Light and Bright Kitchen

By tearing down the wall and opening up the space, Herme and Angie not only got a more functional layout, but they also expanded the kitchen to better accommodate their storage needs. Adding in a long island is a modern touch that made everything feel more organized and sophisticated.

A Functional Living Space

The sofa Herme and Angie had before was old and worn, and they were in need of some organization to make their entertaining space more put-together. But with a little bit of creative thinking and fresh furniture, this room was elevated to a whole new level. 

Open Concept for Hosting

Now, with their open concept kitchen and dining room, the family is able to entertain, cook, eat, and talk together in a layout that looks and feels way more spacious. Natural light brightens up the entire area from the dining table all the way to the end of the kitchen.

Adding Personality to the Entryway

The entryway before was bland and cold. After taking out the old, outdated tile and replacing the doors with a modern upgrade, the space looks and feels more like Herme and Angie. Some added color brightens it up, as well.

Plenty of Seating

Before, the family was struggling with their furniture. The styles didn’t feel cohesive, they hadn’t been replaced in a long time, and they didn’t line up with the size of the room. The Bros added in functional pieces, different types of seating, and plenty of storage opportunities that made the room come together harmoniously.

Finally, a Dedicated Workspace

After realizing that this room had a better opportunity for functionality, the couple was thrilled to finally turn it into a home office space! Here, they can shut the doors to create that separate second area they so needed. Plus, having ample natural light makes work-from-home life way more enjoyable.

The Perfect Gathering Place

By rearranging the layout and recreating that family dining space in the center of the floor plan, Herme and Angie are really able to entertain. Now the family has a central place to gather that isn’t closed off from the rest of the living area.

Better Function, Better Flow

Finally, Bahar and Mathieu can wave goodbye to that bulky overhead vent! Now, natural light moves throughout the space and conversation flows better. The kitchen and breakfast bar meld seamlessly into their front room, with better functionality that provides a cozier, more intimate ambiance.

Mid-Century Taste Meets Modern Needs

The Bros were able to infuse some much-needed functionality into their cooking space, without losing the mid-century modern look Bahar and Mathieu wanted to honor. A more streamlined layout, better cabinetry, and updated appliances made a world of difference to turn their kitchen into a space they’ll love cooking in together.

Upgraded Storage and Organization

Brand-new flooring throughout the entire first floor did wonders all on its own, but crafting a more functional layout in the kitchen was the real kicker. They wanted to update the cabinetry without sacrificing that mid-century style, so they stuck with a natural wood finish—but added panel-ready appliances to keep the look sleek and stylish. Since they were able to relocate the awkward washer and dryer at the back of the kitchen, they got to reclaim that space for a more savvy pantry setup. Now, the kitchen works for them, not the other way around.

Balanced Aesthetics

Drew and Jonathan updated the dining room area with leather seating and a striking MCM globe chandelier to ground the space and improve the overall look.

Original Features Shine

The Bros let the original fireplace shine. They updated and reoriented the furniture to better focus on conversation and keep up with the mid-century style. Overall, the home now looks more cohesive, feels more functional, and makes Bahar and Mathieu much happier. 

Mom’s Retreat

Carolyn wanted her bedroom to feel restful, cozy, and—most of all—her own. Drew and Jonathan were able to separate the space with a proper wall (and door!) so she could have the relaxing retreat she deserves. With functional furniture and the soft, cream-toned color scheme that she was hoping for, Carolyn’s bedroom feels sophisticated and mature.

…And En Suite

When Drew and Jonathan first started renovations in Carolyn’s bathroom, they came across some major termite damage, so unfortunately, they needed to start from scratch in here—from a new subfloor and joists, to fresh plumbing, and more. It was a tall order (and one that dug into the budget) but what came out of it was a beautiful new bathroom for Carolyn. Keeping with that soft neutral, warm-toned look, the Bros made her bathroom into a spa that she has all to herself.

Ruby’s Whimsical Room

Ruby’s room got a sweet and colorful update with more age-appropriate furniture, plenty of whimsical prints and patterns, and cozy additions that make her bedroom feel snug, relaxing, and of course, safe from any monsters.

Tuki’s Serene Space

Tuki wanted a room that spoke to her personality. She likes vintage-inspired prints and mirrors, gold accents, and jewel-toned pieces that have that rich, antique feel to them. It’s always hard to please a pre-teen, but Drew and Jonathan knocked it out of the park. Tuki’s excited to have a place that feels like a reflection of her.

Bright and Welcoming Entrance

Yosemite and Charlie hated the dark tile that lined the stairs and foyer of their home. It made the space feel cramped and cold, and caused a tripping hazard for guests going up and down the stairs to get to the main living area. After speaking with the couple, the Bros knew they wanted to brighten up the front entrance and give it some new life. Lighter luxury vinyl flooring and a fresh coat of paint turned a space that was once dark and dreary into the light and bright entrance that Yosemite wanted.

Inviting Dining Room

The dining room was a huge headache for Yosemite and Charlie. It was on a raised level above the main living area, and people tripped over the step frequently. Drew and Jonathan leveled the floors and it made a world of difference. That, coupled with new modern dining furniture and personal photos, and their dining area finally feels like a cozy space they want to invite guests into.

New, Modern Living Space

The travertine floors were both outdated and potentially dangerous. Travertine is extremely expensive to maintain and, if not properly cared for, you can often be left with large cracks and holes in the stone—which is exactly what happened to Yosemite and Charlie. They opted for a lighter-toned luxury vinyl floor that’s easy to maintain. With built-ins, a better seating arrangement, and a more modern style scheme, the room finally feels like a space the couple wants to entertain in.

Open-Concept Kitchen

Yosemite has always wanted an open kitchen. Charlie is usually the cook, and Yosemite hates that he’s cut off from the fun and games when guests are over. They decided on a more open-concept kitchen, and knocked down the wall separating the kitchen and living area so they could replace it with an island. Now, conversation can flow no matter what.

Game Table Conversation Lounge

Yosemite and Charlie were unhappy with the lower level because of how cluttered it was, and how none of it was cohesive. They felt like there was a lot of wasted space in this area, and they wanted to make better use of it.

In the main area that you walk into, Drew and Jonathan decided on a welcoming game table space for cards, board games, and conversation. Yosemite and Charlie weren’t using the fireplace on this level, so they closed it off to add art to the wall and give it some personality.

Charlie’s Built-In Bar

Charlie’s dream was to have a built-in bar at the house, and the Bros wanted to bring that dream to life! The goal was to turn it into a focal point, with a complete bar setup that felt professional and well-designed. They installed everything from cabinetry to a sink, wine fridge, seating for guests, and plenty of storage to create a true wet bar that Charlie can bartend in for friends.

Pinball Display

Yosemite really wanted to showcase her pinball collection but in a way that made the room feel cozy and welcoming. Drew and Jonathan decided to add comfortable chairs, and put the pinball machines on full display. The added dart board helps bring movement into the room, too.

A Kitchen Worth Cooking In

Stephanie was not a fan of the kitchen’s outdated style. “I love to cook and have the whole family sit around the table every night that we’re all together,” she says. She adds that because of how unhappy she is with the kitchen, “I honestly am not cooking as much.”

It needed a facelift. And since the cabinetry was in fantastic shape, just not the right style, they saved by painting them and installing new hardware. Because those costs were lower, Stephanie and Mike were able to reallocate some money so they could truly upgrade the appliances, backsplash, stone, and furniture to better fit their family’s needs and style.

Sienna’s New Serene Space

Stephanie and Mike’s main priority, though, was the kids’ rooms. They wanted to make sure that every one of their children felt right at home—and that starts with making their rooms feel individual to them. Jonathan met with each of the kids one-on-one for a design consultation so he could make sure that he and Drew were giving them exactly what they wanted.

Sienna is a musical theater student, and she wanted her room to showcase her personality with more color, texture, and art. When she saw what Drew and Jonathan were able to do with her room, she was shocked with how much she loved the space. “This is perfect,” she says.

Kayla’s Relaxing Retreat

Kayla is the youngest in the family, and she really wanted her personality to shine in her room. She’s all about the bold and colorful, and she loves hanging out in her room with friends, but wishes that she had a more stylish and comfortable space to do so.

Kayla finally has a retreat that feels like her own—she’s so happy with the feature wall, all of the cozy furniture, and the colors in her room.

Dylan’s New Digs

Dylan is the oldest, and the only boy, so his vibe is pretty different from his sisters’. He’s going for modern and mature without being too flashy or bold. He loves playing music, and he’s a fan of racing, too.

Dylan was blown away with the final product, and says the room finally feels like him. “This is awesome, you guys,” Dylan says. “This is exactly how I dreamt of it.”

Sophia’s New Bright Bedroom

“When we came into this house, I was in 7th grade,” Sophia says. And now, she’s in high school. Sophia wants the room to grow with her, and her maturing style. She loves to do makeup, and right now, she only has her closet door mirror to work with.

When it was time for the big reveal, she almost couldn’t believe her eyes. “This is insane,” Sophia says. “I love it!” She has a spot to do her makeup and skincare, and it’s finally a space that she feels meets her where she’s at.

Stephanie and Mike Get a Primary Upgrade

Stephanie and Mike weren’t unhappy with their bedroom, but they deserved a little upgrade, too. Drew and Jonathan were able to jazz up their sanctuary with some new furniture pieces, upgraded bedding, and a more complete setup that makes the space feel like home.

…And an En Suite They Can Finally Relax In

The bathroom was just not working for Stephanie and Mike. The galley-style en suite was cramped, outdated, and was just dysfunctional enough to make it more annoying than it was enjoyable. Drew and Jonathan were able to give the bath a spa-style upgrade with new finishes, a better layout, and a more modern look. They expanded the bathroom for better flow and function, and gave Stephanie and Mike an en suite they could actually relax in.

An Expansive Kitchen Built for Entertaining

Drew and Jonathan turned Jess and Jeff’s cramped, closed-off kitchen into a bright and welcoming cooking space. By knocking down the wall blocking the small kitchen into a corner, they were able to add so much more storage, new appliances, and even an island with a breakfast bar.

Storage Galore in the Main Living Area

For Jess and Jeff, the functionality of the kitchen was more important than another row of windows, so the Bros closed off a section in order to build out even more storage. They included a useful writing desk for Jess, and plenty of cabinetry for the family to keep things organized.

Cozy Living-Dining Area for Hosting

Especially with a smaller footprint, layout is everything. Drew and Jonathan removed the hearth that Jess wanted to get rid of, which gave them another foot of space they wouldn’t have had otherwise. The cozy living room blends right into the dining area—perfect for entertaining.

A Dedicated Workspace for Jeff

Jeff really needed an office that wasn’t attached to the kids’ playroom, and Drew and Jonathan delivered! Now, Jeff has a professional, streamlined space dedicated to work during the day where he doesn’t run the risk of stepping on a LEGO block.

Adding Storage to the Main Suite

One thing that was lacking throughout the entire house was storage and closet space. Drew and Jonathan got creative and managed to create closets where they could, like in Jess and Jeff’s main suite. 

Layout Shifts for an En Suite

And with some layout changes, they even managed to turn that one cramped bathroom into the couple’s main suite. The Bros added a small half bath to the hallway so Jess and Jeff could have a retreat of their own that they won’t have to share with guests and little ones.

Better Utilized Kitchen Space

Before, the kitchen was closed-off, dark, and outdated. The layout was dysfunctional, and they found themselves feeling both separated from the rest of the home and frustrated at the lack of organization. 

“When I was younger, the kitchen was the area where everyone hung out. And I can’t do that in my house right now. There’s not enough space,” Adrianne says. 

But after they broke down the wall and rearranged the layout a bit, the kitchen was finally able to be part of the rest of the home. Now, Adrianne has the big open kitchen she’s always wanted.

Opening Up the Room

“I see the frustration. I understand,” Drew says. “You’re not alone. There are so many families in the exact same situation, where they’re hard-working, they’ve saved every penny possible, but the cost of living just keeps going up; the cost of improving your house goes up astronomically… The most important thing is at the end of the day, this is a functional home for you guys.”

Now, Adrianne and Scott have a kitchen where they can cook, serve meals, entertain, and be part of the larger conversation of the group. The couple is excited for the opportunity they’ll have to connect with one another when they have guests over, or even during the day-to-day when they eat together as a family.

Making Use of Vertical Space

On the opposing wall from the main kitchen, Drew and Jonathan decided to make better use of the vertical space while offering an area to showcase memorable photos and personal items. Open shelving and spotlighting adds an artful, designer-like quality to the communal area, too. They can both show off their personality and also keep items organized—either by tucking them away in the closed storage below or displaying them on the shelves above. 

Reconfiguring the Living Space

Scott and Adrianne knew they wanted to make better use of this living space. The high ceilings and other features made it a goldmine of possibility to become a cool, cozy area. Drew and Jonathan decided to brighten things up with a fresh coat of paint, replace the old carpets with new wood flooring, and add in modern touches to make the room come together in style.

Plenty of Storage Opportunity

Here, they also rethought Scott’s office area, and made it far more organized—and modern. Scott now has plenty of space to spread out and do his work, as well as enough storage inside the desk so he doesn’t have to resort to random boxes full of items.

When you factor in the new built-ins and easy-to-maintain electric fireplace, you can see how the living room feels upscale and chic. Everything has a place, and each part looks cohesive.

Trinity’s New Room

And for the best gift of all, Trinity now has her very own bedroom! Drew and Jonathan wanted the design to feel like her and reflect her personality. From the gold-toned light fixture to the soft colors and plush textiles, Trinity’s bedroom is everything she wanted it to be and more.

A Total Kitchen Restructuring

Warren and Tricia’s main pain point was their kitchen and dining area. A galley kitchen and a cramped dining space made for a troublesome combination when hosting, and the flow from room to room felt awkward.

Drew and Jonathan reworked the layout to make far better use of the space, relocating the front door and reallocating the space for a more open, functional kitchen layout.

Dining Room Revamp

They swapped the kitchen and dining spaces to better accommodate their hosting and everyday needs, and made their narrow galley kitchen into a chic and cozy dining nook.

With a built-in banquette, beautiful pendant lighting, and plenty of storage space, this dysfunctional-kitchen-turned-dining-room is now exactly what the family had in mind for comfy weeknight dinners together.

Streamlined Living Space

After fixing up the mold and moisture issue near the bay windows, the Bros got to work rethinking the layout of the living area for improved organization, storage, and functionality.

They swapped the position of the couch and TV to make better use of the natural light and window placement, which helped open up the space and create a more comfortable atmosphere that looks as good as it functions.

Organized Pet Station

This little nook near the kitchen was never a fully fleshed-out idea. The corner was pretty unused before, with a spot for the kitties’ litter box and a trash can, and not much else.

So, Drew and Jonathan thought it’d be a good idea to make use of the space and give it a facelift with a hidden area for the cats, a nice wine fridge, and a proper coffee station.  

Backyard Made for Relaxing

Finally, Warren got his most-wanted wish: a backyard space made for grilling, hosting, and relaxing together as a family. A custom window into the kitchen opens fully for an indoor-outdoor flow that connects the spaces seamlessly, while an outdoor dining area is perfect for meals on the patio.

What was once a completely unusable area is now one of their favorites—and Warren and Tricia finally have the home of their dreams.

Cozy Area to Connect and Unwind

Jim and Joanne really wanted to bring in that rustic style with a bulky fireplace that mimicked the one they had in Banff, but the Bros knew it would look too out-of-place with this style of house. They decided to compromise, creating a more burly white stone facade but adding in a plaster feature on top that speaks to the curved arches and Spanish influence throughout the rest of the room and home.

Perfectly Open and Ready for Hosting

The kitchen was Joanne’s top priority. She loves to cook, and their Scott family dinner parties deserve the perfect place to celebrate! Drew wanted to make sure Mom had tons of natural light coming in, so they opted for windows on all sides, letting that gorgeous sunlight shine through and making it easy for Joanne to look out into the backyard while the grandkids play.

Space to Prep for Big Family Dinners

A huge island at Drew and Jonathan’s parents’ house will make family meals, Thanksgiving dinners, and holiday get-togethers a breeze. New, top-quality appliances and a highly functional layout provide Joanne with the space she needs to be able to host and cook without having to run around the whole kitchen.

She and Jim were excited to make the switch from their usual dark wood found in their Canada home to a lighter wood tone that’s seen throughout the house. This, combined with the blue cabinetry, makes the kitchen feel welcoming and modern.

Comfy Place to Gather and Eat

A well-constructed and thoughtfully designed kitchen deserves a dining room to complement it! The long wood table here is the perfect centerpiece for cozy family meals together on weekends and holidays. An area rug grounds it in the space and makes the table the highlight of the room.

Dad’s Music Den

Jim is a fantastic guitar player, and he’s been playing his whole life—including for his family since the Bros were little. Having a room all his own to strum and sing in is the perfect way to encourage Dad to keep playing. All of his guitars are hung on the wall, along with old photos of him with his favorite instruments. 

Mom’s Art Room

Mom finally has a place to paint and be creative, with a whole room dedicated to her craft. They filled it with easels, paints, brushes, and craft supplies. She’s loved art for so long and has such a creative mind, so the Bros are hoping that having this space will inspire her to pick up the paint brush and spend more time doing what she loves.

First Thing’s First: Let’s Tackle the Living Room

Drew and Jonathan wanted Jim and Joanne’s ADU guest living room to feel calm and relaxing, and a place where they’d be happy to host their friends from Banff. They decided to combine cozy neutrals with warm earth tones to make the space feel inviting.

A Serene Place to Unwind

Joanne is an incredibly thoughtful host, and this room celebrates that quality. She’s known for putting little care baskets together for loved ones when they come to stay. Along with some fluffy robes and treats, she also includes a photo of the guests in a picture frame next to the bed—a tip that Jonathan loves to incorporate now too, when he and Zooey have visitors stay over.

Fill the Yard With Flowers and Greenery

On the exterior of the ADU, the Bros added plenty of greenery and flowers. Jim and Joanne love color and nature, and Drew and Jonathan wanted to add that special touch to their ADU too, not just the main house.

Removing the Wall to Make the Space Functional

The funhouse mirrors in the spare junk drawer room are gone! Though unexpected significant structural work meant Chanel and Jeff had to cut costs in other areas of the home, they were still able to achieve a bright, functional new layout that made sense for their style and needs.

An Open Layout for Better Flow

With the random catch-all room finally out of sight, the couple was able to expand their kitchen and create that open-concept look they needed for their home to feel cohesive and stylish. Now, the transition from the front door into the rest of the house is welcoming, open, and airy.

Add a Touch of Style and Sophistication to the Bar

Chanel was finally able to get her bar updated and organized, with a new face that boasts a cool pop of color and updated shelving and storage that keeps the clutter out.

A Central Place to Share Meals and Conversation

Keeping consistent with that chic mid-century color palette, the Bros ran the cozy warm-wood tones throughout the decor and furniture as well. The main dining area looks sophisticated and modern, with plenty of seating for friends and family.

A Large and Welcoming Island

One of the most important things to Chanel and Jeff was to make that dream kitchen a reality. And we must say, it’s gorgeous! The oversized kitchen island offers a central place to prep food, connect with the kids after school, host friends and family—and it’s the perfect way for their new open layout kitchen to feel structured.

Somewhere Cool & Comfortable to Chill

This living room got a fabulous mid-century upgrade with furniture additions that complement the size and style of the space, and fun pops of color and texture that let your eye move throughout the room with interest.

“I feel so much peace right now,” Chanel says.

A Comfortable, Modern Place to Relax

Rethinking the front room layout and swapping the dining table for a cozy living space allowed Joon and Younga the opportunity to unwind and host in a dedicated area. Arranging the furniture in a nook visually separates the space from the rest of the home, and makes the room feel intentionally laid out.

Younga’s Dream Kitchen

Isn’t this kitchen a dream? That’s what Younga thinks, too! From the gorgeous wood paneling that lines the cabinetry throughout the cooking space to the bold and beautiful island, this kitchen reno was a knockout.

Spacious Island for Prepping and Hosting

Finally, Younga can cook, prep, host, and connect with loved ones in a spacious and modern area that functions just the way she needs.

Drew and Jonathan took out a huge wall in this remodel, one of which was separating the rooms and keeping the home from reaching its full potential. Now that it’s gone, the space comes to life.

Reimagined, Smarter Layout

The flow from the kitchen to the dining area and living room is so much better now that the large wall cutting the spaces in half is gone. It was really limiting the home’s visual balance and functionality! But by expanding the rooms this way and opening up the layout, we see how fabulous of an impact it’s had on the overall functionality of the home.

Cozy Spot to Gather Together

Before, this space was a catch-all for miscellaneous things and it hadn’t had much use. But now it’s the perfect spot for the dining room. A gorgeous dining bench and complementary wishbone chairs make this a beautiful place to gather and share meals and stories.

Separating the Kids’ Rooms

One of Joon and Younga’s wishes was to give their kids their own rooms. Through some creative restructuring, the Bros were able to make it happen! Their son and daughter finally have their own rooms to sleep, unwind, and play.