is perfect for us. We love the tile that came from Tri-Fecta and was installed by Kevin Luinstra as well as the wood-look vinyl Karndean flooring from Chads and the texturing that was done by Vince Buss. Gurney Electric provided the perfect lights, Pete Rodier (who then worked for Olson Plumbing), worked hard to change all of the plumbing and Big Sky Siding and Windows sold us the new energy efficient door and windows. Everyone did a great job! We love it all!"

The entire living area is decorated in warm earth-tone shades and accented with splashes of orange and cranberry. Andrea put her own special touches to the area with unique art work and multi-colored leather bar stools. "When it comes to decorating, I don't really know what I'm looking for until I stumble across it and I know that is exactly what I've been looking for."

Unfortunately, due to a water leak last December, the Davidson's were forced to remodel the downstairs area also. The room layout remained the same, but all the rooms got an update. The Davidsons liked everything upstairs so much that they carried it through to the basement and also used all of the same contractors. They replicated the Karndean flooring because of the easy care and used the same knotty alder doors and trim throughout.

In the family room, she also used the same maple cabinetry featuring wheat stain with a chocolate glaze in the cabinetry. The rich brown walls contrast beautifully with all of the cabinetry and the floor. The focal point of this room is the floor-to-ceiling fireplace and TV unit that is surrounded by bookcases. "The fireplace came from Central Water and Brenda and Jesse figured out how to build it and Kevin Luinstra did the tile work. It is just beautiful!" exclaimed Andrea. "I can't wait to snuggle up on the sofa and enjoy this space!" Behind the sofa is a desk unit and shelving for the grandkid's toys. A bedroom, bath, laundry room and Andrea's quilting room are also located on this level of the home.

Andrea said, "It's been a long process, but it's been worth it! We are so happy! Now we have to get to work on the yard and a new deck! I am also so glad to be able to help out the Boys and Girls Club. It is a much needed organization for working parents. I wish we would have had the Club when our kids were that age! Also, the Parade of Homes is a great way to raise funds for the Boys and Girls Club and to showcase the talents of local carpenters and suppliers. Everyone did a great job on our house! Now I have my own space that I love to come home to!"