Before & After: Queensbury Great Room

The Story

This well loved family home was ready for a makeover to make the spaces not only better reflect the homeowner’s style but also make it function better for a busy family of five. We started by ripping out the orangy red oak hardwood floors and replacing them with warm, wide-plank oak that ties in with the other wood tones in the space. The next step was taking advantage of the double height ceiling in the family room by running the fireplace stone all the way to the ceiling. The furniture layout was changed to create a comfortable place for the family to gather and watch TV, and enjoy the fireplace on a comfy deep sectional. Previously, in the kitchen, there was an island that was too small for the whole family to sit around and a high top table that was also too small for the whole family. We made two changes in this layout that are rarely done. We actually made the opening from the family room to the kitchen smaller in order to fit a wet bar on the wall strategically close to the backyard, where lots of entertaining takes place. The other change is removing the window that was over the sink in order to move the new cooktop to the center of the back wall, with a custom hood as the focal point of the kitchen. Light still pours in from the back door and all the windows in the great room. Custom cabinetry transforms the space backlit glass door display cabinets along the top of the kitchen, topped with substantial crown molding. The island was enlarged and now to fit the whole family. The charcoal color of the island base is a beautiful contrast to the quartzite countertop with stunning veining and movement. The kitchen has layered lighting, new recessed lighting, under cabinet, in cabinet, and the focal point of three pendants over the island.