Riverfront Retreat

Our clients have a lovely home on the Mississippi River in Newport.  Their wish was to increase the size of the master bedroom, create a large walk in closet, and improve the ventilation and lighting in these spaces.  Maximizing the view and breezes from the river was of utmost importance.  In addition, the bathroom was in dire need of a renovation.  The project involved taking 3 upstairs bedrooms and converting them into a large master suite.

DESIGN AND PLANNING PROCESS

During our initial meetings with the clients, we discussed their needs and lifestyle in more detail.  Discussions were had regarding number of bedrooms and resale value, as well as any potential for future family expansion or children.  Some general ideas were sketched out for the bedroom areas and bathroom.  These sketches were turned over to our design team, who drew some computerized ideas and plans.  5 initial floor plans were presented.  After reviewing these with the client, a hybrid idea was developed, which our architect ran with and drew up.  A structural engineer was brought in to verify that the walls we wished to remove were not load bearing.  Our cabinet designer drew up some great ideas for the bathroom.  Once the plans were approved by the client, our design team worked with the clients to pick out the cabinets, tile, fixtures, etc. that would go into the space.  Finally, our trade partners were brought in to walk through the project and alleviate any construction concerns or plan tweaks that may have been needed.

BEDROOM & CLOSET HIGHLIGHTS

3 bedrooms and 2 small closets were converted into a large master suite with huge walk-in closet.  Additional walls were framed to create new separations between the hallway and this new space.  The existing plaster was carefully blended with new drywall to ensure that the spaces looked like they had always been this way.  Special high-build ceiling paint was used to ensure an even finish in this brightly lit space.   Our trim carpenters installed new pocket doors and trim.  The painters did a beautiful job with the rich color palette.  In these areas, the hardwood floors were patched and the entire area refinished.  Our electricians installed new lighting, ceiling fans, and additional outlets for our clients convenience.

BATHROOM HIGHLIGHTS

Our clients had a strong wish for a black and white space.  These can be some of the most difficult finishes to work with, as every imperfection sticks out like a sore thumb.  The tub was removed to create a large walk-in shower and linen closet.  The porcelain tile floor sits on top of an in-floor heat system.  A combination of fixtures from different brands were used in order to provide the custom look that our clients were seeking.  A custom clear glass door and panel allows light to pass into the shower area and combines with a huge mirror to make the room feel larger.  Black cabinets were designed to maximize storage, and the Cambria quartz countertop looks amazing and will be a breeze to keep clean.

FINISHING TOUCHES

An upgraded electrical panel will provide plenty of power to the home, and some dated plumbing piping was replaces.  A sliding rustic alder barn door separates the hallway from the master suite.  A new craftsman-style fiberglass front door puts the exclamation point on this beautiful project.

TIMELINE

This project took about 3 months to design and plan.  Construction was completed in about 3-1/2 months.

DESIGN CREDITS

Leah Johnson & Carly Hand