Bluejack Builders Total House: $250,000-$500,000 St. Paul
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This house, despite being located in the charming St. Paul neighborhood of Highland Park, did not have a charming inside to match its surroundings. Rather the inside was original to the day it was built in the 1940's, horribly dated, and the existing space of the rooms did not meet the needs for any family in this era. This being the family home of the homeowner s grandparents, the homeowners were ready to take the steps with the design build contractor that they trusted to take such a treasured property and to turn it into something they could use practically, and who they trusted was the experts at Bluejack Builders. Bluejack Builders found that the best option to attain the desired accommodations and goals for the homeowners was to change the house from a rambler to a two story property, keeping the first floor footprint and exterior walls, while putting particular emphasis on creating incredibly efficient floor plans that utilize the space best, and to design the inside and outside with the charm that the neighborhood and era of home deserved. The homeowner s expectations were to create an open concept design with functionality and additional space. As with homes of this era, the stairs, located at the center, became the primary challenge in meeting the design needs. By moving the location of the stairs to the front corner of the house, critical space was attained for the open design and became a primary focal point in the entry as a two story foyer and the main artery connecting the basement, the first floor, and the second floor. A new kitchen now connects to the living room, as well as to an elegant, but modern and classy dining room with built-in wine buffet. A separate mudroom and walk-in pantry extend off the rear of the kitchen towards the garage featuring a beautiful built in locker system with slate floors. The rest of the first floor was filled out with a powder room, a two person office with a custom built-in desk, wood floors throughout, enameled millwork, and custom paneling in the dining room. The second story addition provided this family with needed space to grow into, while also creating a terrific layout and a fantastic master suite. Three large bedrooms, a full bath utilizing the home s original cast iron tub, a laundry, and a large master suite featuring a vaulted ceiling, large walk-in closet and incredible master bath retreat, fill out the second floor space. Custom design elements and details were implemented throughout this magnificent transformation, from custom cabinets, marble and granite tops, fine natural and porcelain tiles, and incredible finishes and fixtures.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: continued The homeowners were overwhelmingly happy in trusting Bluejack Builders to design and manage such a sacred and important project all while creating a personalized and endearing home to enjoy for years to come and to continue keeping in the family. With the superior design and the character driven details both inside and out, a true masterpiece was created.
FLOOR PLAN: before #1
FLOOR PLAN: after #1
BEFORE PHOTO: #1 Typical Highland Park neighborhood rambler with no character
AFTER PHOTO: #1 Natural elements were incorporated into the exterior design of this whole house remodel all while seamlessly continuing the established character of a traditional Highland Park home.
BEFORE PHOTO: #2 This dated and dysfunctional existing kitchen was sure to go in the new design for this modernized remodel
AFTER PHOTO: #2 A new spacious kitchen was added with all the amenities desired by the homeowners
BEFORE PHOTO: #3 1940 s finishes in the odd shaped master suite were nothing to be saved during the new transformation. This space was used for the new mudroom and pantry.
AFTER PHOTO: #3 A spacious and inviting living room connected to the kitchen and foyer featured custom stone work and custom alder cabinetry with room for a new fireplace.
BEFORE PHOTO: #4 This picture once showed a small family room located at the front of the house with dated green carpet and wood paneled walls.
AFTER PHOTO: #4 The space seen here was taken from the once family room and transformed into this grand foyer connecting to the new second story.
AFTER PHOTO: #5 This elegant, yet modern formal dining room features a dropped soffit wrapped with crown molding, half high custom designed enameled paneling with direct access to the kitchen
AFTER PHOTO: #6 Incorporated into the second story master suite, this picture of the master suite includes a corner soaking tub, tiled shower with accent tiles, and a vanity with granite top.
AFTER PHOTO: #7 The main floor ½ bath was inspired by this unique marble top, highlighted with a glass vessel sink and wall mounted fixture that flowed out of the enlarged marble backsplash
AFTER PHOTO: #8 An open concept connecting the kitchen and living room was designed so that entertaining from the massive kitchen island joined the openness of the two spaces