Rehabbing a fixer-upper can be a rewarding, even cost-effective way to attain the house of your dreams. But it can also be stressful and time-consuming. If you are thinking of taking on a renovation, here’s what you need to know first.
And in the meantime, check out these rewarding local transformations.
BEFORE:
AFTER:
Designed by: Acadian House Kitchen + Bath Design’s Kakin Todd and Angela Poirrier
The transformation: The homeowners wanted to turn their dark and dated hall bathroom into a relaxing retreat. Designers kept the bathroom’s tub, original cabinets and toilet but replaced everything else. Striped and floral wallpapers were removed and replaced with white paint. New quartz countertops were installed and subway tile was added in the shower. The old cabinets were sanded and painted a mushroom gray. The designers gave the space clean lines with geometric-inspired faucets, cabinet pulls and frameless mirrors.
Duration of construction: Five weeks
BEFORE:
AFTER:
Designed by: Acadian House Kitchen + Bath Design’s Adele Merchant and Kakin Todd
The transformation: The clients hoped to add industrial elements to their classic Louisiana kitchen. They wanted to keep some elements of the space, which was built in the 1980s by architect Jim Howell. The kitchen’s cypress cabinets were revarnished and complemented with new, white cabinets for extra storage. The island was enlarged to accommodate two dishwashers and finished with a quartz countertop and side panels. White subway tile and Restoration Hardware stools were added to complete the industrial look.
Duration of construction: Three months
BEFORE:
AFTER:
Designed by: Acadian House Kitchen + Bath Design’s Monica Broggi and Angela Poirrier
The transformation: The homeowner held onto it for years: a magazine clipping showcasing the kitchen of her dreams. Last year, she finally made that dream come true with a total gutting and makeover of her kitchen. Designers replaced wood-trimmed formica countertops and floral wallpaper with a calacatta and silver-leaf quartz backsplash and countertop. White cabinets and stainless-steel appliances—complete with a Danby wine refrigerator and MILA high-tech coffee station—keep the space light and bright, while wood-like porcelain herringbone floor tile warms the room up. Doors to a SubZero refrigerator and GE dishwasher were paneled like the cabinets for a seamless look.
Duration of construction: 11 weeks
