 |
Kitchens:
Updating … upgrading …
enhancing family space
Bathrooms:
Updating … upgrading …
adding space, convenience and closets
|
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. |
 |
|
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
|
 |
| Truly, a picture here is worth a
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. |
|
|
Back to the Future: Updating a Kitchen to the
1920's |
|
The family is thrilled with the finished
kitchen, loving the functionality, the light, and especially the
1920's feel that was achieved.
 |
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. |
|
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.
|
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. |
|
|
A huge project was
finished – all to the satisfaction of the family who uses it with
great pride.
|
|
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? |
|
 |
|
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
|
|
 |
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
|
|
 |
|
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.
|
 |
A Happy Homeowner
“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 |
| An Open-for-Family-Living Kitchen
This client wanted to update the cramped, isolated
and dark space and increase the two-way accessibility and
functionality modern families delight in. Almost 35 years since
originally built, this project required major design and decorating
changes.
Bigger is better as demonstrated by the new
20’x19’ kitchen made to feel extensively expansive by only an 8 ft.
bump out. Larger Marvin windows lighten the whole room and allow the
backyard to become more a part of their daily living.
To update existing appliances, custom wood panels
were designed to match the new alder wood cupboards. Part of a
larger remodeling, the kitchen and dinette area flow together
because of the continuous natural red oak hardware floors. A
full-view door from the dinette area to the deck gives the family
quick and easy access.
The unique challenge was all major plumbing,
heating and electrical that was crowded into the original soffits
now needing relocating because the soffits were eliminated.
The island is where the children do puzzles and
homework. Tucked in a cupboard corner is an appliance garage.
Including a full-height wall pantry cabinet with rollouts throughout
and a message center (not in photo), the usability, functionality
and storage in their cupboards doubled. The easy-care Silestone
countertops add warmth and function.
Recessed lights over work and dinette area are
functional while the three pendant lights over the island surface
provide light and simple, yet elegant style.
Energy that says, “let’s entertain,” seems to
bounce off the new walls, ceilings and family space. |
|
