Empty Nesters Cove Remodel

Follow along along as we bring you through the entire transformation behind our Empty Nesters Cove remodel project.

It’s called Right Sizing not Down Sizing. This empty nester family wanted a home that provided single-level living, enough room for visiting kids and grandkids, and conveniences for modern living that they craved. With nothing currently on the market that met their needs, they located a mid-century rambler in a location they liked and set out to remodel. Beginning with a well-built structure, the home was re-imagined for a modern lifestyle with a new addition that adds living space on the main floor plus extends the foundation to enhance the basement level. Before tackling construction, two major challenges needed to be addressed:

1. The homesite was low-lying with a high water-table. Since this was considered to be in the FEMA floodplain, the city of Edina required major reconstruction. In order to extend the basement as well as managing water during and after construction, the entire yard was dug up to accommodate rock plus new drain tile. The lower level egress walls were engineered to ensure they were protected from water up to two-foot above grade.
2. The family budget was very specific. Throughout design and selections, great care was needed to ensure the final remodel provided for the client’s wants and needs yet didn’t exceed their target budget.

Exteriors

The original low-profile ranch exterior gave way to a graceful, cottage-style rambler with an additional garage stall, corbels and unique detailing plus new Marvin windows, weather proof James Hardie siding, all in a modern soft gray and white palette — designed to feel perfectly at home in its established neighborhood.

The large backyard absorbed the new addition easily, adding a window-filled four-season porch plus a large master suite designed for privacy and comfort. The original main level was gutted and opened up to create the modern footprint this family desired, with kitchen, dining and gathering room relocated to flow neatly from the newly open living spaces to the new addition’s four-season porch and on to the backyard deck.

Kitchen

The family was looking for modern yet timeless when it came to design and selections. We started with a sleek white kitchen with Benjamin Moore’s Santorini Blue at the island for the perfect pop of color. White Dove shiplap pulls the kitchen and liv-ing spaces together, while the common wall transitions beautifully with open shelving and sleek cabinetry. Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances assure the owners have the top quality and truly functional kitchen they wanted. 

The large backyard absorbed the new addition easily, adding a window-filled four-season porch plus a large master suite designed for privacy and comfort. The original main level was gutted and opened up to create the modern footprint this family desired, with kitchen, dining and gathering room relocated to flow neatly from the newly open living spaces to the new addition’s four-season porch and on to the backyard deck.

By opening up this entire main living area to an open floor plan, this space became the main gathering room in the home. Functional meets livable.

The kitchen was set apart from the entire home. The galley style design was slightly restrictive. By adding a huge center island, ample cabinet space and a hidden pantry, this kitchen now invites entertaining as well as everday use.

Master Suite

The new master suite offers a light-filled bedroom plus a spacious closet with custom built-ins from Twin Cities Closet. The spa bath pampers with dual sink vanity, sola tube for natural light, plus a gorgeous glass and tile shower with herringbone accents and multiple shower heads, including an indulgent rain-shower.

The master on the main level was a must. With larger windows, wider door frames, and an en suite bathroom with walk in closet, this new design is better suited for years of living.

As the home owner wanted a design that they could age with, this new bathroom offers a walk in shower, double vanity, and a water closet.

Sunroom

The cozy four season porch is equipped with Marvin large windows and sliding glass doors plus the white wood ceiling boasts beams and fan that capture the essence of “porch” while ensuring the comfort of home. Just outside, the custom IPE deck is guaranteed for 20-years, ensuring maintenance-free enjoyment.

This additional main level living space was added to incorporate plenty of sunshine no matter the season. With Marvin sliding doors out to a new deck, this home is ready for outdoor entertainment.

Mudroom

An additional bonus space was the mudroom and powder bath off of the garage entry. A perfect drop zone positioned off of the main gathering room.

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