Revamping a Suffolk, VA Home: A First-Floor Transformation

October 16th, 2024

Andrea Picardi, Marketing Director

We’re thrilled to showcase one of our most exciting projects yet—a full-scale, first-floor remodel of a home in Suffolk, VA! This house had decades of mismatched additions and hints of neo-classical design, creating a blend of styles that lacked cohesion. Our mission? To rework the floor plan and bring fresh, contemporary design choices that transform this space into a functional, stylish home.

A Grand Reimagining of the Floor Plan

We started with a deep dive into the layout, rethinking how the space could be better utilized. By reconfiguring the floor plan, we opened up the home to create a seamless flow between rooms, integrating modern living areas while enhancing natural light and movement. This wasn’t just a remodel; it was a full reinvention of the home’s architecture, transforming outdated spaces into a cohesive, open-concept design that maximizes both form and function.

Kitchen Expansion: From Cramped to Open Concept Luxury

One of the most dramatic changes happened in the kitchen. What was once a tiny, black-and-white space is now a luxurious coastal, open-concept kitchen. Swipe for the amazing transformation:

Kitchen Gallery

Enjoy the details of this beautiful kitchen remodel in Suffolk, Virginia:

The Open Concept Transformation

From outdated to functional and stylish, we stripped this kitchen down to its core, removed walls, leveled the floors, and rebuilt it from the ground up. Take a look through the photos to see the kitchen transformation, showcasing the journey from concept to completion.

The Stunning Details

This project started with an outdated and closed-off kitchen that lacked both style and functionality. We took care of the heavy lifting, removing awkward walls and rerouting electrical and plumbing to maximize the space and create an open, flowing layout with ample storage solutions. The result? A modern kitchen that’s perfect for cooking and entertaining Key features include:

A Modern and Functional Kitchen Island

This spacious island isn’t just for show; it’s designed for everyday use and entertaining. It includes a built-in sink and dishwasher, making meal prep and cleanup a breeze while keeping everything within reach. The island also offers ample seating, transforming it into a gathering hub for friends and family, whether for morning coffee or evening gatherings.

Geometric Elegance: Frost Blue Mosaic Tile

The kitchen’s aesthetic is elevated by the Merola porcelain mosaic tile in Frost Blue, adding a striking geometric design element that ties the space together beautifully. The tiles feature soothing shades of light blue, accented with subtle indigo undertones, bringing depth and texture to the room. This elegant touch not only enhances the coastal feel but also creates a refreshing visual contrast against the Natural Elm cabinetry and quartz countertops.

Bright and Inviting: The Lighting & Paint Transformation

We removed the outdated swirled texture from the walls and ceilings, opting for a smooth finish and a fresh coat of matte white paint on the walls and trim. This update brings a timeless, modern feel to the entire space, enhancing the brightness and allowing natural light to flow seamlessly throughout. In the kitchen, we added recessed lighting to illuminate every corner, under-cabinet lighting for enhanced visibility, and bronze pendants over the island for a cohesive and sophisticated touch. Together, these elements create a warm and inviting atmosphere that perfectly complements the home’s fresh, contemporary style.

Walk-In Pantry: A Storage Haven

As part of the kitchen expansion, we built a brand-new walk-in pantry, offering ample storage space for the homeowners. Thoughtfully designed with shelving and lighting, the pantry provides an organized and convenient solution for storing everything from dry goods to kitchen appliances. It’s a perfect blend of functionality and style, ensuring that every item has its place while enhancing the overall flow of the kitchen.

An Inviting Living Space with River Views

The updated living area is now a bright, open-concept space that seamlessly connects the kitchen and dining area, creating an inviting and functional layout perfect for family gatherings and relaxation. We installed new LVP flooring throughout and applied a fresh coat of matte white paint, giving the space a timeless, modern look. The outdated swirled texture was removed from the walls, and we added recessed lighting to enhance the natural brightness, bringing warmth and comfort to every corner.

To further open up the room, we removed several decorative columns, creating a smooth flow between the spaces. We also refreshed the fireplace, making it a cozy focal point that adds to the room’s appeal. With a view overlooking the lake, this transformed living space is perfect for unwinding, entertaining, and enjoying the beauty of its surroundings.

A Welcoming Entryway Makeover

We transformed the entryway into a welcoming and stylish space that sets the tone for the entire home. New Southwinds Flooring in Traditions White Oak LVP was installed, complemented by fresh matte white paint, updated trim, and a modern light fixture that enhances the brightness and appeal of the space. Check out the amazing entryway transformation below. Notice how the design flows into the open-concept kitchen and living area.

To further elevate the entry, we installed a new front door, windows, and lighting, improving both the aesthetics and functionality. This inviting entryway now offers a perfect blend of style and practicality, creating an impressive first impression for all who enter.

Master Suite and Bathroom: Creating a Sanctuary

The master suite transformation is nothing short of breathtaking. We turned unused space into a sanctuary by creating a master bathroom from scratch. With custom finishes and modern design elements, this new addition adds unparalleled luxury, giving the homeowners a private retreat they never had before.

The new master suite and bathroom were completely transformed from a blank slate into a fresh, contemporary retreat. We installed new flooring, built walls, built closets, and added fresh paint, trim, and doors to create a cohesive and polished look.

The newly created bathroom features a stylish Aspect vanity, expertly crafted tile work, and modern fixtures that enhance both functionality and aesthetics. Every detail was carefully chosen to create a serene and luxurious space, offering the perfect blend of comfort and elegance for the homeowners.

A Stunning New Shower and Modern Bathroom

The new shower is a showstopper, featuring a sleek frameless sliding door with clear glass and stainless steel accents that add a contemporary touch. The walls are adorned with 24″ x 48″ polished porcelain tile by Martinique in Azul, offering a natural and authentic look that exudes elegance. On the shower floor, we used 1″ x 16″ porcelain mosaic tile in Silver Melody by Florida Tile, which pairs perfectly with the larger 12×24 version that extends onto the bathroom floor, creating a seamless and cohesive design.

All new hardware, including a modern faucet, sink, shower system, and toilet, have been installed to complete the transformation. This once unused space has been turned into a luxurious, modern bathroom, enhancing the functionality and aesthetic of the master suite.

Master Suite and Bathroom Gallery

Creating a Stunning Jack and Jill Guest Bathroom and Bedroom

Building the new Jack and Jill bathroom was truly an engineering feat! We started with all-new framing, constructing a new wall, and updating the roof and exterior wall. To create the perfect layout, we covered and closed existing windows and a skylight, optimizing the space for functionality and privacy.

Before

After

For the bathroom flooring, we used porcelain tile from the Florida Tile Rhyme collection in Desert Harmony, providing a warm and inviting feel. We installed a beautiful Shiloh Cabinetry vanity topped with fantasy brown quartzite and paired it with satin bronze hardware and faucet for a refined look. The shower features 4″ x 12″ Marazzi ceramic tile from the Middleton Square collection in Oxford White, adding a crisp and clean aesthetic.

The connecting bedroom is now a carefully designed space that offers convenient shared access while maintaining privacy and comfort—ideal for families or visiting guests. We transformed this area from an empty frame to a functional and beautiful part of the home, ensuring it blended effortlessly with the new contemporary style.

Guest Bath and Bedroom Gallery

Modernizing the Powder Room and Laundry Room

We completely transformed the dated powder room, which previously featured hints of neo-classical design, into a fresh, modern space. We installed a new vanity with updated hardware, a new toilet, and sleek chrome lighting fixtures for a polished look. The old wallpaper and textured walls were removed, and the room was brightened up, creating a clean and inviting atmosphere.

In the laundry room, we added Green Forest Cabinetry with new hardware, maximizing storage and functionality. We also installed client-provided appliances to create a practical, efficient space for laundry, conveniently separated from the main living areas. The result is a cohesive and functional extension of the home’s modern aesthetic.

Expanding Outdoor Living with a 4-Track Stacking Sunroom System

To maximize our client’s living space and blend the beauty of the outdoors with indoor comfort, we installed a Betterliving 4-Track Stacking Sunroom System on their back deck. This versatile and innovative system allows the client to enclose the space while maintaining the flexibility to open up nearly 75% of the screen area when desired. The panels glide smoothly, stacking to the top, bottom, or any configuration that best suits the weather and their preferences.

We upgraded the existing deck to enhance both durability and style, adding new siding, lighting, and a brand-new back door. This transformation created a versatile, year-round space that seamlessly blends indoor comfort with the beauty of the outdoors.

Project Recap: A Complete First-Floor Transformation

We thoroughly enjoyed transforming the entire first floor of this home, turning outdated and mismatched spaces into a cohesive, modern, and functional living area. By repurposing old spaces and reconfiguring the layout, we created a harmonious flow that reflects our client’s vision.

Check out her glowing testimonial below, and visit our reviews page for more.

McDrake Remodeling is the best! From the design and planning stage to completion - the staff were knowledgeable and professional at all times. The work was excellent, and I am more than please with the results; I am ecstatic! They remodeled my whole first floor including removing walls, adding bathrooms and a whole new kitchen. It was a huge job and they made me very comfortable throughout the entire process.

We’re excited to begin work on the second floor soon—stay tuned for more dramatic before-and-afters and another exciting transformation!