The Houston Home Renovation Before & After to Fill Up Your Pinterest Board

A Home Renovation for a Contemporary Traditional Family

When this Katy, Houston, family called, they had been living in a beautiful traditional home for a while, but found that it didn’t really suit their needs as they evolved. With an outdated look and cumbersome floor plan, they were having problems navigating it well and making the most out of the space.

This modern family wanted a cozy atmosphere that could be the perfect backdrop to host holiday dinners for friends and family as well as provide a suitable environment to work from home.

“Say no more,” we said, and our team of architects and designers set up a home renovation that included minor changes to the floor plan, bold paint to accentuate each individual area, and modern twists to bring the home into the 21st century.

🏠👉 Take a look at the final result

Below, we are breaking down how each space changed this family for the better.

1. The foyer
2. The living area
3. The full kitchen remodel
4. The dining room
5. The office
6. The master bathroom

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1. The Foyer

Yes, the glass on the doors was beautiful, albeit outdated. The new glass panels immediately brought a sense of lightness and brightness to the space. With the new, more dramatic paint color, it is very clear to get a sense that the outside world and your inner world are separate. Welcome to your retreat!

To the side, we closed off the entrance to the living room (and gave it an elegant door that elevates the space) to create the perfect entryway with the piano and the subtle cupboards to the side to store coats and bags when they step in. The cabinets help give the room a decluttered feel, as opposed to having different surfaces or wall hangers where to pile up trinkets and clothes.

Apart from that, the new hardwood floors accompany the beautiful wooden staircase—whose banister was also updated.

2. The Living Area

Or should we say “The living daylights”! Once closed off and traditional, it now maintains a sturdy personality, but in a new light. Sorry, we just can’t help the puns.

The one window became a wall-to-wall picture window and two more were added where the outdated built-ins were. 

The brick wall got a fresh coat of paint and the bronze fireplace and mantel became the perfect metaphorical plinth for the TV. Why, yes, the painting is, in fact, a state-of-the-art television set. And it is in the middle, not to the side, so every family member’s necks are grateful.

Although the built-ins are no longer flanking the fireplace, there is still storage space thanks to the walnut accent cabinets that maintain the elegant and stately feel.

In line with the classic style, the walls got delicate mouldings and the rustic beams disappeared from the ceilings, giving way to modern recessed spots.

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Now, turn around! What was once a dark living room and a separate and small kitchen, is now a bright, megaspace that is perfect for entertainment.

By removing the wall between the living room and the kitchen, we created an open-concept layout that enables seamless flow and connection between the spaces. Making the hardwood floors run throughout both areas also helps elongate the space and elevate it. 

The large island / breakfast bar, which didn’t exist before, gives the family the opportunity for a more relaxed, informal dining option, perfect for breakfast and casual meals, entertaining guests who can chat with the cook. With the bar stools facing both the kitchen work area and the living space, the island becomes a natural gathering spot.

The coordinated color palette in grays, whites, warm wood tones and sage gives the atmosphere a spacious, functional, and modern feel that maximizes natural light. Above all, it fosters family interaction between the kitchen and the living areas in a way that is modern, yet maintains some traditional elements.

3. The Full Kitchen Remodel

Talk about a dramatic transformation! 

The layout was completely reimagined: 

• What once resembled an island became a natural gathering spot.
• Removing the wall separation with the hallway gave the whole space better flow. 
• To the right, we created a breakfast bar with extra seating by elevating the window and building in extra cabinetry and seating.
• The family now has perfect prep space for gourmet meals.

All of the appliances got a major update:

• The refrigerator, which once blocked access to drawers, is cleverly hidden inside the cabinets.
• The dishwasher is also inside the cabinetry, making the space visually cohesive. 
• What was a separate stove and oven became a full gas range cooker with a modern double oven—and a pot filler for the finishing touch of elegance and practicality.

Also, the built-in wine cooler is perfectly integrated into the cabinet design so it doesn’t interrupt the clean lines. Also, it is accessible for when guests are gathered around the island. 

The kitchen was created with entertainment in mind. You can imagine the family hosting friends where someone can easily grab a bottle of wine while others are seated at the island or mingling in the connected living space.

4. The (New) Dining Room

While the kitchen / living room got a natural gathering spot for meals, the family got a whole new dining area off the kitchen for more formal dining, with a round table that promotes interaction. What was a multi-purpose room became a dining space with serious design intention. 

The two-tone pain treatment creates visual impact and sophistication—a very current, high-end choice that elevates the space.

As a focal point, we added a classic lighting fixture that hangs over the 8-seat dining table.

5. The Office

Another major transformation was the—now—office. Originally a carpeted dining room / playroom, moving the dining room to the room adjacent to the kitchen area made it possible to turn this space into a functional office that exudes professionalism and calm.

By closing the space off and giving it a proper door, we were able to incorporate a built-in desk and bookshelf that creates the perfect workspace.

The most transformative element is the floor-to-ceiling built-in bookshelves and cabinets. The dark navy paint makes this feel like a serious, traditional study. Also,the lighting completely changed the room’s character—strategic spotlighting on the built-ins creates warmth and highlights the books and objects, making it feel like a proper library or study.

Finally, to the right, we added a dry bar with shelves displaying the family’s beautiful crystal collection and built-in wine storage.

6. The Master Bathroom

The perfect example of contemporary luxury design that feels like a high-end spa retreat.

The freestanding soaking tub is the star of the room by creating a serene focal point and allows for relaxing baths with natural light and garden views.

The dual vanity setup is designed with perfect symmetry, which creates a sense of balance and luxury that you’d find in the finest hotels. Their rich wood prevents the space from feeling cold or sterile, while the clean lines and modern fixtures keep it current. The neutral color palette of warm beiges, natural wood, and white creates a calming, spa-like atmosphere.

Quality materials like natural stone counters and large-format tile flooring give the room a resort-like experience at home—it’s both functional and utterly luxurious.

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