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Kitchens:
Updating … upgrading …
enhancing family space
Bathrooms:
Updating … upgrading …
adding space, convenience and closets
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A Kitchen of Their Dreams
Last summer, when an Eagan couple decide to update their
kitchen, they knew just who to call. TLC completed basement
work for them back in 2003—a project the couple is
very pleased with, so it only made sense to have TLC back
for the kitchen remodel. The rambler home had its original
1995 kitchen, which the couple wanted to bring up-todate
with features that were both beautiful and functional.
The scope of TLC’s work included knocking out a wall to
open up the space and installing new cabinetry as well as
adding back-splash and recessed lighting, a new island and
Cambria countertops with a stunning black Blanco Silgranite
sink. Additionally, TLC added mosaic tiling behind
the new Wolf range, a ‘stow-away’ microwave drawer, and
a handsome rounded end cabinet that hides a charging station
and cords. “Tim has high-quality employees who are
patient and communicative,” homeowner Karen said. “Tim
is so easy to talk to and is always honest about the work
and the cost. Would you believe they came in under the
estimate?” The project took six weeks from start to finish.
“If you’re looking for honest and ethical, don’t hesitate to
call TLC,” Karen said.
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Bathroom Facelift
With a shower that had been leaking for years, a series of faulty
repairs and outdated finishes, this bathroom was begging for
a facelift. Tim Lemke Construction was called on to give the
space some TLC.
The homeowners sought to update the room, hoping to improve
the flow and aesthetics of the space. They called on the experts
at TLC to create their dream master bathroom.
Tim Lemke Construction removed the mauve bathtub and
matching carpeting, replacing the flooring with glazed porcelain
tile. The dated cabinetry was exchanged for sleek, spacious
cabinets with a warm hue and brushed nickel handles. The enclosed
shower was replaced with custom Corian base and walls,
and custom glass panels creating a more open space.
After removing the upper section of the wall partition and
capping it with granite to match the vanity top, the room itself
seems to have grown. Once feeling closed in, a smarter design
now makes the bathroom feel spacious and roomy. Modern,
earthy tones complement each other throughout the space and
work well with the room’s unique natural light.
The new design is equipped with ample drawers and pull out
shelves. Updated lighting and ventilation along with a new
storage system installed in the walk-in closet increases the functionality
of the bathroom.
With thoughtful design and an open floor plan, Tim Lemke
Construction ensured this master bathroom is ready for the
future, taking it out of the ‘80s and giving it a feel that is both
modern and classic. |
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A Warm, Relaxing
Master Bath
Without altering the layout of this master bathroom or
replacing the cabinetry, Tim Lemke Construction turned a
dated space into a captivating, soothing master bath.
Connected to a warm, inviting bedroom, the original bathroom
was not quite as welcoming as the rest of this Wayzata home.
With muted colors, stripes, and small square tiling, the
interesting and spacious layout of the space was not fully
utilized in the existing room. The shower had been closed-in
and dark, and in contrast, there were full-length windows in
the corner of the bathroom above the tub. To bring light
into the shower while enhancing the privacy of the room, the
full-length windows were replaced with two smaller ones, and
the dark shower was opened up and brightened with a new
frameless glass enclosure.
All of the plumbing fixtures are new, but the original
bathtub remains. The tub was resurfaced to match the new,
warm color scheme of the space. The ceramic tiles in the
floor and shower are topnotch, and complement the
earth-toned granite countertops, shower seat and shampoo
shelves.
A new ventilation and new floor-warming system make this
open, angular space even more comfortable. In just seven
short weeks, this ordinary bathroom was transformed into an
inviting, interesting space that mimics the colors and light
of nature.
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Turning On the Light
In the Highland Park area of St. Paul, this 1920’s home had
a kitchen from the ‘70s that was detracting from its charm.
The cabinetry and floors were dark, the space felt small,
and the design just didn’t fit with the rest of the home.
The homeowners knew it was time to make a change, and so
they did.
The homeowners were diligent in their search to find the
right remodeling company for the job, and got five separate
bids for it. In the end however, Susan said, “I went with my
heart.” Susan and her husband had sent he Tim Lemke
Construction showcase home at the Remodeler’s Showcase in
the fall, and after receiving a big from TLC for their own
project, it felt like a perfect match.
The kitchen was done in the early ‘70s, and as Susan says,
“It was definitely a ‘70’s kitchen. It was dark and it was
falling apart.” The kitchen didn’t match the rest of the
home, and it didn’t match the personalities of the
homeowners. They wanted to update it and brighten up the
space.
To achieve the drastic alteration of this kitchen, the room
was gutted to the studs. The dark, imposing cabinets were
replaced by honey-toned Alder cabinets with a glazed finish.
The cabinets feature under-counter Xenon lighting, but their
color is so right and warm, they seem to emit their own
light themselves. Granite countertops add to the new, more
natural look of the space. The subtle subway tile backsplash
harkens back to the history of the home, built in 1928. All
of the windows were replaced with high-efficiency casements
and Ultimate Insert Double Hung windows from Marvin Windows.
Both sash in the new, attractive windows can be titled or
removed for easy cleaning. Stainless steel appliances from
GE complete the updated look, and all of the electrical in
the kitchen was brought up to date for modern appliances as
well.
Adjacent to the kitchen, the back entryway also received an
update. New cabinets and countertop match the kitchen,
additionally upper sections of the doors have glass inserts
with back lighting. The new steel back door serves as an
energy efficient change. Similarly, the large radiator in
the space was removed and replaced with a smaller, wall-hung
high-efficiency radiator.
Existing and new matching millwork was finished with a
water-born enamel to help our environment.
The lighter, warmer look of the red birch wood flooring was
chosen for the kitchen, complementing the refinished
original hardwood floors in the front entrance and dining
room.
The thumbprint of the kitchen remains the same as it was
before the remodel–there were no changes made to the
structure or layout. Somehow, though, “The space is
different and better,” Susan comments. “It’s lighter, it’s
brighter, and I love it,” she says. “What’s not to love?”
Susan and her husband can finally feel at home in the
kitchen they have had for 30 years. The kitchen now fits the
character of the house and their character as a couple as
well.
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The homeowners remodeled the entire
1924's house. They wanted to update everything, but take it back to
the 1920's feeling. Working closely with an architect and a
designer, TLC made this St. Paul home come alive.
"The contractor made many
improvements that were not asked for or scheduled, but they made
a huge difference in the way the house lives."
— Beth T.,
homeowner
Not too often does someone say, "Your
bathroom should be pictured in design magazines," but on this
amazing remodel, it's true. The family had wanted a nice master
bath, so an unused 12x16 foot sitting room (see photo below right)
was converted into the bathroom dreams are made of. |
 Where do we start describing the master
bath? The fabulous arch-top true divided light windows make the room
so light and airy and the feeling warm and inviting. The step up to
the tub area is just the right touch of class.
 Two more new windows were added,
allowing light in from three sides, complementing the interesting
ample lighting. |
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One unique feature: the architect
designed everything in the bathroom to be symmetrical – and the
effect is amazing. The centerline of the window flawlessly lines up
with the tub and floor's ceramic tile as well as the center of the
vanity. All this required a great deal of accuracy on the part of
TLC's craftsmen–and they were well up to the task.
"This symmetry is not noticeable, but
if it had not been done,
the lack of it would have been very obvious."
– Beth T., homeowner, St. Paul
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thousand words. The water spigot in the curved niche just makes a
statement of elegance (above). The tub is surrounded by the separated toilet
and a steam shower.
The custom-milled antique white
wainscot trim and accent theme was carried through in the bathroom
as in the remodeled kitchen (see below). The marble vanity top has a
custom-cut scroll design backsplash that matches the toe kick on the
cabinet base. Radiant heat is installed below the tile floor. The
plumbing had to be brought up from the basement and the 80-year-old
floors were uneven – so many challenges had to be exceeded to
complete such a beautiful and functional master bath. |
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Back to the Future: Updating a Kitchen to the
1920's |
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The family is thrilled with the finished
kitchen, loving the functionality, the light, and especially the
1920's feel that was achieved.
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The homeowners wanted more "family
space" in their kitchen, which certainly was not available in their
old small and cramped kitchen area (below).
This looks like a one
person, not one family kitchen, with a design common in the 1970s
when it was last remodeled. |
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By adding on a 280 sq. ft L-shaped
addition to the home, the kitchen was enlarged, and a mud room/entry
and a main floor laundry room added – increasing the efficiency of
space tenfold. This kitchen
features a built-in bar and wine cooler, lots of storage, including
a cloths chute and a wonderful way to hide audio/video behind
tuck-away doors. The beautiful cherry wood island cabinet is topped
by tropical green granite and a convenient flat glass cooktop.
The room is aglow with light from
both natural and interior lighting. Over the larger sink are
casement windows with simulated divided light panes, complemented by
an interesting transom window above. Three-wide French doors bring
the outside in, adding more light than traditional doors. The
architect incorporated a unique "see-through" display cabinet that
allowed for light to come in through a window. The homeowner finds
that when she displays her favorite dishes in that cabinet, they are
highlighted beautifully.
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To match the existing
wood floors throughout the home required care and attention to
detail. The entire remodeling was about authentication to the
original era look, including wainscoting touches.
"Our goal was all about
light, storage, usable space and functionality – and the project
succeeded on all levels. Everything looks like it belongs in the
house, and that was our main goal."
– Beth T., homeowner, St.
Paul |
Notice how
nicely this feature fits into the kitchen, adding light and
certainly a conversation piece. |
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A huge project was
finished – all to the satisfaction of the family who uses it with
great pride.
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Another wonderful kitchen remodel,
updating the center of this family's life and making it both
practical and beautiful.
Can't you just smell the coffee
brewing? |
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A French Country Kitchen Shines in Mendota
Heights |
"Working with Tim Lemke and his crew means you
get the best quality products and outstanding quality
craftsmanship–both which add to the value of your home. He goes
beyond what the homeowner expects. His customers can count on him
before, during and after the project. Tim's niche is to work with
homeowners who approve and understand quality!
"Tim's crew did two major remodeling jobs in our
kitchen. Because we trusted them so much, when we had roof and
sewer problems, we called Tim on both emergencies. I know I can
always count on Tim Lemke and his crew."
— J. M., Mendota Heights
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Before - A typical
60's kitchen.
The lady of the house designed the kitchen around
the imported blue, yellow and white tiles with the French Country
influence. The kitchen was one of many areas remodeled, including
family room, foyer and powder bath. |
Challenging Tim Lemke Construction on
this project was the need to fastidiously preserve as many of the
original cabinets as possible and the original imported tiles lining
the kitchen walls. The project was developed around these blue,
yellow and white tiles. Even the two Kohler Life in the Country
porcelain sinks incorporated those colors.
To enhance the French Country look desired by the
client, Normandy pewter hardware accented the cupboards, matching
the old and new so expertly that they melted together. The finished
cupboards included several rollouts, greatly increasing the
practicality of the kitchen. The refrigerator-top wine rack and
adjacent stemmed glassware shelf are of French influence.
The old design was typical 1980’s, with its
limited access, restriction of people flow as well as a conversation
stopper. The client wanted a room where she could efficiently
entertain, requiring updated appliances except for existing warming
ovens.
The pewter pendant lights over the island added
light but more importantly, picked up the sparkle in the cobalt blue
Silestone countertops–giving it an amazing reflective quality. This
island was designed with curved customized cuts seen in French
homes, as well as wonderfully interesting hand-crafted corbel accent
pieces that set off the four corners of the utilitarian cook top
area plus shelves below for her ceramics collection.
Lighting was used extensively to give this room a
“come-on-in” feeling. Ample recessed lights dotted the ceiling, rope
lighting enlivened the cove molding area and Xenon under-cabinet
lights increased the functionality of the extensive workspace used
for entertaining. Old familiar spaces enhanced, fulfilling the
client’s dream. |
A Happy Clients Speaks …
“Tim Lemke Construction had previously worked
with my husband on our home remodeling projects. Now widowed, when
I had some major water damage, I was glad to already have a
resource that I had a high comfort level and great confidence in.
“They understood I was making all the
decisions alone. Barb Lemke, the office manager, became my
personal cheerleader and answered so many questions.
“In addition to water damage repair in the
lower level, I did a major remodel of the kitchen, family room,
foyer and powder bath. The results were wonderful.
“In the four months of the project, it felt
like they were my resident contractor. Tim’s people worked well
with everyone–including my designer, and they were not afraid to
ask for advice. Tim kept me informed of everything related to the
progress–even the subcontractors' schedules. I always knew what
was going to happen and when. There were no surprises.
“The foreman took a personal interest to make
sure everything was done right. The craftspeople were respectful
of my needs. There was a lot of design and construction integrity,
using the best quality materials for the most reasonable price.
“I am thrilled with my newly remodeled home.”
– G.M., Mendota Heights
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Before - Dark tight
spaces were common for this era kitchen.
Bigger is Better
What a wonderful gathering place,
whether for a family of four or huge
parties when everyone congregates in the kitchen.
Bigger is better as demonstrated by
the new 20’x19’ kitchen made to feel extensively expansive by only
an 8 ft. bump out. Updating and upgrading the lighting made so much
difference.
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Happy Homeowners
“We had 20 people enjoying some holiday
fellowship in our newly remodeled kitchen–and the children love to
do their homework or do puzzles on the new island, so this kitchen
has become the center of our life.
“After planning for about seven years, we
knew what we wanted. When we decided to talk to contractors and
get bids, Tim Lemke’s name came up from several people. We got two
bids that were almost identical, but we were sold on Tim because
he gave us a good feeling. He listened to us and did not try to
change what we wanted. We had heard he had a good reputation!
“We bumped out the house eight feet on the
north side, requiring a new foundation. This allowed for more
windows and easy access to the deck area. The kitchen was the
original, built 35 years ago, and we wanted to open it up. We
added lighter cabinets and an oak floor. They also remodeled the
master bath above the kitchen as well as the family room that
adjoined the kitchen.
“The entire project came in on time, on
budget in exactly three months. Also important, because we were
doing some of the painting and staining ourselves, Tim’s advance
timeline let us know when we could do it.
“No surprises! How often do you hear that
about a remodeling job?”
– J.F., West St. Paul homeowner |
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"We
wanted our two early 60's-style bathrooms updated.
Tim Lemke's crew had done a lot of other remodeling jobs in
our home previously. They
finished one bathroom before they tore up the second one, which
meant we were never without a shower.
"If
you've ever remodeled, you know that when you change one thing,
there are always surprises, especially in an old home.
We needed to be flexible when things went wrong–like
unexpectedly needing new plumbing and electrical.
"We
replaced the floor and wall tiles, adding new lighting fixtures.
I was amazed how much more open it felt when they removed a
wall that separated the shower and tub and replaced it with a half
glass wall. There
isn't any project TLC can't handle!
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— A.W., St. Paul area
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"In
remodeling a kitchen, it's important that the job gets done in a
timely manner. As
important, the workmen should be respectful for you and the rest
of your living space. Both things were extremely true when Tim Lemke's crew
remodeled our kitchen.
"We had
Tim be our general contractor as we wanted him to work with people
he could trust to get the job done right.
We are thrilled with our new hickory cabinets that we found
at the cabinetmaker Tim sent us to.
We would have never picked hickory until we saw the
beautiful examples. The
cabinet design gives us more open space for display, and Tim
suggested we put lights both under the cabinets and on top.
"The workmen cleaned up every night and
protected the rest of the house as much as possible from dust.
We enjoy the finished kitchen very much."
— J. and C.L.
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