Vintage Spa

These homeowners lost a bedroom to gain a bath of spacious luxury, infused with vintage touches that make it truly special. The Woodshop of Avon

Best Overall Makeovers

The designers gave this bachelor exactly what he wanted: A show-stopping view from his kitchen, which was raised a step to accommodate island plumbing and to create a separate “room.” Wonderful!.

Empty Nester Oasis

The bathroom formerly contained
two adjoining rooms, one with the tub/shower, single vanity, and
toilet, and the other with a small vanity and closet. By incorporating
one of the five bedrooms into the bathroom and a large walk-in closet,
Kari Hiltner created an airy and light space that now serves as a
luxurious oasis. Tearing down walls and expanding into the bedroom
provided ample room for a whirlpool bath, a large square shower, a
double vanity, and a separate space for the toilet. 
Rectangular sinks and granite on the countertops and tub deck give the
room a fresh, uncluttered look. The Woodshop of Avon

Arty and Airy

The kitchen and dining room, she opened up both rooms and flooded the dining and living rooms with the kitchen’s plentiful natural light. The new kitchen has an airy, contemporary feel with its maple cabinets and brightly colored tile backsplash in five shades and sizes. Other accessories, such as roll-out shelves, a tip-out front sink, and tray dividers make this kitchen distinctive. Crystal Kitchen Center

Reflowed Tudor

The relocated kitchen sink transformed the backyard and deck into the focal point of the room, while new arched openings between the kitchen and dining room and into the pantry area mirror the home’s 1920s style. Hiltner also reconfigured the bench-style, eat-in area into the family’s desired half bathroom. The new kitchen features hardwood in place of linoleum floors, natural inset maple cabinetry, and black granite countertops. The end result is a highly functional space with more usable countertops, better storage, and an improved flow. The Woodshop of Avon

Lakeside Feast

Mary Ann Falkenberg achieved a warm, functional space with stellar lake views by using cherry cabinetry with clean lines and cabinet-style appliances. The butler’s pantry makes entertaining in the kitchen more seamless—with its ice maker, wine cooler, glass shelves, and extra counter space. A mirrored backsplash in the area also helps to expand the space visually. A honed granite countertop and a slate backsplash, accented by decorative metal trim in a herringbone design. North Star Kitchens

Vintage Restored

The earlier remodel placed a refrigerator so that it blocked the woodwork, obscured natural light, and hid views of the scenic backyard. They now exit to the back door instead of into the kitchen to create a much more functional space. She also gave the room a loftier feel by installing double-stacked cabinets with cubby openings, which enhance the kitchen’s high ceilings. Base cabinets in spruce green and wheat-stained maple match the style of the original home and provide visual interest. Accents of red and green in the window treatments and a new stove make this a lively and inviting kitchen. Spaces Into Places

Island Entertainment

The homeowners of this Eden Prairie abode have a growing family, love to cook and bake, and entertain often. But their kitchen was far from adequate. Peter Harms and Tom Rauscher created a cozy kitchen in a big room by designing an extensive, wrap-around island that mirrors the main cooking area with a small prep island in between. Focal points are an antique copper hood and the merbau wood island, walnut-stained cabinetry and taupe granite countertops. The kitchen’s casual, eight-seat island. North Star Kitchens

Sleek Outlook

In its original configuration, the kitchen of this downtown St. Paul condo was closed off from the sweeping views through the living area’s windows. Lynn and Sandy Monson teamed with DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen to design a sleek space that accommodated the owner’s wishes. The condo now has a fresh look with its flat-door, wineberry-stained cherry cabinets, stainless fixtures, and stainless steel cabinets with frosted-glass panels. More contrast comes from a partial glass island and a glass tile backsplash, while merbau wood floors replace dated tile and carpet. Monson Interior Design